Linking school lunch with science and nutrition education for children
Official title: Creating Resources Uplifting Nutrition, Culture, and Health at Lunch (CRUNCH Lunch)
Funded at Columbia University Teachers College · NIH-10914889 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking to make learning about science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) more fun and relatable for elementary school kids by connecting it to their school lunches, with the hope of helping them eat healthier and get excited about STEM subjects.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Columbia University Teachers College NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $268,993 |
| NIH project number | 5R25GM146276-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10914889 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are elementary school-aged children, particularly those participating in the National School Lunch Program.
✕Less likely to help
Children who do not participate in school lunch programs or are outside the elementary school age range may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to connect science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education with the real-life experience of school lunches. By integrating the National School Lunch Program with STEM subjects, the project seeks to enhance food literacy and increase the consumption of healthy meals among elementary school students. The program will be evaluated in a diverse urban population of approximately 15,840 students, focusing on making STEM relatable and culturally relevant. The ultimate goal is to foster early interest in STEM and improve health outcomes through better nutrition education.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved health outcomes and increased interest in STEM subjects among young children.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that integrating nutrition education with STEM subjects can lead to improved health outcomes and increased student engagement.
Where this research is happening
-
Columbia University Teachers College
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Koch, Pam Ann — Columbia University Teachers College
- Study coordinator: Koch, Pam Ann
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.