Healthy Eating Research

02/03/2026

Sign up for our newsletter and stay connected and in the know with HER. Get the latest research, funding opportunities, and partner news delivered straight to your inbox.
👉 https://healthyeatingresearch.org/email-signup/

01/22/2026

For 20 years, Healthy Eating Research has helped reshape the nation’s approach to child nutrition—and the response to our Impact Report has been incredible.

As we turn the page, we’re diving even deeper into the work ahead:
• Advancing equity‑centered nutrition research
• Strengthening policies that support every child’s health
• Expanding collaboration across communities, researchers, and advocates

The past two decades laid the foundation. The next two will define what’s possible. Join us as we continue building a healthier future for all children.

Explore what’s next on our website.

Building Evidence to Prevent Childhood Obesity | Our Impact

01/20/2026

💡 New HER-Funded Research shines a light on the real experiences of California families navigating the Earned Income Tax Credit.

The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) helped CA families:
✅ Cover rent, food, utilities & essentials
✅ Reduce financial stress

But here’s the challenge:
❗ Confusing rules
❗ Fear of filing taxes
❗ Barriers that keep eligible families from getting benefits

Simplifying access + boosting awareness = real impact for millions.
📘 Dive into the full study: https://buff.ly/r7LtYKN

Building Evidence to Prevent Childhood Obesity | “It’s confusing as hell”: A qualitative study of barriers accessing poverty alleviation benefits through the US Earned Income Tax Credit

01/15/2026

For 20 years, Healthy Eating Research has been transforming child nutrition--moving the conversation from personal choice to policy and systems change.

Our new Impact Report celebrates two decades of progress:
✅ $35M invested in 400+ research grants
✅ Research shaping today's school nutrition policies
✅ Established first-of-their-kind beverage guidelines setting the bar for healthier choices
✅ Cultivated a new generation of diverse researchers

This is a celebration of what rigorous science and strategic partnerships can achieve. As we look to the future, we are committed to building on this legacy by shaping a national research agenda for nutrition.

Explore two decades of transformation and see the full story on our new website.

01/12/2026

🚨 New Research Alert!
A HER-funded study in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics reveals what really motivates parents to support universal school meal participation for elementary-aged kids. 🍎🥗

✅ What Works:
• Convenience & Cost Savings – Parents love knowing meals are easy and budget-friendly.
• Social & Developmental Benefits – School meals help kids grow and connect.
• Clear, Visual Messaging – Short, eye-catching messages backed by data win every time.

📊 What’s Next?
Future studies could explore whether messages that emphasize convenience, cost savings, social benefits, and healthfulness increase participation in universal free school meal programs.
👉 Read the full study here:

Building Evidence to Prevent Childhood Obesity | Perspectives on Messaging Strategies to Increase Participation in Universal Free School Meal Programs: A Qualitative Study With Parents of Elementary School-Aged Children

01/08/2026

What a year it’s been!
We celebrated 20 years of impact, launched new research efforts, and set the stage for big things in 2026.
Catch up on the moments that shaped our year and where we’re headed next.
👉 Read the full recap

December 22, 2025 | Building Evidence to Prevent Childhood Obesity | Healthy Eating Research 2025 Highlights

01/05/2026

New Year, New Goals? 🎯
Start 2026 by staying in the know! Get the latest research, funding opportunities, and partner news delivered straight to your inbox.
👉 Sign up today and stay connected! https://healthyeatingresearch.org/email-signup/

12/31/2025

⏳ Last Chance to Make an Impact!
Healthy Eating Research (HER) is working to fill critical evidence gaps and influence policy for a healthier future—but we can’t do it without you.
Join us in this fight. Make your year-end gift today and help ensure every child has access to healthy food.
👉 Donate now https://www.gifts.duke.edu/?designation=391000051

12/29/2025

What a year! 🎉
From celebrating our 20th anniversary to launching new research initiatives, this year was full of impact. Explore the biggest moments, key accomplishments, and what’s ahead for 2026 in our latest blog post.
👉 Read the full recap

December 22, 2025 | Building Evidence to Prevent Childhood Obesity | Healthy Eating Research 2025 Highlights

12/25/2025

Wishing you a season full of joy, connection, and nourishing traditions. At Healthy Eating Research, we’re all about making healthy choices easier for families and communities. Here’s to healthy holidays and a brighter, healthier new year! 💚

12/23/2025

New Study Highlights Need for Stronger Support for Early Childhood Nutrition 🍎
A new HER-funded study reveals that Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) participants recommend higher reimbursements and fewer barriers to strengthen early childhood nutrition.

The Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) provides nutritious meals and snacks to more than 4.5 million children nationwide. To understand the impact of temporary COVID-era changes—like eliminating tiered reimbursements and increasing rates—the Nutrition Policy Institute interviewed family child care providers, sponsoring organizations, and families in 2023–2024.

Key Findings:
✅ Eliminating tiering and increasing reimbursement rates improved food budgets and meal quality.
✅ Providers still face challenges: administrative burdens, inadequate reimbursements, and strict regulations.
✅ Families value CACFP for offering a variety of healthy, high-quality foods for their children.

One provider shared: “The funding is a big challenge… It’s very difficult to feed a child healthy fresh fruit and whole grains for 25 cents per child. You just can’t do it… A lot of people are choosing to quit the program because they say it’s not worth it.”

Bottom line: To ensure strong program access and impact, CACFP needs higher reimbursement rates and reduced participation barriers.

📖 Read the full study in Public Health Nutrition: https://buff.ly/PYrBjmA

12/19/2025

When nutrition programs are cut, children and families suffer. HER is working to fill critical evidence gaps and influence policy for a healthier future.
Join us in this fight. Make your year-end gift today.
👉 https://www.gifts.duke.edu/?designation=391000051