UConn Rudd Center
@uconnrudd.bsky.social
Devoted to promoting solutions to food insecurity, poor diet quality, and weight bias through research and policy.
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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
Over 70% of baby foods and drinks sold in the U.S. are ultraprocessed and may contain harmful additives, according to a new study from researchers at @uncchapelhill.bsky.social.
Despite this, these products are often marketed as "healthy" or even "necessary for a child's development." #FoodPolicy
Despite this, these products are often marketed as "healthy" or even "necessary for a child's development." #FoodPolicy
Over 70% of tested baby foods are ultraprocessed and full of additives | CNN
A majority of tested baby foods are ultraprocessed, packed with potentially harmful additives, sugars and salt, a new study found.
www.cnn.com
February 11, 2026 at 8:11 PM
Over 70% of baby foods and drinks sold in the U.S. are ultraprocessed and may contain harmful additives, according to a new study from researchers at @uncchapelhill.bsky.social.
Despite this, these products are often marketed as "healthy" or even "necessary for a child's development." #FoodPolicy
Despite this, these products are often marketed as "healthy" or even "necessary for a child's development." #FoodPolicy
Could the word "Protein” be any bigger?
They hope you don't turn the box around and see 30 grams of added sugar (over 7 teaspoons!) and Red 40 food dye (on the list to be banned from schools in several states).
#FoodPolicy #Health
They hope you don't turn the box around and see 30 grams of added sugar (over 7 teaspoons!) and Red 40 food dye (on the list to be banned from schools in several states).
#FoodPolicy #Health
February 6, 2026 at 4:26 PM
Could the word "Protein” be any bigger?
They hope you don't turn the box around and see 30 grams of added sugar (over 7 teaspoons!) and Red 40 food dye (on the list to be banned from schools in several states).
#FoodPolicy #Health
They hope you don't turn the box around and see 30 grams of added sugar (over 7 teaspoons!) and Red 40 food dye (on the list to be banned from schools in several states).
#FoodPolicy #Health
Studies show that about one-third of adults with higher weight perceive weight stigma in their interactions with dietitians.
In a new module for Supportive Obesity Care, we explore steps to eliminate weight stigma in dietetics practice and ensure respectful care: s.uconn.edu/dietitians
In a new module for Supportive Obesity Care, we explore steps to eliminate weight stigma in dietetics practice and ensure respectful care: s.uconn.edu/dietitians
February 3, 2026 at 7:45 PM
Studies show that about one-third of adults with higher weight perceive weight stigma in their interactions with dietitians.
In a new module for Supportive Obesity Care, we explore steps to eliminate weight stigma in dietetics practice and ensure respectful care: s.uconn.edu/dietitians
In a new module for Supportive Obesity Care, we explore steps to eliminate weight stigma in dietetics practice and ensure respectful care: s.uconn.edu/dietitians
SNAP "junk food bans" are rolling out to over a third of states this year, affecting more than 14 million participants around the country.
However, each participating state has its own rules about what is considered "unhealthy."
#FoodPolicy #Health #News
However, each participating state has its own rules about what is considered "unhealthy."
#FoodPolicy #Health #News
Twix Is OK but Granola Isn’t as States Deploy New Food Stamp Rules
www.nytimes.com
January 29, 2026 at 7:12 PM
SNAP "junk food bans" are rolling out to over a third of states this year, affecting more than 14 million participants around the country.
However, each participating state has its own rules about what is considered "unhealthy."
#FoodPolicy #Health #News
However, each participating state has its own rules about what is considered "unhealthy."
#FoodPolicy #Health #News
Rest in peace, MyPlate! 🕊️🤍
In case you missed it, under the updated Dietary Guidelines for Americans, MyPlate is being replaced by an inverted food pyramid.
We discuss what's behind this change in our full #FoodPolicy analysis of the new DGAs: s.uconn.edu/dgadebrief
#Health #Politics #News
In case you missed it, under the updated Dietary Guidelines for Americans, MyPlate is being replaced by an inverted food pyramid.
We discuss what's behind this change in our full #FoodPolicy analysis of the new DGAs: s.uconn.edu/dgadebrief
#Health #Politics #News
January 15, 2026 at 7:50 PM
Rest in peace, MyPlate! 🕊️🤍
In case you missed it, under the updated Dietary Guidelines for Americans, MyPlate is being replaced by an inverted food pyramid.
We discuss what's behind this change in our full #FoodPolicy analysis of the new DGAs: s.uconn.edu/dgadebrief
#Health #Politics #News
In case you missed it, under the updated Dietary Guidelines for Americans, MyPlate is being replaced by an inverted food pyramid.
We discuss what's behind this change in our full #FoodPolicy analysis of the new DGAs: s.uconn.edu/dgadebrief
#Health #Politics #News
New spotlight on @violetachacon.bsky.social! 💡
Violeta has been a Postdoctoral Research Associate at the Rudd Center since 2023, and we are incredibly fortunate to have her on our team. Click the link below to learn more about her #FoodPolicy research!
Violeta has been a Postdoctoral Research Associate at the Rudd Center since 2023, and we are incredibly fortunate to have her on our team. Click the link below to learn more about her #FoodPolicy research!
New affiliate profile! Read about @uconnrudd.bsky.social Postdoctoral Research Associate Violeta Chácon, her work on food security, nutrition policy, and school wellness, and her motorcycle travels!
csch.uconn.edu/2026/01/07/a...
csch.uconn.edu/2026/01/07/a...
January 7, 2026 at 4:55 PM
New spotlight on @violetachacon.bsky.social! 💡
Violeta has been a Postdoctoral Research Associate at the Rudd Center since 2023, and we are incredibly fortunate to have her on our team. Click the link below to learn more about her #FoodPolicy research!
Violeta has been a Postdoctoral Research Associate at the Rudd Center since 2023, and we are incredibly fortunate to have her on our team. Click the link below to learn more about her #FoodPolicy research!
A new edition of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans is expected this month, and @cspinet.org has released a wishlist for what they want to see incorporated.
The Guidelines form the backbone of national nutrition policies and shape what can be served/purchased in many federal programs. #FoodPolicy
The Guidelines form the backbone of national nutrition policies and shape what can be served/purchased in many federal programs. #FoodPolicy
5 things we want to see in the 2025 Dietary Guidelines
CSPI's wish list for the 2025 Dietary Guidelines for added sugars, saturated fat, sweetened beverages, alcohol consumption, low-fat milk, and more.
www.cspi.org
January 5, 2026 at 8:28 PM
A new edition of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans is expected this month, and @cspinet.org has released a wishlist for what they want to see incorporated.
The Guidelines form the backbone of national nutrition policies and shape what can be served/purchased in many federal programs. #FoodPolicy
The Guidelines form the backbone of national nutrition policies and shape what can be served/purchased in many federal programs. #FoodPolicy
Are you a reasonable consumer?
In many deceptive advertising legal actions, courts have decided what “reasonable consumers” know.
Take @truthinads.bsky.social's 2025 quiz to test your ability to see the truth through #marketing noise from the food industry and beyond:
In many deceptive advertising legal actions, courts have decided what “reasonable consumers” know.
Take @truthinads.bsky.social's 2025 quiz to test your ability to see the truth through #marketing noise from the food industry and beyond:
2025 Reasonable Consumer Quiz -
See how you stack up.
truthinadvertising.org
December 23, 2025 at 4:14 PM
Are you a reasonable consumer?
In many deceptive advertising legal actions, courts have decided what “reasonable consumers” know.
Take @truthinads.bsky.social's 2025 quiz to test your ability to see the truth through #marketing noise from the food industry and beyond:
In many deceptive advertising legal actions, courts have decided what “reasonable consumers” know.
Take @truthinads.bsky.social's 2025 quiz to test your ability to see the truth through #marketing noise from the food industry and beyond:
After multiple delays, an update to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans is finally expected to come out in early January.
@foodfixco.bsky.social has broken down what we should expect in this revamp and what this could mean for the next era of #FoodPolicy:
@foodfixco.bsky.social has broken down what we should expect in this revamp and what this could mean for the next era of #FoodPolicy:
What to expect from the dietary guidelines revamp next month
Why the Trump administration’s revamp of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans is likely to spark chaos — and perhaps a new era for nutrition advice.
foodfix.co
December 22, 2025 at 7:38 PM
After multiple delays, an update to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans is finally expected to come out in early January.
@foodfixco.bsky.social has broken down what we should expect in this revamp and what this could mean for the next era of #FoodPolicy:
@foodfixco.bsky.social has broken down what we should expect in this revamp and what this could mean for the next era of #FoodPolicy:
Interested in learning about strategies we can employ to reduce the presence of ultra-processed foods in schools?
We discuss this topic (and more!) in our December newsletter: mailchi.mp/uconn/rudd-d...
To receive future editions, subscribe to our #FoodPolicy mailing list: bit.ly/2SZtlxC
We discuss this topic (and more!) in our December newsletter: mailchi.mp/uconn/rudd-d...
To receive future editions, subscribe to our #FoodPolicy mailing list: bit.ly/2SZtlxC
December 16, 2025 at 3:40 PM
Interested in learning about strategies we can employ to reduce the presence of ultra-processed foods in schools?
We discuss this topic (and more!) in our December newsletter: mailchi.mp/uconn/rudd-d...
To receive future editions, subscribe to our #FoodPolicy mailing list: bit.ly/2SZtlxC
We discuss this topic (and more!) in our December newsletter: mailchi.mp/uconn/rudd-d...
To receive future editions, subscribe to our #FoodPolicy mailing list: bit.ly/2SZtlxC
Over a third of all states will soon limit purchases of unhealthy foods and beverages using food stamps.
These restrictions on SNAP purchases will largely take effect next year, reaching more than 14 million participants around the country. #FoodPolicy #News
These restrictions on SNAP purchases will largely take effect next year, reaching more than 14 million participants around the country. #FoodPolicy #News
Agriculture Department Approves More Soda Bans for Food Stamps
www.nytimes.com
December 11, 2025 at 6:58 PM
Over a third of all states will soon limit purchases of unhealthy foods and beverages using food stamps.
These restrictions on SNAP purchases will largely take effect next year, reaching more than 14 million participants around the country. #FoodPolicy #News
These restrictions on SNAP purchases will largely take effect next year, reaching more than 14 million participants around the country. #FoodPolicy #News
This year, 15 states have proposed targeting ultraprocessed foods through school bans or labels.
The catch? Most have very narrowly defined UPFs as food containing certain additives.
This may create confusion and a false sense of progress. #FoodPolicy
Learn more from @lindseytaillie.bsky.social:
The catch? Most have very narrowly defined UPFs as food containing certain additives.
This may create confusion and a false sense of progress. #FoodPolicy
Learn more from @lindseytaillie.bsky.social:
Opinion | Can We Agree Kids Don’t Need Doritos at School?
www.nytimes.com
December 8, 2025 at 5:44 PM
This year, 15 states have proposed targeting ultraprocessed foods through school bans or labels.
The catch? Most have very narrowly defined UPFs as food containing certain additives.
This may create confusion and a false sense of progress. #FoodPolicy
Learn more from @lindseytaillie.bsky.social:
The catch? Most have very narrowly defined UPFs as food containing certain additives.
This may create confusion and a false sense of progress. #FoodPolicy
Learn more from @lindseytaillie.bsky.social:
On Tuesday, San Francisco filed a lawsuit against some of the nation's top food manufacturers, arguing that ultraprocessed foods are responsible for a public health crisis.
"They took food and made it unrecognizable and harmful to the human body," said City Attorney David Chiu. #FoodPolicy #News
"They took food and made it unrecognizable and harmful to the human body," said City Attorney David Chiu. #FoodPolicy #News
San Francisco sues nation's top food manufacturers over ultraprocessed foods
The city of San Francisco filed a lawsuit against some top food manufacturers on Tuesday, arguing that ultraprocessed food from the likes of Coca-Cola and Nestle are responsible for a health crisis.
www.npr.org
December 4, 2025 at 7:04 PM
On Tuesday, San Francisco filed a lawsuit against some of the nation's top food manufacturers, arguing that ultraprocessed foods are responsible for a public health crisis.
"They took food and made it unrecognizable and harmful to the human body," said City Attorney David Chiu. #FoodPolicy #News
"They took food and made it unrecognizable and harmful to the human body," said City Attorney David Chiu. #FoodPolicy #News
This #GivingTuesday, please consider donating to your regional food bank.
Now more than ever, we need to come together to support the charitable food system and feed those in need.
Find your regional @feedingamerica.org food bank here: www.feedingamerica.org/find-your-lo...
#FoodPolicy #Health
Now more than ever, we need to come together to support the charitable food system and feed those in need.
Find your regional @feedingamerica.org food bank here: www.feedingamerica.org/find-your-lo...
#FoodPolicy #Health
December 2, 2025 at 5:18 PM
This #GivingTuesday, please consider donating to your regional food bank.
Now more than ever, we need to come together to support the charitable food system and feed those in need.
Find your regional @feedingamerica.org food bank here: www.feedingamerica.org/find-your-lo...
#FoodPolicy #Health
Now more than ever, we need to come together to support the charitable food system and feed those in need.
Find your regional @feedingamerica.org food bank here: www.feedingamerica.org/find-your-lo...
#FoodPolicy #Health
The way parents talk about weight and body size can have a lasting impact on their children's health and self-esteem.
In a new position statement, Dr. Rebecca Puhl and the European Childhood Obesity Group provide guidance about fostering respectful, open, and health-focused dialogue.
#Health
In a new position statement, Dr. Rebecca Puhl and the European Childhood Obesity Group provide guidance about fostering respectful, open, and health-focused dialogue.
#Health
Parental Communication in the Prevention and Treatment of Child and Adolescent Obesity: A Position Statement of the European Childhood Obesity Group - PubMed
Parental communication plays a critical role in weight-related health of children and adolescents and requires a balanced, thoughtful and supportive approach. The European Childhood Obesity Group (ECOG) convened a panel of experts to discuss the topic of parental communication in the prevention and …
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
November 25, 2025 at 4:33 PM
The way parents talk about weight and body size can have a lasting impact on their children's health and self-esteem.
In a new position statement, Dr. Rebecca Puhl and the European Childhood Obesity Group provide guidance about fostering respectful, open, and health-focused dialogue.
#Health
In a new position statement, Dr. Rebecca Puhl and the European Childhood Obesity Group provide guidance about fostering respectful, open, and health-focused dialogue.
#Health
Public enemy #1 for nutrition influencers and health leaders?
The '90s-era food pyramid.
In a new piece for @politifact.bsky.social, @graceabels.bsky.social breaks down the history of dietary guidance in America, from the grain-heavy pyramid to MyPlate and beyond.
#FoodPolicy #Health 🧪 #News
The '90s-era food pyramid.
In a new piece for @politifact.bsky.social, @graceabels.bsky.social breaks down the history of dietary guidance in America, from the grain-heavy pyramid to MyPlate and beyond.
#FoodPolicy #Health 🧪 #News
How influential was the food pyramid of the 90s?
Many health influencers blame the ‘90s-era food pyramid for Americans' poor health, even though it was replaced by MyPlate in 2011. What is the history of that triangle, and what actually makes up a “...
www.politifact.com
November 20, 2025 at 6:21 PM
Public enemy #1 for nutrition influencers and health leaders?
The '90s-era food pyramid.
In a new piece for @politifact.bsky.social, @graceabels.bsky.social breaks down the history of dietary guidance in America, from the grain-heavy pyramid to MyPlate and beyond.
#FoodPolicy #Health 🧪 #News
The '90s-era food pyramid.
In a new piece for @politifact.bsky.social, @graceabels.bsky.social breaks down the history of dietary guidance in America, from the grain-heavy pyramid to MyPlate and beyond.
#FoodPolicy #Health 🧪 #News
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-...