Lorrene Ritchie
ProfessorUniversity of California Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources (Director, Nutrition Policy Institute and Cooperative Extension Specialist)
Devoted 30 years to research topics related to pediatric nutrition and obesity prevention through program, policy, systems and environmental change approaches.
Has several awards including the Huddleson Award from the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and the Gold Author Recognition Award from the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior.
Conducts research related to the impact of nutrition on public health with a focus on the government nutrition assistance programs in the U.S., including the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC), the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP), and the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs with the goal of prevention of food insecurity, obesity and preventable health conditions among the youngest and most vulnerable populations in the U.S.