As a mother of three who worked hard to feed my kids well, I know how much thought goes into trying to do right by them. What I didn't fully appreciate is just how much added sugar is built into the foods families trust most.

That's the picture our newest policy brief, Changing the Default: A Policy Roadmap for Reducing Added Sugars in U.S. Children's Diets, lays out in detail. Overconsumption of added sugar is a serious health risk to children, and it isn't just hiding in junk food; it's also in the bread, cereal, yogurt, and condiments families count on every day. 

As our director of policy and programs Priya Fielding-Singh told The New York Times this week: without even giving your children dessert, they can easily exceed the added sugar limit recommended by the American Heart Association.

The default food environment is working against families, and it isn’t a problem they can shop or cook their way out of. 

The good news is that policy has the power to change that default. From USDA rulemaking to state licensing to FDA labeling authority, policymakers at every level already have the levers they need to reduce children's exposure to and consumption of added sugars. Our brief translates those levers into six evidence-based recommendations spanning federal agencies, Congress, states, localities, schools, child care, and the grocery aisle.

What results is an explanation for why this public health problem is so urgent, and a roadmap for addressing it. I hope you'll give it a read.

Stacy Dean
Carbonell Family Executive Director
Global Food Institute

American children today consume far too much added sugar, and it is harming their health. The 2025–2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans set an ambitious new target for reducing this intake, advising that children under 11 avoid added sugars entirely. GFI's newest policy brief charts a path to make meaningful progress toward that goal, with six concrete recommendations for federal, state, and local policymakers.

Photo Credit: Gueits Production

Last week, GFI and the Partnership for a Healthier America co-hosted the second annual Good Food for All Summit, bringing together leaders from across the food system. 

Highlights included food journalist and Community Kitchen founder Mark Bittman’s conversation with Congressman Jim McGovern on why access to affordable, available, and culturally connected food is essential to improving public health in America. D.C. Councilmember Christina Henderson also closed the summit with a compelling look at the state of food assistance across the district.

Aspen Ideas Festival. From June 25 to July 1, join the Aspen Institute's flagship event in Colorado, bringing together global leaders, thinkers, artists, and innovators to discuss critical issues, including climate change, the pursuit of a flourishing economic future, and food systems, nutrition, and sustainability.

2026 Hunger Leadership Awards. On June 26, the Congressional Hunger Center will recognize leaders from the government, corporate, and nonprofit sectors at its annual award ceremony in Washington, D.C., honoring those advancing progress toward zero hunger in the U.S. and globally.

FAO's Global Conference on Smart Farming. From July 1–3, this international hybrid conference will explore how data and technology can advance sustainable agrifood systems, including scaling smart farming, supporting youth and women entrepreneurs, and shaping priorities for policy, collaboration, and investment – especially for small-scale farmers.

Southern Family Farmers & Food Systems Conference. From August 3–4, join nonprofit and sustainable agriculture advocates, along with chefs, in San Marcos, Texas, to learn about the policies and regulations shaping local food systems.

Millions Lose SNAP Benefits. SNAP enrollment has fallen sharply nationwide since the passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (H.R. 1) last summer. More than 3.5 million people have lost access to food assistance as states implement new eligibility requirements and stricter application processes. Harvard University’s Sara Bleich discusses the implications of the new rules. PBS News Hour

Health in a World of Crises and Impunity. A new Johns Hopkins Center for Humanitarian Health–Lancet Commission report calls for radical transformation of a humanitarian system failing to protect health amid rising conflict, displacement, and attacks on care workers. Essential reading for anyone working at the intersection of food, health, and crisis response. CHH–Lancet Commission

Seeding the Future. The Future Global Food System Challenge awards global innovations that lead to nutritious diets, sustainable practices, and equitable access to food. This year's finalists ranged from food loss reduction and inclusive market models to the production of nutrient-rich food to mitigate malnutrition. Welthungerhilfe

Train the Next Generation of Food Advocates. Next month, 100+ Gen Z students will come to the Hill for in-depth training on food security policy and advocacy. If you have experience in policy, advocacy, or lobbying, consider signing up to help students navigate their hill day. Congressional Hunger Center

When War and Weather Collide. An El Niño event – a climate pattern often accompanied by soaring temperatures and more extreme weather – combined with supply shocks from the Iran war, could sharply drive up global food prices and push millions more people into hunger. The Washington Post

Photo Credit: National Geographic Society

National Geographic's Museum of Exploration opens June 26 in Washington, D.C., with exhibits and immersive experiences exploring the wildlife, landscapes, communities, and cultures of our planet. Also opening: Explorers Eatery, an international food hall with five rotating stalls — American, Italian, Moroccan, Peruvian, and Vietnamese to start.

We want to lift up your work and share information about events, opportunities to collaborate or whatever you think is important to share. Email us at globalfoodinstitute@gwu.edu. 

Do you know someone who would be interested in this newsletter? Forward to a friend!