Public Impact

Patrick Webb Appointed Chief Nutritionist at USAID

Patrick Webb Appointed Chief Nutritionist at USAID

Patrick Webb, Alexander McFarlane Professor of Nutrition at the Friedman School, will be taking a 2-year leave of absence to assume the role of Chief Nutritionist at the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). USAID is an independent federal agency that receives overall foreign policy guidance from the Secretary of State.
Winners Announced for Innovate Forward Challenge

Winners Announced for Innovate Forward Challenge

Nestlé Health Science and The Food & Nutrition Innovation Institute at the Friedman School at Tufts University Announce Startup Challenge Winners
Study Reveals Insurance Premiums Stifle Wage Growth

Study Reveals Insurance Premiums Stifle Wage Growth

A new study from the Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy shows that insurance premiums are holding back wage growth, especially for people of color. The rising cost of health insurance is an ongoing concern in the United States. New research shows that increasing health insurance costs are eating up a growing proportion of worker’s compensation, and have been a major factor in both flattening wages and increasing income inequality over the past 30 years. 
New Report Shows Food is Medicine Interventions Would Save U.S. Lives and Billions of Dollars

New Report Shows Food is Medicine Interventions Would Save U.S. Lives and Billions of Dollars

Incorporating targeted food and nutrition strategies into healthcare on a national level will improve health and quality of life, reduce work for hospitals, and cut healthcare costs, according to experts studying Food is Medicine (FIM) efforts.
Produce Prescription Programs Study Shows Promising Benefits

Produce Prescription Programs Study Shows Promising Benefits

In the largest known such study to date, an analysis of participant records by Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy researchers found programs that provide free fruits and vegetables have measurable benefits for health and food security. Around the country, non-profits and local governments are testing the idea of food as medicine through “produce prescription programs”—with promising results, according to researchers from the Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy at Tufts University. 
New Directions at the Friedman School

New Directions at the Friedman School

We are excited to announce the appointment of Christina Economos as the new Dean of the Friedman School, effective July 1, 2023. Dariush Mozaffarian will be taking on a new leadership role to build a cross-school Food is Medicine initiative at Tufts. 
What Makes 'Junk Food' Junk? Friedman Experts Weigh In.

What Makes 'Junk Food' Junk? Friedman Experts Weigh In.

Study examines how three decades of U.S. policies define junk food for taxation and other regulations.
Dariush Mozaffarian Joins President’s Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition

Dariush Mozaffarian Joins President’s Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition

Dariush Mozaffarian, Distinguished Professor, Dean Emeritus, Jean Mayer Professor of Nutrition at Tufts University, and professor of medicine at Tufts University School of Medicine, will be joining the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness, & Nutrition.
Running with Purpose: Friedman Student Laces Up for Boston Marathon

Running with Purpose: Friedman Student Laces Up for Boston Marathon

For many runners, the Boston Marathon represents a personal achievement and a chance to push their limits. But for Friedman graduate student Samantha Jezak, the marathon has taken on a deeper meaning.
Five Tufts Faculty Named to List of Top Researchers in the World

Five Tufts Faculty Named to List of Top Researchers in the World

The scientific research by Tufts faculty is among top cited globally, according to a new Clarivate ranking