Our Impact

Healthy Eating Research (HER) is a pioneering leader in public health with over 20 years of experience in child nutrition and policy research

Through its robust evidence base and ability to catalyze meaningful policy changes, HER has helped improve nutrition and health equity for children and families nationwide. HER’s focus on policies and environmental factors shaping children’s eating habits and weight shifted the field of childhood nutrition and obesity prevention from individual responsibility to systemic, policy-driven solutions.

HER operates with an unwavering commitment to nutrition and health equity. From the way research priorities are set to how findings are translated and shared, HER research seeks to center communities most impacted by systemic inequities and address the social drivers of health that shape food access. Learn more about what we do.

By the Numbers

$35 million
invested
400+
grants funded
500+
publications

Program Highlights

Healthy Eating Research is a cornerstone of childhood nutrition research and a key driver of evidence-based nutrition policy. HER’s comprehensive approach combines rigorous and innovative research, field building, and strategic dissemination to drive lasting impact.

Building the Evidence Base

HER has transformed the field of child and family nutrition by leading policy, systems, and environmental change research that considers the broader social, political, and economic factors influencing child nutrition. Since its inception, HER has invested over $35 million in more than 400 scientifically rigorous, solution-oriented research grants. Innovative rapid-response funding ensures timely, relevant research reaches advocates, policymakers, and decision-makers when it matters most.

"By making grants small, focused and doable in a short period, the results seem to be having a catalytic impact, creating a foundation for more extensive research and informing policies that can't wait for a three-year research project." –Funder

Translating Research into Policy Impact

HER ensures that research drives real-world change by actively collaborating with advocates and policymakers to translate findings into actionable policy solutions. Through expert panels, policy briefs, legislative testimony, and strategic partnerships, HER has informed national legislation and recommendations—including the 2010 Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act and the Dietary Guidelines for Americans—as well as state and local policies that have improved nutrition standards in schools, childcare centers, and food banks. By making research accessible and timely, HER helps shape healthier environments for children and families.

"HER provides support for grants with a clear focus on translating findings into policy that impact the communities we work in." –Partner Organization

Advancing School Nutrition Policy

HER has developed a large body of credible research that has been used numerous times to inform policy and environmental changes in the school setting.

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Responding to a Global Crisis

As the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted food systems and exacerbated nutrition inequities, HER swiftly adapted to address these emerging challenges.

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Prioritizing Equity in Nutrition Research

HER’s commitment to equity is embedded across all its initiatives and exemplified through its targeted research and field-building initiatives.

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Advancing Careers & Supporting Researchers

HER’s influence extends far beyond funding, supporting the professional development of hundreds of researchers nationwide. HER cultivates a vibrant research community through annual grantee meetings and working groups that foster collaboration, professional development, and timely knowledge exchange among researchers, policymakers, and funders. HER also prioritizes nurturing a new generation of researchers, supporting early-career investigators through targeted funding opportunities, mentorship, and the Early Stage Investigator Work Group. These efforts have led to impactful publications, policy contributions, and lasting partnerships across the field.

"HER is unique because the researchers are provided support to collaborate via work groups and meetings. I have met dozens of researchers around the country, which has led to numerous research and policy communication opportunities directly due to my involvement with HER." –HER Working Group Participant

Grantee Testimonials

Dr. Sara Bleich "I applied for an RWJF New Connections grant through Healthy Eating Research. The grant was one year, $100,000 dollars, and it changed my life."
"My Healthy Eating Research grant gave me resources, support, visibility at my institution, and networking, which all led to new collaborations, new grant applications, and stronger skills to apply for grants." –HER Grantee
"I just wanted to share the good news that I received tenure and promotion this morning. The grant that we received from HER has played such an important role in my career (not just the research, but also the opportunities at the HER meetings to be inspired by others' research and to develop new collaborations). Thank you for everything." –HER Grantee

Shaping the Field

HER has emerged as a thought leader in child nutrition research. HER’s expert panels have filled critical gaps in knowledge and produced recommendations informing the development of healthy eating policies and practices at the local, state, and national levels.

Ages 2-8 Feeding Recommendations

Childhood is a critical period for the development of eating behaviors that last into adulthood. Learn how to create healthy eating habits for 2-8 years old.

  • Invited by USDA to present on the implications of the recommendations for future Dietary Guidelines.
  • Resources from this panel are widely used by WIC providers through WIC Hub.
  • Developed consumer resources, including tip sheets for parents and classroom materials, available in English and Spanish.
  • Partnered with influencers on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook reaching over 13 million parents.

Beverage Recommendations

Keep kids healthy with the right drinks, in the right amounts, at the right ages. Learn what kids should be drinking from ages 0-18.

  • Convened leading national health and nutrition organizations to develop consensus for the first time on healthy drinks for children ages 0-5. Due to their success, the groups reconvened in 2023 to develop recommendations for kids ages 5-18.
  • The 0-5 guidelines were included in the 2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans Committee Report and cited in a citizen petition to the FDA regarding labeling of “transition formulas” and “toddler milks”. 
  • Influencing professional practice for pediatric dentists, dietitians, and pediatricians through updated reference manuals, clinical guidelines, and provider trainings, resulting in more consistent advice for parents across health visits.   
  • Developed over 50 consumer-facing materials, including graphics, fact sheets, and videos.

Generated significant media coverage, with 280+ print and digital pieces receiving 10.4 million views, and 840+ TV and radio airings reaching 30 million viewers and listeners across both releases. 

Nutrition Guidelines for the Charitable Food System

Nutrition guidelines tailored to the unique needs and capacity of the charitable food system.

Ages 0-2 Feeding Recommendations

Getting your child off to a healthy start sets them up for a healthy life. Learn what and how to feed your baby, from birth to 24 months.

Our Future

HER remains steadfast in the values that have guided us from the beginning: scientific rigor, solution-driven research, communication, and collaboration. Together with our partners, we envision a future where every child has the nourishment they need to learn, grow, and thrive—no matter their circumstances. Our work continues with one clear goal: to make healthy eating a reality for all children and families. Join us in shaping this future—explore our work, share your ideas, and partner with us to drive meaningful change.

How to Stay Involved