Food Policy

Restriction vs. incentives: The complex reality of SNAP food policies

U-M expert: SNAP food restrictions don't improve health outcomes, while incentive programs show promise

Several states are considering restricting SNAP benefit purchases for soda and certain products like chips and candy. Michigan Public Health professor and researcher Kate Bauer explains why such restrictions fail to improve health outcomes while increasing stigma, and offers evidence-based alternatives that preserve dignity for recipients.

Global Public Health faculty pilot projects receive seed funding

Five researchers at the University of Michigan School of Public Health have been awarded seed funding to prepare international research projects on a range of global health challenges, including gene therapy ethics, childhood nutrition, national food policy, cholera vaccine allocation, and occupational safety.

Michigan Public Health fellowship program equips parents to shape policies, improve food security

The Feeding MI Families Community Food Advocacy Fellowship trains Michigan parents to advocate for better food access and nutrition assistance.

The University of Michigan School of Public Health’s Feeding MI Families Community Food Advocacy Fellowship empowers Michigan parents to become advocates for food access and policy change. Developed with support from the Michigan Health Endowment Fund, the fellowship equips participants with the skills and confidence to address food insecurity through local advocacy and community action.

Report examines Michigan families' experience with food access and assistance

Drawing on experiences from nearly 1,300 parents across the state of Michigan, a new report led by the University of Michigan School of Public Health details how changes to food assistance programs can better support families and program users.

From volunteering in the Peace Corps to navigating sustainable food systems, food policy

Q&A with Andy Jones

Andy Jones, associate professor and associate chair of Nutritional Sciences at the University of Michigan School of Public Health, discovered his passion for public health while volunteering in the US Peace Corps in Kazakhstan. He is interested in understanding how food systems influence climate change and how food policy works in the United States.

New guidelines on child obesity advise less watch and wait, more urgent and early intervention

Q&A with Kate Bauer

Kate Bauer, associate professor of Nutritional Sciences, discusses the newly released guidelines on childhood obesity from the American Academy of Pediatrics.