News
Caitlin Lowery receives poster award at UNC’s Graduate Research and Policy Expo
April 18, 2022Caitlin Lowery, a doctoral student in the Department of Nutrition at UNC-Chapel Hill and a researcher at the Global Food Research Program, won first prize in the Graduate Research and Policy Expo (GRaPE), organized by UNC’s policy group (SPAG).Lowery’s poster … Read more
Picture warnings on sodas? A promising tool to fight childhood obesity
February 1, 2022The findings are promising: The warnings reduced parental purchases of sugary drinks for their kids by 17 percentage points.
Produce prescriptions can save money. New project asks how much?
January 4, 2022A new project will be exploring the benefits of food prescription programs, which provide a monthly electronic benefit for participants to buy fresh fruits and vegetables. In early studies, this type of intervention has been shown to improve health outcomes. … Read more
In South Africa, a tax on unhealthy beverages is changing what people drink
May 25, 2021A UNC-Chapel Hill study of beverage consumption in a South African township shows that a country-wide tax on sugary beverages has worked to influence more healthy personal choices, with individuals reporting a reduction in the amount of sugar they drink. … Read more
Innovative online grocery store model takes nutrition research to a new level
May 10, 2021May 6, 2021 By Courtney Mitchell Researchers have developed a new online store that can be used for testing the impact of different policies and interventions on consumers’ purchasing behavior. Lola’s Grocery was designed to have the look and feel … Read more
For a healthier world, target ultra-processed foods
April 15, 2021Researchers from UNC-Chapel Hill’s Global Food Research Program (GFRP) have spent years evaluating the role that food plays in health, obesity and disease, as well as the public health policies that can moderate the negative impacts of unhealthy food and … Read more
South African beverage tax has reduced purchases of sugar-sweetened beverages
April 8, 2021A new study shows that South Africa’s 2018 tax on sugary beverages led to a reduction in purchases of the beverages, which could mean purchasers are consuming less excess sugar and calories. Shu Wen Ng, PhD, Associate Professor and Distinguished … Read more
Study shows Latino families more likely to have purchased toddler milk
February 25, 2021Though multiple national health organizations recommend against giving toddler milk – a nutrient-fortified drink for children ages 12 months to 3 years that often contains added sugars – to young children, a new study suggests Latino families may be at … Read more
Unhealthy food advertising disproportionately targets children in Colombia
February 24, 2021February 23, 2021 By Courtney Mitchell Children in Colombia are exposed to a disproportionate amount of television advertisements that market unhealthy foods and beverages, a practice which puts them at greater risk for obesity-related health issues as adults. Researchers affiliated … Read more