On the Heights: October 2025
Faculty research shapes policy debates on mass deportation, SNAP benefits, and health communication while centers expand lifecourse research focus and new technology advances lab safety training.
Kate Bauer
Key US hunger report canceled: University of Michigan experts can comment
USDA ends its Household Food Security Report, the government's primary hunger and food insecurity measure. U-M experts can discuss implications of halting this decades-long annual data collection on US food policy and research.
Back to school: University of Michigan experts can discuss a range of topics
University of Michigan experts are available to discuss key back-to-school topics including AI in classrooms, teacher recruitment and retention, student mental health, school safety, nutrition security, concussions, and pandemic learning loss.
Restriction vs. incentives: The complex reality of SNAP food policies
U-M expert: SNAP food restrictions don't improve health outcomes, while incentive programs show promise
Several states are considering restricting SNAP benefit purchases for soda and certain products like chips and candy. Michigan Public Health professor and researcher Kate Bauer explains why such restrictions fail to improve health outcomes while increasing stigma, and offers evidence-based alternatives that preserve dignity for recipients.
Michigan Public Health fellowship program equips parents to shape policies, improve food security
The Feeding MI Families Community Food Advocacy Fellowship trains Michigan parents to advocate for better food access and nutrition assistance.
The University of Michigan School of Public Health’s Feeding MI Families Community Food Advocacy Fellowship empowers Michigan parents to become advocates for food access and policy change. Developed with support from the Michigan Health Endowment Fund, the fellowship equips participants with the skills and confidence to address food insecurity through local advocacy and community action.
Grandparents help grandkids in many ways -- but the reverse may be true too, poll suggests
New data from the National Poll on Healthy Aging shows grandparents who see their grandchildren regularly are less likely to feel isolated.