top of page

NYS FAM Research
Resource Guide

Effective dietary interventions during pregnancy: a systematic review and meta-analysis of behavior change techniques to promote healthy eating | BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

This article evaluates the effectiveness of dietary interventions for pregnant women. The study analyzed 37 randomized controlled trials and identified that interventions incorporating behavior change techniques (BCTs) such as "Reward and threat" and "Action planning" significantly improved dietary quality and vegetable intake. Additionally, interventions delivered by nutrition professionals and those involving group sessions were more effective than those delivered by other health professionals or through digital platforms. The authors recommend that future dietary interventions during pregnancy should incorporate and report on BCTs used to enhance their effectiveness.

O’Connor, H., Meloncelli, N., Wilkinson, S.A. et al. (2025). Effective dietary interventions during pregnancy: a systematic review and meta-analysis of behavior change techniques to promote healthy eating. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth. 25, 112. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12884-025-07185-z

Link

Data Collection, Exchange, Evaluation & Privacy

2025

Small Running Title

Evaluation of public health and economic impacts of dietary salt reduction initiatives on social security expenditures for cardiovascular disease control in Japan

This article assesses the effectiveness of Japan's salt reduction policies. Despite a decline in average salt intake from 13.9 g in 1995 to 10.1 g by the mid-2010s, levels remain above the World Health Organization's recommended limit of 5 g per day. The study utilizes simulation models to project that achieving national salt reduction targets could prevent 1–3% of cardiovascular events and reduce related healthcare costs by up to 2% over a decade. The authors advocate for enhanced collaboration among government, the food industry, and academia to develop and implement effective salt reduction strategies, aiming to alleviate the economic burden of cardiovascular diseases in Japan's aging society.

Ikeda, N., Yamaguchi, M., Kashino, I. et al. (2025). Evaluation of public health and economic impacts of dietary salt reduction initiatives on social security expenditures for cardiovascular disease control in Japan. Hypertens Res. 48, 1265–1273. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41440-025-02108-z

Link

Data Collection, Exchange, Evaluation & Privacy

2025

Small Running Title

School salad bars raise fruit intake among kids

A study conducted by researchers at Virginia Commonwealth University and Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU found that implementing salad bars in elementary schools led to an increase in fruit consumption among students, while vegetable intake remained unchanged. The research, involved analyzing over 13,000 photos of students' lunch trays before and after the installation of salad bars in seven schools, compared to control schools. The study also highlighted that the benefits were consistent across economically diverse schools, including Title I schools where a significant portion of students receive free or reduced-price lunches. The findings suggest that salad bars can be an effective strategy to enhance children's nutrition in school settings.

de Jonge, L., Thornton, L., Raynor, H., Mendoza, A., Farthing, S., Moore, B. (2025, February 13). School salad bars raise fruit intake among kids and benefit economically diverse schools VCU researchers find. Virginia Commonwealth University, International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity. https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1073647

Link

Data Collection, Exchange, Evaluation & Privacy

2025

Small Running Title

ACS (American Community Survey) Data Updated To 2019-2023 | PolicyMap Food insecurity and cardiovascular disease risk factors among U.S. adults

PolicyMap has updated its platform to include the latest American Community Survey (ACS) data for 2019–2023, offering over 5,000 updated indicators across social, economic, housing, and demographic categories. This update also incorporates nearly 300 new indicators from the 2020 Decennial Census Demographic and Housing Characteristics (DHC), enhancing insights into population and housing conditions nationwide. Users can now explore trends in demographics, income, and housing affordability through interactive maps, charts, and reports, facilitating comparisons at local, county, state, and national levels. PolicyMap's platform bridges geographic boundary changes to ensure accurate trend analysis over time.

Andreoni, M. (2025, February 24). ACS Data Updated to 2019-2023. PolicyMap. https://policymap.com/blog/acs-data-updated

Link

Data Collection, Exchange, Evaluation & Privacy

2025

Small Running Title

A western dietary pattern during pregnancy is associated with neurodevelopmental disorders in childhood and adolescence

This study examined the link between maternal dietary patterns during pregnancy and neurodevelopmental disorders in children. Analyzing data from the COPSAC2010 cohort, which included 508 mother-child pairs, researchers found that a Western dietary pattern during pregnancy was associated with an increased risk of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism diagnoses in offspring. The study further validated these findings across three independent cohorts, encompassing over 60,000 participants, through various methodologies, including maternal and fetal blood metabolomics. The research identified 15 metabolites that mediated the association between maternal diet and ADHD, suggesting potential biomarkers for early prediction. These findings underscore the importance of prenatal nutrition and its potential impact on child neurodevelopment, highlighting the need for targeted dietary interventions during pregnancy.

Horner, D., Jepsen, J.R.M., Chawes, B. et al. (2025). A western dietary pattern during pregnancy is associated with neurodevelopmental disorders in childhood and adolescence. Nat Metab. 7, 586–601. https://doi.org/10.1038/s42255-025-01230-z

Link

Data Collection, Exchange, Evaluation & Privacy

2025

Small Running Title

Mediterranean diet and hypertension: relationship between adherence to a Mediterranean diet and arterial hypertension

This study examines the relationship between adherence to the Mediterranean diet and hypertension, focusing on associated cardiovascular risk factors. Researchers analyzed data from 178 hypertensive patients and 175 non-hypertensive controls, finding that hypertensive individuals had significantly lower adherence to the Mediterranean diet. Lower adherence was linked to a higher prevalence of dyslipidemia, chronic kidney disease, and peripheral artery disease, as well as worse lipid profiles. The study suggests that promoting Mediterranean diet adherence in hypertensive patients could improve cardiovascular health outcomes.

Daidone, M., Di Chiara, T., Del Cuore, A. et al. (2025). Mediterranean diet and hypertension: relationship between adherence to a Mediterranean diet and arterial hypertension. BMC Nutr. 11, 44. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40795-025-01025-1

Link

Data Collection, Exchange, Evaluation & Privacy

2025

Small Running Title

From Research to Results: Building the Evidence Base to Tackle America’s Nutrition Crisis

This article discusses the efforts of the National Institutes of Health's Office of Nutrition Research (ONR) to enhance nutrition science in the U.S. The ONR aims to improve the rigor, reproducibility, and precision of nutrition research to address diet-related health issues, which cost the U.S. economy over $1.1 trillion annually. Director Andrew Bremer emphasizes the need for actionable, solution-focused science to combat the rising rates of conditions like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. The article also highlights the ONR's commitment to fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and advancing nutrition science to support public health and national well-being.

Seeley, E. (2013-2025). From Research to Results: Building the Evidence Base to Tackle America's Nutrition Crisis. FoodTank. https://foodtank.com/news/2024/12/from-research-to-results-building-the-evidence-base-to-tackle-americas-nutrition-crisis/

Link

Data Collection, Exchange, Evaluation & Privacy

2025

Small Running Title

Geospatial Analysis of Food Insecurity and Adverse Human Health Outcomes in the United States

This article investigates the spatial relationship between food insecurity and various health outcomes across the U.S. Utilizing geospatial analysis techniques, the study identifies regions where high levels of food insecurity coincide with increased prevalence of chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular conditions. The research highlights significant disparities, particularly in rural and low-income communities, emphasizing the need for targeted public health interventions. The findings underscore the importance of addressing food insecurity as a means to improve overall health outcomes and reduce healthcare disparities.

Joseph, N. (2025, February). Geospatial Analysis of Food Insecurity and Adverse Human Health Outcomes in the United States. GeoHealth. 9(2):e2024GH001198. https://doi.org/10.1029/2024GH001198

Link

Data Collection, Exchange, Evaluation & Privacy

2025

Small Running Title

Development of new measures to assess household nutrition security, and choice in dietary characteristics

This article focuses on creating novel self-administered tools to evaluate household nutrition security and dietary choices. The study introduces preliminary measures designed to capture aspects of nutrition security that extend beyond traditional food security assessments, aiming to provide a more comprehensive understanding of dietary quality and accessibility. These tools are intended to aid researchers and policymakers in identifying nutritional gaps and informing interventions to improve dietary outcomes at the household level. The development of such measures is crucial for addressing nuanced aspects of nutrition-related health disparities.

Calloway, E.E., Carpenter, L.R., Gargano, T., Sharp, J.L., Yaroch, A.L. (2022, December). Development of new measures to assess household nutrition security, and choice in dietary characteristics. Appetite. Vol. 179. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.appet.2022.106288

Link

Data Collection, Exchange, Evaluation & Privacy

2022

Small Running Title

Hunger on the Rise: New York’s Food Insufficiency Rates Hit New Highs and Exceed Pandemic Levels (2024 Update) - New York Health Foundation

This report reveals that food insufficiency in New York State reached 10.4% in 2024, surpassing early pandemic levels. Households with children, Black and Hispanic residents, and low-income individuals are disproportionately affected, with the lowest-income households experiencing food insufficiency at rates 13 times higher than those earning $100,000 or more. The expiration of federal aid programs like SNAP Emergency Allotments and the Child Tax Credit, along with rising food prices, have contributed to this increase. The report recommends expanding outreach for SNAP and WIC, implementing universal free school meals, and ensuring adequate funding for emergency food programs to address these challenges.

Okonkwo, C., Ford, M., McCarthy, J., Barrett, A., Havusha, A., Sandman, D. (2025, March 31). Hunger on the Rise: New York’s Food Insufficiency Rates Hit New Highs and Exceed Pandemic Levels (2024 Update). New York Health Foundation. https://nyhealthfoundation.org/resource/hunger-on-the-rise-nys-food-insufficiency-2024update/?utm_source=launch&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=food+brief+2025

Link

Data Collection, Exchange, Evaluation & Privacy

2025

Small Running Title

CMS - Opportunities in Medicaid and CHIP to address Social Determinants of Health (SDOH)

This State Health Official (SHO) letter advises states on how states can choose to provide flexible coverage through Medicaid and CHIP to address social determinants of health (SDOH). States flexibility to choose to provide optional benefits under state plan authority is outlined here. Through waiver authority under section 1915 of the Act, states can offer non-mandatory benefits under demonstration project waiver, or expenditure authorities under section 1115 of the Act. Other opportunities for states to address SDOH in their Medicaid and/or CHIP programs, and in some instances receive federal financial participation for the services and benefits, is provided assuming states meet the requirements of the coverage authority.

Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). (2021, Jan 7). Opportunities in Medicaid and CHIP to address Social Determinants of Health (SDOH). CMS. https://www.medicaid.gov/federal-policy-guidance/downloads/sho21001.pdf

Link

Addressing Health-Related Social Needs: Information, Guidance, and Lessons Learned

2021

Small Running Title

Meeting Health-Related Social Needs through Medicaid - Center for Health Care Strategies

This website is a resource center for how state's can leverage federal flexibilities to tailor individual Medicaid coverage to meet health-related social needs (HRSN). Topics include designing Medicaid benefits, supporting health care and community-based organization (CBO) partnerships, and developing accountability mechanisms.
Link

Addressing Health-Related Social Needs: Information, Guidance, and Lessons Learned

2023

Small Running Title

Supporting Primary Care for Medically and Socially Complex Patients in Medicaid Managed Care | Health Policy | JAMA Network Open | JAMA Network

This cross-sectional study of payment model development and performance was conducted between February 2022 and November 2024. Participants included all 2019 Massachusetts Medicaid managed-care eligible members who were enrolled for 183 days or longer, and describes MassHealth’s initiative and a complexity-adjusted payment model.

Ash, A.S., Alcusky, M.J., Ellis, R.P., Sabatino, M.J., Eanet, F.E., Mick, E.O. (2025). Supporting Primary Care for Medically and Socially Complex Patients in Medicaid Managed Care. JAMA Netw Open. 8(2):e2458170. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.58170

Link

Addressing Health-Related Social Needs: Information, Guidance, and Lessons Learned

2025

Small Running Title

Texas bill could save billions by treating food as medicine via Medicaid

This new article highlights a bill that has been filed in the state looking at food as a medication. Republican Texas representative Tom Oliverson from east Texas has introduced house bill 2946.

Sterling, P. (2025, February 26). Texas bill could save billions by treating food as medicine via Medicaid. MSN. https://www.msn.com/en-us/politics/government/texas-bill-could-save-billions-by-treating-food-as-medicine-via-medicaid/ar-AA1zSlDq?ocid=BingNewsVerp

Link

Addressing Health-Related Social Needs: Information, Guidance, and Lessons Learned

2025

Small Running Title

Applying Evidence to Address Social Needs in Health Care: Insights from Complex Care Experts | Playbook

This article discusses how the design of interventions that address social needs would be more effective in its outcomes if critical thinking methods were used and data was collected through meaningful community engagements that go beyond limited peer-reviewed, observational studies, and randomized control trials; to include an experience-based approach that builds trust within communities and it's partners.

Lisch, M. (2025, January 14). Applying Evidence to Apply Social Needs in Health Care: Insights from Complex Care Experts. Center for Health Care Strategies. https://bettercareplaybook.org/applying-evidence-to-address-social-needs-in-health-care-insights-from-complex-care-experts/

Link

Addressing Health-Related Social Needs: Information, Guidance, and Lessons Learned

2025

Small Running Title

bottom of page