HPRC Quarterly Highlights: Q1 2026

We hope you will visit the links and learn more about these updates and resources! 

Collaborate with Partners to Identify Evidence-Based Interventions  

CalFresh Healthy Living-CHOICES Project 

This quarter, we completed our work modeling strategies to promote healthy eating and active living, using the CHOICES methods and a microsimulation model with local health departments in California. We were pleased to have the opportunity to collaborate with these local health agencies and their partners. You will find the results of several new cost-effectiveness analyses completed with these teams of public health leaders. These include briefs focused on sugary drink taxes and fruit and vegetable incentives in Santa Clara County, briefs evaluating the impacts of sugary drink taxes in the city of Los Angeles and in unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County, and strategies that encourage safe and active trips to school in parts of San Mateo County and in Ravenswood and South San Francisco.     

More New Publications from PRC Researchers and Our Research Partners 

In a recent research paper, ‘Cost-Effectiveness and Health Equity Improvements From Excluding Sugar-Sweetened Beverages From the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program,’ researchers highlight data suggesting that excluding sugar-sweetened beverages from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program could be a cost-saving strategy to improve health and health equity across income, racial, and ethnic groups. Learn More  

Collaborative research partners focused on school water promotion recently published a study examining the cost of the Water First School Water Promotion and Access Intervention, offering valuable insights for schools and stakeholders to plan and implement effective school-based initiatives that increase access to drinking water. Learn more 

Researchers estimated the contribution of meals and snacks provided through the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP), a federal food assistance program that supports children’s nutrition. Their research suggests CACFP meals and snacks promote nutritious diets for young children by increasing energy-adjusted intakes of dairy and whole grains, while decreasing energy-adjusted intakes of sodium, saturated fat, and added sugars compared to what children consume elsewhere. Learn more. 

Offer Resources & Training Opportunities 

New Resources on Drinking Water in Schools Toolkit 

We consistently work to share new resources, tools, and peer-reviewed publications that align with our Center’s priority areas (healthy eating, active living, sugary drinks, drinking water access and intake, and unhealthy food and beverage marketing). This quarter, along with our Nutrition and Obesity Research and Evaluation Network partners, we launched our newest toolkit focused on drinking water in schools: https://bit.ly/school-water-toolkit 

Safe, appealing drinking water is essential for student health, focus, and overall well-being—yet access varies across schools. A newly updated toolkit equips school leaders, nutrition professionals, operations & facilities, and partners with practical steps to improve water safety, appeal, and promotion. From model wellness policy language to youth-led campaigns and infrastructure checklists, these resources support a culture of healthy hydration in every school. 💧 

Reminder: The public is invited to join the Monday Nutrition Seminars at HSPH.  Learn more and see upcoming events  

Build Capacity for Conducting Community-Engaged Research 

This fall, we celebrated the achievements of our newest group of 10 Leaders in Health. The Leaders in Health (LIH) program enhances community health efforts through introductory training in public health research and science. The program aims to build the capacity of our community partners by providing participants with a foundation in community-based participatory research, program planning, and evaluation. Learn more. 

Visit our archive of HPRC quarterly highlights & annual news stories