Improving school meals and physical activity for elementary students in Anchorage, Alaska
Evaluation of a District-Wide Initiative to Improve School Meal Consumption and Physical Activity Levels among Elementary Students in Anchorage, Alaska
This study is looking at a program designed to help elementary school kids in Anchorage, Alaska, eat better and be more active, especially focusing on those from less advantaged backgrounds, and it will follow about 4,000 students over four years to see how their eating and activity habits change.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Merrimack College NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (North Andover, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11000831 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates a wellness initiative aimed at enhancing the dietary habits and physical activity levels of elementary school students in Anchorage, Alaska. The initiative includes longer lunch periods and increased physical activity opportunities, with a focus on children from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds and racial/ethnic minorities. The study will track changes in meal consumption and physical activity over four years, involving approximately 4,000 students in grades K-4. Data will be collected through plate waste methodology and accelerometer measurements to assess the effectiveness of the program.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are elementary school students in grades K-4, particularly those from Alaska Native or American Indian backgrounds.
Not a fit: Children outside of the K-4 grade range or those not attending schools participating in the wellness initiative may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved nutrition and increased physical activity among children, potentially reducing obesity rates.
How similar studies have performed: Previous initiatives aimed at improving school meal programs and physical activity have shown promise, suggesting that this approach could yield positive results.
Where this research is happening
North Andover, United States
- Merrimack College — North Andover, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cohen, Juliana Fw — Merrimack College
- Study coordinator: Cohen, Juliana Fw
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.