Using tailored meals to improve health outcomes for children facing serious illnesses and food insecurity
Official title: Feasibility of Medically Tailored Meals for Pediatric Populations at Risk for Disparities in Serious Illness Outcomes due to Inequities in Food-Related Social Drivers of Health
Funded at Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill · NIH-10951201 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how special meals delivered to homes can help children with serious illnesses, like cancer, who might not have enough healthy food, so they can feel better and their families can worry less about money.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chapel Hill, United States) |
| Project start | July 26, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $424,804 |
| NIH project number | 1R21NR021288-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10951201 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children aged 0-11 years who are facing serious illnesses and come from food-insecure households.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not facing food insecurity or who are not dealing with serious illnesses may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of medically tailored meals on pediatric patients who are at risk for health disparities due to food insecurity. The approach involves providing home-delivered meals that are specifically designed to meet the nutritional needs of children with serious illnesses, such as cancer. By addressing the social drivers of health, this project aims to improve the overall health and well-being of these children and their families. The study will also explore how these meals can alleviate the financial burden associated with food insecurity, allowing families to focus on care and recovery.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve health outcomes for children with serious illnesses by ensuring they receive the nutrition they need.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown success with medically tailored meals in adult populations, suggesting potential for similar benefits in pediatric patients.
Where this research is happening
-
Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Santacroce, Sheila Judge — Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
- Study coordinator: Santacroce, Sheila Judge
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.