Improving school and community pantry food to reduce childhood food insecurity
DP24-004, PRC, Core: Emory Prevention Research Center
This project works with schools and local partners in Georgia to make rescued and pantry foods healthier and easier for children and families to use.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Emory University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11136824 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From my perspective as a parent or caregiver, this project partners with Helping Hands Ending Hunger, schools, and community groups to change how food rescue and school pantry programs operate so the food is more nutritious and reaches more children. The team will develop a set of practical actions—such as food selection guidance, staff training, and partnership steps—and test which approaches help programs adopt better nutrition practices. They will form a Learning Collaborative to help rural communities apply an equity lens to local assessments, planning, and adapting proven interventions. Community and statewide advisory boards will guide the work so changes reflect local needs.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Families with school-aged children served by participating Georgia schools and community partners—especially in rural, low-income, Black, and Hispanic communities—are the ideal participants or beneficiaries.
Not a fit: People outside the participating Georgia regions or not served by the partner programs, and adults without school-aged children, may not see direct benefits.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, more nutritious food would be available through school-based and community pantry programs, helping improve children's diets and reduce food insecurity.
How similar studies have performed: Other community food program improvements have shown promising gains in access and diet quality, but combining implementation science with an equity-focused Learning Collaborative is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
Atlanta, United States
- Emory University — Atlanta, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kegler, Michelle C — Emory University
- Study coordinator: Kegler, Michelle C
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 below.