Dr. Lori Spruance on Nutrition Policy, Australia, and Public Health Research

In this episode of the Y Health Podcast, Dr. Cougar Hall welcomes back one of BYU Public Health’s most dynamic voices, Dr. Lori Spruance, to share insights from her recent Fulbright Fellowship in Australia, her groundbreaking work on nutrition policy, and her run for public office. 

Dr. Spruance dives into what it was like living in Rockhampton, the beef capital of Australia, complete with kangaroos on campus, sunburns from extreme UV levels, and a front-row seat to the unique cultural and geographic landscape of the country. Beyond the adventure, she breaks down her Fulbright research on dietary greenhouse gas emissions, explaining how our food choices—especially meat consumption—impact the environment, and how Australia compares to the U.S. in terms of school nutrition policy. 

The conversation shifts to the U.S., where Dr. Spruance shares updates on her latest research: 

• A study examining carbon footprints in children’s diets and how healthier meals can be more sustainable.
• A groundbreaking look at Pacific Islander families' perceptions of school meals, revealing key insights for improving participation and cultural sensitivity.
• An evaluation of Utah’s alternative breakfast models, shedding light on how policy changes play out on the ground.

She and Dr. Hall also discuss the importance of federally funded school meal programs, how school nutrition affects academic success, and why careful messaging matters—especially for children who rely on school meals daily.

In the final segment, Dr. Spruance reflects on her experience running as an independent candidate for the Utah State Senate, sharing candid thoughts on navigating politics while staying true to BYU’s politically neutral standards. She offers encouragement to anyone interested in public service and public health policy, emphasizing that change starts with showing up.

From advice for parents and students to small steps you can take to make your diet more climate-friendly, this episode is packed with practical tips, personal stories, and powerful research—all grounded in Dr. Spruance’s deep commitment to public health, equity, and community engagement.

Tune in for an inspiring episode that blends global perspective, local policy, and personal action.
 

Recorded, Edited & Produced by Christy Gonzalez, Harper Xinyu Zhang, Kailey Hopkins, and Tanya Gale