How school meal delivery affects behavioral disorders in children from underserved communities
Official title: The Impact of School Meal Delivery on Behavioral Disorders among Children in Health Disparity Populations
Funded at Univ of Arkansas for Med Scis · NIH-11086714 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how school meal programs can help kids with behavioral challenges like ADHD and oppositional defiant disorder, especially those who don’t always have enough to eat, by comparing two meal options: free meals for all students and breakfast served after school starts.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of Arkansas for Med Scis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Little Rock, United States) |
| Project start | June 21, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $340,293 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MH133857-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11086714 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children aged 0-21 years from underserved communities who experience food insecurity and exhibit behavioral disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Children who do not face food insecurity or do not exhibit behavioral disorders may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how access to school meal programs can impact behavioral disorders such as ADHD, oppositional defiant disorder, and conduct disorder in children, particularly those facing food insecurity. The study will explore two specific meal delivery options: the Community Eligibility Provision, which provides free meals to all students, and breakfast served after the school day begins. By analyzing the effects of these programs, the research aims to understand their role in reducing behavioral issues and improving academic performance among children in disadvantaged communities.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved mental health and academic outcomes for children in food-insecure households.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that school meal programs can reduce disciplinary incidents, indicating potential success for this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Univ of Arkansas for Med Scis
Little Rock, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Thomsen, Michael R. — Univ of Arkansas for Med Scis
- Study coordinator: Thomsen, Michael R.
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.