UConn Rudd Center
@uconnrudd.bsky.social
Devoted to promoting solutions to food insecurity, poor diet quality, and weight bias through research and policy.
Pinned
UConn Rudd Center
@uconnrudd.bsky.social
· Jan 28
Have you subscribed to the Rudd Center newsletter?
Every month, we round up recent Rudd publications, the top #foodpolicy news stories, and happenings from our partner organizations and deliver them to your inbox.
Sign up to stay connected with us: bit.ly/2SZtlxC
Every month, we round up recent Rudd publications, the top #foodpolicy news stories, and happenings from our partner organizations and deliver them to your inbox.
Sign up to stay connected with us: bit.ly/2SZtlxC
Dr. Jennifer Harris, the Rudd Center's Senior Marketing Research Advisor, will be speaking at a webinar hosted by @childrenandscreens.bsky.social next week! #FoodPolicy
See below for more info! ⬇️
See below for more info! ⬇️
Learn about food #marketing to children through digital media and policy efforts to combat this phenomenon from Jennifer Harris, PhD, (@uconnrudd.bsky.social) at the next #AskTheExperts webinar “Online Marketing and Child Eating Habits" on Wednesday, November 19 at 12pm ET.
Sign up: bit.ly/47NtCsb
Sign up: bit.ly/47NtCsb
November 10, 2025 at 6:38 PM
Dr. Jennifer Harris, the Rudd Center's Senior Marketing Research Advisor, will be speaking at a webinar hosted by @childrenandscreens.bsky.social next week! #FoodPolicy
See below for more info! ⬇️
See below for more info! ⬇️
Yesterday, Caitlin Caspi appeared on @ctpublic.bsky.social to discuss the future of nutrition assistance programs in Connecticut.
In 2024, one in nine Connecticuters received benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP.
#FoodPolicy #News #Connecticut
In 2024, one in nine Connecticuters received benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP.
#FoodPolicy #News #Connecticut
The future of SNAP Benefits: What we know so far
The continuation of the government shutdown means that residents receiving SNAP benefits could go without support for the foreseeable future. Over 360,000 Connecticut residents receive SNAP benefits.
www.ctpublic.org
November 7, 2025 at 4:16 PM
Yesterday, Caitlin Caspi appeared on @ctpublic.bsky.social to discuss the future of nutrition assistance programs in Connecticut.
In 2024, one in nine Connecticuters received benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP.
#FoodPolicy #News #Connecticut
In 2024, one in nine Connecticuters received benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP.
#FoodPolicy #News #Connecticut
#News: The Trump administration has threatened to continue withholding critical food aid until the government shutdown is over.
This contradicts the administration's previous assertion that they would abide by a court order to keep partial benefits flowing into November.
#FoodPolicy #Health #SNAP
This contradicts the administration's previous assertion that they would abide by a court order to keep partial benefits flowing into November.
#FoodPolicy #Health #SNAP
Trump threatens to withhold SNAP benefits despite court order | CNN Politics
President Donald Trump on Tuesday threatened to withhold critical food aid until the government shutdown is over, despite his administration’s assertion to a court earlier this week that it would cont...
www.cnn.com
November 4, 2025 at 6:54 PM
#News: The Trump administration has threatened to continue withholding critical food aid until the government shutdown is over.
This contradicts the administration's previous assertion that they would abide by a court order to keep partial benefits flowing into November.
#FoodPolicy #Health #SNAP
This contradicts the administration's previous assertion that they would abide by a court order to keep partial benefits flowing into November.
#FoodPolicy #Health #SNAP
Food banks are stepping up as millions of Americans prepare to lose federal food assistance, but it may not be enough.
“The charitable food system is there to support families, but it is tiny compared to the amount of money that is available through SNAP" - @marlene-schwartz.bsky.social #Food #News
“The charitable food system is there to support families, but it is tiny compared to the amount of money that is available through SNAP" - @marlene-schwartz.bsky.social #Food #News
A hunger cliff is days away. Women, children and food banks will feel it first.
Food banks will face logistical and financial challenges in providing the resources currently offered by the SNAP and WIC programs that are set to lose funding.
19thnews.org
October 30, 2025 at 7:03 PM
Food banks are stepping up as millions of Americans prepare to lose federal food assistance, but it may not be enough.
“The charitable food system is there to support families, but it is tiny compared to the amount of money that is available through SNAP" - @marlene-schwartz.bsky.social #Food #News
“The charitable food system is there to support families, but it is tiny compared to the amount of money that is available through SNAP" - @marlene-schwartz.bsky.social #Food #News
After the Trump administration announced that they will not pay November food benefits, food banks are bracing for overwhelming demand.
The impact of this crisis is expected to resonate well beyond the shutdown.
#FoodPolicy #Politics #SNAP #News
The impact of this crisis is expected to resonate well beyond the shutdown.
#FoodPolicy #Politics #SNAP #News
Food Banks Brace for Overwhelming Demand as SNAP Cutoff Looms
www.nytimes.com
October 27, 2025 at 6:03 PM
After the Trump administration announced that they will not pay November food benefits, food banks are bracing for overwhelming demand.
The impact of this crisis is expected to resonate well beyond the shutdown.
#FoodPolicy #Politics #SNAP #News
The impact of this crisis is expected to resonate well beyond the shutdown.
#FoodPolicy #Politics #SNAP #News
For the first time in over a decade, the number of states with obesity rates of 35% or more has dropped.
While this is an encouraging sign, cuts to federal staff and programs that address chronic disease could endanger this progress. #FoodPolicy #Health
More from @jnaleccia.bsky.social:
While this is an encouraging sign, cuts to federal staff and programs that address chronic disease could endanger this progress. #FoodPolicy #Health
More from @jnaleccia.bsky.social:
Obesity remains high in the US, but more states are showing progress, a new report finds
For the first time in more than a decade, the number of states with rates of obesity of 35% or more has dropped.
apnews.com
October 23, 2025 at 5:31 PM
For the first time in over a decade, the number of states with obesity rates of 35% or more has dropped.
While this is an encouraging sign, cuts to federal staff and programs that address chronic disease could endanger this progress. #FoodPolicy #Health
More from @jnaleccia.bsky.social:
While this is an encouraging sign, cuts to federal staff and programs that address chronic disease could endanger this progress. #FoodPolicy #Health
More from @jnaleccia.bsky.social:
Ultraprocessed foods have overtaken grocery shelves and American diets. Now, they are among the greatest health threats of our time.
To address our reliance on these hyperpalatable, aggressively marketed products, we first need to understand the history of ultraprocessed foods.
#FoodPolicy
To address our reliance on these hyperpalatable, aggressively marketed products, we first need to understand the history of ultraprocessed foods.
#FoodPolicy
How Ultraprocessed Food Took Over America
www.nytimes.com
October 21, 2025 at 3:37 PM
Ultraprocessed foods have overtaken grocery shelves and American diets. Now, they are among the greatest health threats of our time.
To address our reliance on these hyperpalatable, aggressively marketed products, we first need to understand the history of ultraprocessed foods.
#FoodPolicy
To address our reliance on these hyperpalatable, aggressively marketed products, we first need to understand the history of ultraprocessed foods.
#FoodPolicy
SNAP is safe through October, but it may be at risk if the shutdown continues.
The food assistance program, which benefits 1 in 8 Americans, is a major piece of the nation's social safety net. Last fiscal year, it provided an average of $187 a month to 41.7 million people. #FoodPolicy
The food assistance program, which benefits 1 in 8 Americans, is a major piece of the nation's social safety net. Last fiscal year, it provided an average of $187 a month to 41.7 million people. #FoodPolicy
Food assistance is safe through October, but it may be at risk if the shutdown continues
About 40 million people could see food assistance disappear next month if the federal government shutdown continues. The U.S.
apnews.com
October 17, 2025 at 6:02 PM
SNAP is safe through October, but it may be at risk if the shutdown continues.
The food assistance program, which benefits 1 in 8 Americans, is a major piece of the nation's social safety net. Last fiscal year, it provided an average of $187 a month to 41.7 million people. #FoodPolicy
The food assistance program, which benefits 1 in 8 Americans, is a major piece of the nation's social safety net. Last fiscal year, it provided an average of $187 a month to 41.7 million people. #FoodPolicy
This month, @marlene-schwartz.bsky.social is the Guest Editor of a special issue of JAND focused on #FoodPolicy changes to support children’s health!
Topics covered include federal child nutrition programs, beverage policies, and food marketing.
More: www.jandonline.org/issue/S2212-...
Topics covered include federal child nutrition programs, beverage policies, and food marketing.
More: www.jandonline.org/issue/S2212-...
October 16, 2025 at 8:19 PM
This month, @marlene-schwartz.bsky.social is the Guest Editor of a special issue of JAND focused on #FoodPolicy changes to support children’s health!
Topics covered include federal child nutrition programs, beverage policies, and food marketing.
More: www.jandonline.org/issue/S2212-...
Topics covered include federal child nutrition programs, beverage policies, and food marketing.
More: www.jandonline.org/issue/S2212-...
Despite mixed reactions to the 'Make America Healthy Again' report - especially regarding vaccine policy - there’s potential for bipartisan support for some of its nutrition recommendations.
Learn more about the implications of the report for child health and #FoodPolicy in a new @bmj.com article:
Learn more about the implications of the report for child health and #FoodPolicy in a new @bmj.com article:
The implications of the Make Our Children Healthy Again report for child health and obesity in the US
Federal funding policies should align with priorities to improve child health, say Juliana Cohen and colleagues
On 9 September 2025, the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) Commission released a strate...
www.bmj.com
October 10, 2025 at 3:27 PM
Despite mixed reactions to the 'Make America Healthy Again' report - especially regarding vaccine policy - there’s potential for bipartisan support for some of its nutrition recommendations.
Learn more about the implications of the report for child health and #FoodPolicy in a new @bmj.com article:
Learn more about the implications of the report for child health and #FoodPolicy in a new @bmj.com article:
Q: Do federal nutrition assistance programs operate during a government shutdown?
A: October SNAP benefits will go out as normal, and federally-funded school meals are okay for now. However, WIC could run out of funds in the next 1-2 weeks. #FoodPolicy
Learn more in @foodfixco.bsky.social:
A: October SNAP benefits will go out as normal, and federally-funded school meals are okay for now. However, WIC could run out of funds in the next 1-2 weeks. #FoodPolicy
Learn more in @foodfixco.bsky.social:
What a government shutdown means for food — and for all of us
Washington keeps finding new levels of dysfunction. What are we supposed to make of this chaos?
foodfix.co
October 7, 2025 at 7:18 PM
Q: Do federal nutrition assistance programs operate during a government shutdown?
A: October SNAP benefits will go out as normal, and federally-funded school meals are okay for now. However, WIC could run out of funds in the next 1-2 weeks. #FoodPolicy
Learn more in @foodfixco.bsky.social:
A: October SNAP benefits will go out as normal, and federally-funded school meals are okay for now. However, WIC could run out of funds in the next 1-2 weeks. #FoodPolicy
Learn more in @foodfixco.bsky.social:
Last week, Maria Gombi-Vaca was a panelist at “Identifying Nutritious and Affordable Options in the Current Food Environment."
Dr. Gombi-Vaca spoke about how consumers can spot ultraprocessed foods, nutrition ranking in the charitable food system, and more.
Watch here: ct-n.com/ctnplayer.as...
Dr. Gombi-Vaca spoke about how consumers can spot ultraprocessed foods, nutrition ranking in the charitable food system, and more.
Watch here: ct-n.com/ctnplayer.as...
September 30, 2025 at 7:07 PM
Last week, Maria Gombi-Vaca was a panelist at “Identifying Nutritious and Affordable Options in the Current Food Environment."
Dr. Gombi-Vaca spoke about how consumers can spot ultraprocessed foods, nutrition ranking in the charitable food system, and more.
Watch here: ct-n.com/ctnplayer.as...
Dr. Gombi-Vaca spoke about how consumers can spot ultraprocessed foods, nutrition ranking in the charitable food system, and more.
Watch here: ct-n.com/ctnplayer.as...
#FoodPolicy: Living in a food swamp is associated with greater shopping frequency at unhealthy outlets, less access to healthier food, and increased access to unhealthy food.
Learn more in a new Community-Based Participatory Research Study from a team in Hartford, CT: www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/22...
Learn more in a new Community-Based Participatory Research Study from a team in Hartford, CT: www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/22...
September 26, 2025 at 6:29 PM
#FoodPolicy: Living in a food swamp is associated with greater shopping frequency at unhealthy outlets, less access to healthier food, and increased access to unhealthy food.
Learn more in a new Community-Based Participatory Research Study from a team in Hartford, CT: www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/22...
Learn more in a new Community-Based Participatory Research Study from a team in Hartford, CT: www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/22...
The Department of Agriculture announced this week that it will stop collecting data about food insecurity in the U.S.
Experts say the move will obscure the effects of recent changes that will lead to people losing food aid.
#FoodPolicy #News
Experts say the move will obscure the effects of recent changes that will lead to people losing food aid.
#FoodPolicy #News
USDA cancels survey tracking how many Americans struggle to get enough food
The Department of Agriculture said it will end a longstanding annual food insecurity survey. Experts say the move will obscure the effects of recent changes that will lead to people losing food aid.
www.npr.org
September 24, 2025 at 5:17 PM
The Department of Agriculture announced this week that it will stop collecting data about food insecurity in the U.S.
Experts say the move will obscure the effects of recent changes that will lead to people losing food aid.
#FoodPolicy #News
Experts say the move will obscure the effects of recent changes that will lead to people losing food aid.
#FoodPolicy #News
#FoodPolicy: Our Director, @marlene-schwartz.bsky.social, is the Guest Editor for JAND's new themed issue: "Child Nutrition and Health Policy."
Topics addressed in the issue include universal free school meals, food marketing exposure, WIC participation, and more
Learn more here:
Topics addressed in the issue include universal free school meals, food marketing exposure, WIC participation, and more
Learn more here:
Child Nutrition and Health Policy: JAND October 2025 Theme Issue
YouTube video by Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
www.youtube.com
September 22, 2025 at 6:02 PM
#FoodPolicy: Our Director, @marlene-schwartz.bsky.social, is the Guest Editor for JAND's new themed issue: "Child Nutrition and Health Policy."
Topics addressed in the issue include universal free school meals, food marketing exposure, WIC participation, and more
Learn more here:
Topics addressed in the issue include universal free school meals, food marketing exposure, WIC participation, and more
Learn more here:
A new report reveals that MrBeast, the most popular channel on YouTube, marketed chocolate bars in ways that potentially misled child viewers.
“Kids see marketing as another source of information, like parents or teachers" - Jennifer Harris, Senior Marketing Advisor at the Rudd Center
#FoodPolicy
“Kids see marketing as another source of information, like parents or teachers" - Jennifer Harris, Senior Marketing Advisor at the Rudd Center
#FoodPolicy
www.reuters.com
September 19, 2025 at 5:45 PM
A new report reveals that MrBeast, the most popular channel on YouTube, marketed chocolate bars in ways that potentially misled child viewers.
“Kids see marketing as another source of information, like parents or teachers" - Jennifer Harris, Senior Marketing Advisor at the Rudd Center
#FoodPolicy
“Kids see marketing as another source of information, like parents or teachers" - Jennifer Harris, Senior Marketing Advisor at the Rudd Center
#FoodPolicy
Big Food is phasing out artificial dyes and replacing them with natural alternatives like turmeric, beets, and spirulina.
The problem? Consumers love bright colors.
"Brighter colors are perceived as tasting better, whether the taste changes or not." - @marionnestle.bsky.social
#FoodPolicy
The problem? Consumers love bright colors.
"Brighter colors are perceived as tasting better, whether the taste changes or not." - @marionnestle.bsky.social
#FoodPolicy
Food-makers are phasing out artificial dyes. The problem: Americans love the color
Sam's Club is among the food makers removing artificial dyes from products, yet hoping shoppers don't notice a difference in color. But why?
www.npr.org
September 15, 2025 at 6:45 PM
Big Food is phasing out artificial dyes and replacing them with natural alternatives like turmeric, beets, and spirulina.
The problem? Consumers love bright colors.
"Brighter colors are perceived as tasting better, whether the taste changes or not." - @marionnestle.bsky.social
#FoodPolicy
The problem? Consumers love bright colors.
"Brighter colors are perceived as tasting better, whether the taste changes or not." - @marionnestle.bsky.social
#FoodPolicy
Should SNAP recipients be barred from purchasing unhealthy products with their benefits?
As more states pass "SNAP junk food bans," we went into the Rudd Center archives to share a paper from 2017 that explores both sides of this ongoing debate: www.ajpmonline.org/article/S074...
#FoodPolicy
As more states pass "SNAP junk food bans," we went into the Rudd Center archives to share a paper from 2017 that explores both sides of this ongoing debate: www.ajpmonline.org/article/S074...
#FoodPolicy
September 11, 2025 at 6:57 PM
Should SNAP recipients be barred from purchasing unhealthy products with their benefits?
As more states pass "SNAP junk food bans," we went into the Rudd Center archives to share a paper from 2017 that explores both sides of this ongoing debate: www.ajpmonline.org/article/S074...
#FoodPolicy
As more states pass "SNAP junk food bans," we went into the Rudd Center archives to share a paper from 2017 that explores both sides of this ongoing debate: www.ajpmonline.org/article/S074...
#FoodPolicy
“The basic idea of supporting farmers, especially smaller farmers, and having them work closely with local school systems isn’t a Democrat or Republican idea. It’s just a good idea." - @marlene-schwartz.bsky.social
Learn more in a new #FoodPolicy article from @capitalandmain.bsky.social:
Learn more in a new #FoodPolicy article from @capitalandmain.bsky.social:
MAHA Promised Healthier Kids. But School Lunches May Deliver Less.
Cuts to SNAP and farm-to-school programs under the Trump administration risk worsening childhood disease, nutrition experts warn.
capitalandmain.com
September 10, 2025 at 6:09 PM
“The basic idea of supporting farmers, especially smaller farmers, and having them work closely with local school systems isn’t a Democrat or Republican idea. It’s just a good idea." - @marlene-schwartz.bsky.social
Learn more in a new #FoodPolicy article from @capitalandmain.bsky.social:
Learn more in a new #FoodPolicy article from @capitalandmain.bsky.social:
Yesterday, Vishal Narayan visited the Rudd Center to discuss his recent research at @uconnbusiness.bsky.social!
Dr. Narayan explores how consumer-level data from social media can help inform marketing and policy decisions.
Thanks for joining us at the Rudd Center!
Dr. Narayan explores how consumer-level data from social media can help inform marketing and policy decisions.
Thanks for joining us at the Rudd Center!
September 4, 2025 at 6:42 PM
Yesterday, Vishal Narayan visited the Rudd Center to discuss his recent research at @uconnbusiness.bsky.social!
Dr. Narayan explores how consumer-level data from social media can help inform marketing and policy decisions.
Thanks for joining us at the Rudd Center!
Dr. Narayan explores how consumer-level data from social media can help inform marketing and policy decisions.
Thanks for joining us at the Rudd Center!
The MAHA Commission plans to explore "potential industry guidelines" to limit the marketing of unhealthy food to children.
Most food advertisers currently participate in a voluntary self-regulation program. However, this program has "so many loopholes that it's basically meaningless." #FoodPolicy
Most food advertisers currently participate in a voluntary self-regulation program. However, this program has "so many loopholes that it's basically meaningless." #FoodPolicy
'MAHA' calls for limits on food ads to kids likely to face industry opposition
A White House call to curtail the marketing of unhealthy food to children would be vulnerable to industry lobbying that killed previous government efforts, nutrition and public health experts said.
www.reuters.com
September 2, 2025 at 4:01 PM
The MAHA Commission plans to explore "potential industry guidelines" to limit the marketing of unhealthy food to children.
Most food advertisers currently participate in a voluntary self-regulation program. However, this program has "so many loopholes that it's basically meaningless." #FoodPolicy
Most food advertisers currently participate in a voluntary self-regulation program. However, this program has "so many loopholes that it's basically meaningless." #FoodPolicy
Earlier this year, funding was eliminated for two long-running programs that helped schools and food banks feed families in need.
Not only will this impact the health of our nation's children, these cuts will hurt local farmers as well.
Not only will this impact the health of our nation's children, these cuts will hurt local farmers as well.
Cuts to school lunch and food bank funding mean less fresh produce for children and families
The more than $1 billion cut hits already strapped schools and food banks.
theconversation.com
August 29, 2025 at 1:57 PM
Earlier this year, funding was eliminated for two long-running programs that helped schools and food banks feed families in need.
Not only will this impact the health of our nation's children, these cuts will hurt local farmers as well.
Not only will this impact the health of our nation's children, these cuts will hurt local farmers as well.
Q: Do food expiration dates really matter?
A: Yes, but interpreting them can be complicated.
In the U.S., there are roughly 50 variations of date labels, including “use by,” “sell by,” and “packaged on." All of them can imply different things, and requirements vary between states.
#FoodPolicy
A: Yes, but interpreting them can be complicated.
In the U.S., there are roughly 50 variations of date labels, including “use by,” “sell by,” and “packaged on." All of them can imply different things, and requirements vary between states.
#FoodPolicy
Do Food Expiration Dates Really Matter?
www.nytimes.com
August 22, 2025 at 3:03 PM
Q: Do food expiration dates really matter?
A: Yes, but interpreting them can be complicated.
In the U.S., there are roughly 50 variations of date labels, including “use by,” “sell by,” and “packaged on." All of them can imply different things, and requirements vary between states.
#FoodPolicy
A: Yes, but interpreting them can be complicated.
In the U.S., there are roughly 50 variations of date labels, including “use by,” “sell by,” and “packaged on." All of them can imply different things, and requirements vary between states.
#FoodPolicy
Stealth marketing, real impact.
Children as young as age 3 are exposed to unhealthy food brand promotions when watching videos on YouTube and YouTube Kids, and most of it flies under the regulatory radar.
#FoodPolicy #Health #Parenting
Children as young as age 3 are exposed to unhealthy food brand promotions when watching videos on YouTube and YouTube Kids, and most of it flies under the regulatory radar.
#FoodPolicy #Health #Parenting
Stealth marketing, real impact: How are food endorsements on YouTube influencing children?
Children are likely to see branded food content for candy, fast food and other unhealthy options while watching YouTube – raising questions about whether regulatory oversight goes far enough according...
www.foodnavigator-usa.com
August 18, 2025 at 3:05 PM
Stealth marketing, real impact.
Children as young as age 3 are exposed to unhealthy food brand promotions when watching videos on YouTube and YouTube Kids, and most of it flies under the regulatory radar.
#FoodPolicy #Health #Parenting
Children as young as age 3 are exposed to unhealthy food brand promotions when watching videos on YouTube and YouTube Kids, and most of it flies under the regulatory radar.
#FoodPolicy #Health #Parenting
Last week, Marlene Schwartz appeared on the "UConn 360" podcast to discuss the Rudd Center's work!
We are so grateful to be part of the @uconnresearch.bsky.social community!
Listen to the podcast episode here: uconn.edu/uconn360-pod...
We are so grateful to be part of the @uconnresearch.bsky.social community!
Listen to the podcast episode here: uconn.edu/uconn360-pod...
Episode 137: Rudd Center Studies Various Food Issues | University of Connecticut
UConn’s nationally-renowned Rudd Center for Food Policy and Health promotes solutions to food insecurity, poor diet quality, and weight bias through researc ...
uconn.edu
August 13, 2025 at 5:46 PM
Last week, Marlene Schwartz appeared on the "UConn 360" podcast to discuss the Rudd Center's work!
We are so grateful to be part of the @uconnresearch.bsky.social community!
Listen to the podcast episode here: uconn.edu/uconn360-pod...
We are so grateful to be part of the @uconnresearch.bsky.social community!
Listen to the podcast episode here: uconn.edu/uconn360-pod...