About EVERGREEN

EVERGREEN: The EVidEnce-based Research GRoup to EvaluatE Nutrition policy is an interdisciplinary research group at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, led by Dr. Eric Rimm and Dr. Sara Bleich, that evaluates the impact of nutrition policy on food purchased or consumed in supermarkets, restaurants, and schools, and also examines how these policies affect nutrition and health. Our primary strategic aim is to provide a strong evidence base to improve nutrition policies, which can lead to healthier environments and communities. Our research group includes faculty from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health Departments of Nutrition, Epidemiology, and Health Policy and Management, as well as faculty from the University of New England. Our post-docs and doctoral students are from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health Departments of Nutrition, Epidemiology, Health Policy, and Social and Behavioral Sciences.

Recently, our research has focused on the evaluation and improvement of various federal nutrition assistance programs, including SNAP and school meal programs. These programs provide a large percentage of low-income individuals and children with much-needed nutrition, and thus, it is important these programs are as efficient, effective, and nutritious as possible. Please see our research publications page for more information on our new findings.

SNAP Research

Recently, we have conducted research to see what percentage of SNAP purchases fall into various food categories, such as fruits and vegetables, convenience foods, and sugar-sweetened beverages. We have also started to pilot innovative methods to encourage SNAP participants to purchase more fruits and vegetables over less healthy options.

School Nutrition Programs

In addition to looking at SNAP, we have also conducted research relating to federal nutritional assistance programs in school settings, such as Smart Snacks, National School Lunch Program, and more.