2026 Research & Resources

Empower students as culinary co-creators! Explore a replicable, USDA-aligned process for guiding youth from idea to standardized recipe, boosting participation and meeting diverse tastes. Leave with flavor-testing protocols, ready-to-use templates and leadership moves to build a thriving student culinary council.

Did you know some foods may contain heavy metals, such as lead or arsenic, or microplastics? Young children are especially vulnerable to these hidden hazards due to their developing bodies and age-appropriate behaviors. Learn how food can become contaminated, what it means for children’s health and how to reduce exposure through safer mealtime practices.

Confused by dairy headlines on social media? You’re not alone! With shifting dietary trends and widespread nutrition myths, it’s tough to know what to believe. Get clear on dairy’s role in a healthy eating pattern, including hot topics like raw milk, milk in schools and full-fat options. Hear the latest research on gut health and inflammation, and gain confidence to support kids’ nutrition.

What if the key to lifelong healthy habits begins at the family table? Explore how early food experiences influence child development, followed by lessons from a nationwide pilot on engaging families in nutrition education. Learn five strategies to boost caregiver engagement, from shared activities and resources to consistent communication, safe feedback spaces and building peer support networks.

How can programs truly meet students’ needs? FoodCorps’ approach reflects those needs by building trusting relationships and creating meals that feel like home. Learn how practical strategies like taste tests, advisory groups and real-time feedback boost engagement. Centering student voice strengthens trust, increases participation and supports lasting success in school nutrition programs.

How can State agencies move the needle on CACFP participation? Hear proven strategies that Maryland has implemented to improve communication with CACFP agencies and expand participation. Examine sustainable systems that support long-term growth and promote nutrition equity, plus practical ways to relay updates, training and guidance via multi-channel methods.

Traditional early childhood assessments often depend on parent and teacher observations. This validated tool assesses nutrition and food systems knowledge, attitudes around food neophobia and behaviors directly from student responses. Developed alongside the garden-based curriculum I Am a Seed, which includes social-emotional regulation, it adapts easily to diverse cultures and nutrition goals.

Just like family dinners or a trip to the supermarket; digital media is a part of our everyday lives, and we find ourselves asking more questions about how to use this technology. There are always new opportunities to use digital media in healthy, balanced ways as you connect, play, learn and relax. Join your friends at Sesame Street to explore ways to help children build healthy media habits.

Results from Ohio Early Care and Education Provider and Producer Assessments helped shape a statewide Farm to ECE Awareness Campaign. The campaign connects child care providers with local producers to increase access to local foods meeting CACFP meal requirements. Learn key findings, campaign strategies, and review sample resources like menus and outreach tools.