UAMS receives million NIH grant to address feeding practices at early child care sites
UAMS has been awarded a million-dollar grant by the National Institutes of Health to enhance healthy feeding practices at early childhood care and education sites in Arkansas and Louisiana. Led by researcher Taren Massey-Swindle, the five-year study aims to eliminate inappropriate feeding practices and promote evidence-based approaches to support healthy eating habits in children. By training childcare providers at 80 sites across the two states, researchers hope to implement strategies like role-modeling enjoyment of food and encouraging children to explore new foods through taste, smell, and touch. This project builds on earlier studies by Massey-Swindle and Julie Rutledge, with the goal of creating lasting healthy eating habits for children nationwide.