Creating Resources Uplifting Nutrition, Culture and Health at Lunch, CRUNCH Lunch, uses robust, engaging, and comprehensive teacher professional development to make the connection between STEM and school lunch happen. We have learned in our prior work that enabling teachers to deliver culturally relevant science curricula tying STEM to students’ experiences around their neighborhood food environment can spark interest in STEM and increase food literacy by promoting health self-efficacy, health literacy, and healthier eating behaviors. The current environment of adopting Universal Free Meals throughout the U.S. offers an unprecedented opportunity to improve attitudes and confidence in STEM and connect education to school lunch for up to 30 million public school children.
Team
Dr. Koch is the Mary Swartz Rose Associate Professor in the Program in Nutrition, and faculty director of the Laurie M. Tisch Center for Food, Education & Policy. She has expertise in science education and nutrition education. Dr. Koch served as the Project Director and Co-Investigator on three SEPAs (Isobel Contento PI, funded 1997–2012). Throughout these decades, she has worked extensively with the New York City Department of Education. She has authored several curricula linking science to nutrition, including the SEPA funded LiFE Curriculum Series, Growing Food, Farm to Table & Beyond, and Choice, Control and Change, in its second edition. These volumes continue to be published by Kids Gardening and widely used.
Dr. Koch is the Mary Swartz Rose Associate Professor in the Program in Nutrition, and faculty director of the Laurie M. Tisch Center for Food, Education & Policy. She has expertise in science education and nutrition education. Dr. Koch served as the Project Director and Co-Investigator on three SEPAs (Isobel Contento PI, funded 1997–2012). Throughout these decades, she has worked extensively with the New York City Department of Education. She has authored several curricula linking science to nutrition, including the SEPA funded LiFE Curriculum Series, Growing Food, Farm to Table & Beyond, and Choice, Control and Change, in its second edition. These volumes continue to be published by Kids Gardening and widely used.
Dr. Mensah is a Professor of Science Education and Department Chair of Mathematics, Science & Technology at Teachers College, Columbia University. Dr. Mensah’s research focuses on science teacher preparation and professional development. Her research is guided by culturally relevant teaching, multiculturalism, and critical race theories. She utilizes critical race theory and intersectionality to transform teacher education research and practices by looking at the experiences of teachers of color, scientists and women of color, and preparing future teacher educators for racial literacy. Dr. Mensah also conducts research to understand how students think about and engage in science. Dr. Mensah will contribute her extensive experience with professional development in science education and teaching and learning in a multicultural context.
Dr. Mensah is a Professor of Science Education and Department Chair of Mathematics, Science & Technology at Teachers College, Columbia University. Dr. Mensah’s research focuses on science teacher preparation and professional development. Her research is guided by culturally relevant teaching, multiculturalism, and critical race theories. She utilizes critical race theory and intersectionality to transform teacher education research and practices by looking at the experiences of teachers of color, scientists and women of color, and preparing future teacher educators for racial literacy. Dr. Mensah also conducts research to understand how students think about and engage in science. Dr. Mensah will contribute her extensive experience with professional development in science education and teaching and learning in a multicultural context.
Ms. Trent has 20 years of leadership in operations and employee management, academic research, and community engagement, including working with the New York City Department of Education on multiple research projects that involve curriculum and school lunch. Prior to joining CRUNCH Lunch she was at the Tisch Food Center for Food, Education and Policy, and most recently managed a project on early childhood oral health. As Project Manager she coordinates all aspects of the development of the CRUNCH Lunch Teacher Professional Development workshops and the CRUNCH Lunch Resource Hub, which includes developing the content for all web-based materials and working with our web developer and graphic designer to create the CRUNCH Lunch website. She is the primary contact for principals and teachers and will plan the data collection for the evaluation. Ms. Trent will also coordinate dissemination.
Ms. Trent has 20 years of leadership in operations and employee management, academic research, and community engagement, including working with the New York City Department of Education on multiple research projects that involve curriculum and school lunch. Prior to joining CRUNCH Lunch she was at the Tisch Food Center for Food, Education and Policy, and most recently managed a project on early childhood oral health. As Project Manager she coordinates all aspects of the development of the CRUNCH Lunch Teacher Professional Development workshops and the CRUNCH Lunch Resource Hub, which includes developing the content for all web-based materials and working with our web developer and graphic designer to create the CRUNCH Lunch website. She is the primary contact for principals and teachers and will plan the data collection for the evaluation. Ms. Trent will also coordinate dissemination.
Our Education and Evaluation Team
Jennifer Cadenhead, PhD, RDN, is the Executive Director for the Laurie M. Tisch Center for Food, Education and Policy and Research Assistant Professor, Program in Nutrition, in the Department of Health and Behavioral Studies at Teachers College, Columbia University. Prior to serving as Executive Director she was the Center’s Goldberg Postdoctoral Scholar, Food Trauma in Children. She also has spent over 20 years volunteering, fundraising, and serving on the boards of numerous community non-profits, including the local school wellness committee, school garden, and food pantry, along with over a dozen years as an actuarial consultant, honing her database and financial skills. Dr. Cadenhead focuses on using large data and qualitative methods to study the impact of federal and local government food policies on children’s health and nutrition security. Her work’s primary aim is to understand and improve access to healthy and culturally acceptable foods for all people, particularly children from underserved groups.
Jennifer Cadenhead, PhD, RDN, is the Executive Director for the Laurie M. Tisch Center for Food, Education and Policy and Research Assistant Professor, Program in Nutrition, in the Department of Health and Behavioral Studies at Teachers College, Columbia University. Prior to serving as Executive Director she was the Center’s Goldberg Postdoctoral Scholar, Food Trauma in Children. She also has spent over 20 years volunteering, fundraising, and serving on the boards of numerous community non-profits, including the local school wellness committee, school garden, and food pantry, along with over a dozen years as an actuarial consultant, honing her database and financial skills. Dr. Cadenhead focuses on using large data and qualitative methods to study the impact of federal and local government food policies on children’s health and nutrition security. Her work’s primary aim is to understand and improve access to healthy and culturally acceptable foods for all people, particularly children from underserved groups.
Dr. Cohen is an Associate Professor, Department of Nutrition and Public Health, Merrimack College and an Adjunct Associate Professor, Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. Dr. Cohen directs the NOURISH lab, which is an interdisciplinary, translational research lab focusing on evaluating novel interventions and policies to address diet-related health disparities in children.Dr. Cohen has extensive publications related to nutrition education and school meals in urban, suburban and rural school districts across the United States. She has published extensively on evaluating school-based nutrition policies and interventions, school food policies and environments, how diets related to academic performance and cognitive functioning, and innovative policies and strategies for healthier food consumption. Dr. Cohen will contribute her knowledge and expertise in all aspects of developing, evaluating, and disseminating CRUNCH Lunch.
Dr. Cohen is an Associate Professor, Department of Nutrition and Public Health, Merrimack College and an Adjunct Associate Professor, Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. Dr. Cohen directs the NOURISH lab, which is an interdisciplinary, translational research lab focusing on evaluating novel interventions and policies to address diet-related health disparities in children.Dr. Cohen has extensive publications related to nutrition education and school meals in urban, suburban and rural school districts across the United States. She has published extensively on evaluating school-based nutrition policies and interventions, school food policies and environments, how diets related to academic performance and cognitive functioning, and innovative policies and strategies for healthier food consumption. Dr. Cohen will contribute her knowledge and expertise in all aspects of developing, evaluating, and disseminating CRUNCH Lunch.
Alexandra DeSorbo-Quinn serves as Executive Director of Pilot Light, a nonprofit focused on bringing Food Education to classrooms nationwide by partnering with PreK-12 teachers to integrate food into learning. Alex was hired to the organization in 2014 by its founders as its first staff member. Since then, she has proudly worked in partnership with many educators, chefs, and community members to grow the reach of our Food Education programs from one school to 79, impacting over 25,000 students nationwide. Alex earned her Master of Public Health degree with a concentration in epidemiology at Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health and a doctorate in health education from Teachers College, Columbia University. She began her career at Harlem Hospital in New York City, where she managed two federally-funded community-based studies looking at the impacts of arts-based public health education in New York City Public Schools and faith-based institutions.
Alexandra DeSorbo-Quinn serves as Executive Director of Pilot Light, a nonprofit focused on bringing Food Education to classrooms nationwide by partnering with PreK-12 teachers to integrate food into learning. Alex was hired to the organization in 2014 by its founders as its first staff member. Since then, she has proudly worked in partnership with many educators, chefs, and community members to grow the reach of our Food Education programs from one school to 79, impacting over 25,000 students nationwide. Alex earned her Master of Public Health degree with a concentration in epidemiology at Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health and a doctorate in health education from Teachers College, Columbia University. She began her career at Harlem Hospital in New York City, where she managed two federally-funded community-based studies looking at the impacts of arts-based public health education in New York City Public Schools and faith-based institutions.
Dr. Donofrio is a teacher in the New York City Department of Education on the Upper West Side of Manhattan and works in the Autism Spectrum Nest program. Dr. Donofrio is part of the Wellness Committee at her school and completed her Ph.D. in educational psychology at the City University of New York’s Graduate Center. She is passionate about connecting what students are learning to real life choices, including diet, exactly the philosophy of CRUNCH Lunch. Dr. Donofrio will help with the development and implementation of the CRUNCH Lunch, particularly on the content and flow of the two teacher workshops, and the layout, clarity, and content of the Resource Hub.
Dr. Donofrio is a teacher in the New York City Department of Education on the Upper West Side of Manhattan and works in the Autism Spectrum Nest program. Dr. Donofrio is part of the Wellness Committee at her school and completed her Ph.D. in educational psychology at the City University of New York’s Graduate Center. She is passionate about connecting what students are learning to real life choices, including diet, exactly the philosophy of CRUNCH Lunch. Dr. Donofrio will help with the development and implementation of the CRUNCH Lunch, particularly on the content and flow of the two teacher workshops, and the layout, clarity, and content of the Resource Hub.
Dr. LaRock is a special education teacher within the New York City Public Schools and teaches at P.S. 148Q - The Ruby G. Allen School. He holds a Doctor of Philosophy degree in the Applied Sciences of Learning and Special Education with a focus on Intellectual Disability/Autism from Teachers College, Columbia University. For 17 years, he has taught first through fifth grade in a variety of classroom settings. At his school, he led teachers in sustained professional learning. The workshops focused on helping teachers write high-quality learning intentions and create success criteria to determine if students were meeting lesson goals. His professional interests include the intersection of race and disability, strengthening the school-home connection, neurodiversity, and nutrition education. Dr. LaRock will help with the development and implementation of CRUNCH Lunch, particularly on the content and flow of the two teacher workshops, as well as the layout, clarity, and content of the Resource Hub.
Dr. LaRock is a special education teacher within the New York City Public Schools and teaches at P.S. 148Q - The Ruby G. Allen School. He holds a Doctor of Philosophy degree in the Applied Sciences of Learning and Special Education with a focus on Intellectual Disability/Autism from Teachers College, Columbia University. For 17 years, he has taught first through fifth grade in a variety of classroom settings. At his school, he led teachers in sustained professional learning. The workshops focused on helping teachers write high-quality learning intentions and create success criteria to determine if students were meeting lesson goals. His professional interests include the intersection of race and disability, strengthening the school-home connection, neurodiversity, and nutrition education. Dr. LaRock will help with the development and implementation of CRUNCH Lunch, particularly on the content and flow of the two teacher workshops, as well as the layout, clarity, and content of the Resource Hub.
Ms. Mampara is the Director of Education at FRESHFARM in Washington, DC. She has over 25 years of experience teaching young children how to grow, cook, eat, and enjoy nutritious food. Originally from Colorado, she earned her master degree from Teachers College at Columbia University in Nutrition & Education and worked with a number of non-profits and universities in New York. She helped to launch the FoodPrints program in 2009, and under her direction, it has grown from serving 200 students at one school to currently reaching more than 7,600 students at 21 DC public schools. The FoodPrints curriculum was developed, tested, and refined over 10 years with thousands of Washington DC students and is accessible to all online. Ms. Mampara will work on the development and implementation of CRUNCH Lunch, particularly the Resource Hub that will include the FoodPrint lessons.
Ms. Mampara is the Director of Education at FRESHFARM in Washington, DC. She has over 25 years of experience teaching young children how to grow, cook, eat, and enjoy nutritious food. Originally from Colorado, she earned her master degree from Teachers College at Columbia University in Nutrition & Education and worked with a number of non-profits and universities in New York. She helped to launch the FoodPrints program in 2009, and under her direction, it has grown from serving 200 students at one school to currently reaching more than 7,600 students at 21 DC public schools. The FoodPrints curriculum was developed, tested, and refined over 10 years with thousands of Washington DC students and is accessible to all online. Ms. Mampara will work on the development and implementation of CRUNCH Lunch, particularly the Resource Hub that will include the FoodPrint lessons.
Dr. Deborah A. Olarte is a Registered Dietitian and Research Associate and Lecturer in the Department of Nutrition and Public Health, in the School of Nursing and Health Sciences at Merrimack College. Dr. Olarte received her MS in Nutrition and Public Health and her PhD in Behavioral Nutrition from Teachers College, Columbia University. Her research goals include improving students’ nutrition and overall health through school wellness and increasing the role teachers play in school meals. Her current research focuses on the impact of Breakfast After the Bell on adolescent students' diet, nutrition and health, and on universal free school meals in California and Maine and the de-implementation of universal free school meals in Anchorage, Alaska.
Dr. Deborah A. Olarte is a Registered Dietitian and Research Associate and Lecturer in the Department of Nutrition and Public Health, in the School of Nursing and Health Sciences at Merrimack College. Dr. Olarte received her MS in Nutrition and Public Health and her PhD in Behavioral Nutrition from Teachers College, Columbia University. Her research goals include improving students’ nutrition and overall health through school wellness and increasing the role teachers play in school meals. Her current research focuses on the impact of Breakfast After the Bell on adolescent students' diet, nutrition and health, and on universal free school meals in California and Maine and the de-implementation of universal free school meals in Anchorage, Alaska.
Dr. Roberts is an Adjunct Full Professor at Teachers College, Columbia University, and the founder of Interactive Health LLC, a research and evaluation consulting company that provides independent evaluation services on federal and state grant initiatives. She has expertise in creating evaluation plans, instrument design, collecting and analyzing comprehensive sets of data, and writing statistical reports. Dr. Roberts has been the evaluator on many schools, community, and organization grants related to education, science, and health. Currently, Dr. Roberts is involved in evaluating several initiatives, including a 21st Century Community Learning Center grant, an Extended School Day/School Violence Prevention Program, and a Smart Start Grant, which focuses on fostering, implementing, and disseminating innovative teaching methodologies.
Dr. Roberts is an Adjunct Full Professor at Teachers College, Columbia University, and the founder of Interactive Health LLC, a research and evaluation consulting company that provides independent evaluation services on federal and state grant initiatives. She has expertise in creating evaluation plans, instrument design, collecting and analyzing comprehensive sets of data, and writing statistical reports. Dr. Roberts has been the evaluator on many schools, community, and organization grants related to education, science, and health. Currently, Dr. Roberts is involved in evaluating several initiatives, including a 21st Century Community Learning Center grant, an Extended School Day/School Violence Prevention Program, and a Smart Start Grant, which focuses on fostering, implementing, and disseminating innovative teaching methodologies.
Melissa Terry is an educator, urban farmer, and Food Policy Researcher with a Master of Science degree in Agricultural and Extension Education. Her academic research focuses on food conservation policy, agricultural education, and circular food systems in the school food environment. Melissa is the lead author of the Guide to Conducting Student Food Waste Audits: A Resource for Schools. She is a principal investigator on the World Wildlife Fund's Food Waste Warriors: A Deep Dive into Food Waste in US Schools, a primary research contributor to the WWF's Reducing Food Waste in Schools: The Business Case, and co-author of Enabling Share Tables in the National School Lunch Program: Legal Review and Best Management Practices. Ms. Terry is the principal investigator of the USDA's Urban Agriculture Innovation Program planning grant for community culinary food systems. Melissa will advise on all aspects of the project and particularly the school lunch waste audit section of the Resource Hub.
Melissa Terry is an educator, urban farmer, and Food Policy Researcher with a Master of Science degree in Agricultural and Extension Education. Her academic research focuses on food conservation policy, agricultural education, and circular food systems in the school food environment. Melissa is the lead author of the Guide to Conducting Student Food Waste Audits: A Resource for Schools. She is a principal investigator on the World Wildlife Fund's Food Waste Warriors: A Deep Dive into Food Waste in US Schools, a primary research contributor to the WWF's Reducing Food Waste in Schools: The Business Case, and co-author of Enabling Share Tables in the National School Lunch Program: Legal Review and Best Management Practices. Ms. Terry is the principal investigator of the USDA's Urban Agriculture Innovation Program planning grant for community culinary food systems. Melissa will advise on all aspects of the project and particularly the school lunch waste audit section of the Resource Hub.
Our Graduate Research Assistants
Maddy Jurish is attending Teachers College for her Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics to become a Registered Dietitian. She is from Westchester, NY and is now living in Manhattan. She graduated from Colgate University in 2014 and was an elementary school teacher for eight years in Brooklyn and the Bronx. She is passionate about education and nutrition and their intersection, which makes CRUNCH Lunch a perfect fit. She is very excited about joining the team!
Maddy Jurish is attending Teachers College for her Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics to become a Registered Dietitian. She is from Westchester, NY and is now living in Manhattan. She graduated from Colgate University in 2014 and was an elementary school teacher for eight years in Brooklyn and the Bronx. She is passionate about education and nutrition and their intersection, which makes CRUNCH Lunch a perfect fit. She is very excited about joining the team!
Marilyn is currently pursuing a Master of Science degree in Nutrition Education at Teachers College, Columbia University. Originally from Little Rock, Arkansas, Marilyn completed a Bachelor of Science degree in Nutrition and Dietetics from New York University with a minor in Adolescent Mental Health Studies. On the path to becoming a Registered Dietitian, she is passionate about improving health literacy in youth populations through nutrition-focused initiatives. Marilyn is excited to join the CRUNCH Lunch team as a Research Assistant and delve further into the intersection between school nutrition, health equity, and cultural inclusion.
Marilyn is currently pursuing a Master of Science degree in Nutrition Education at Teachers College, Columbia University. Originally from Little Rock, Arkansas, Marilyn completed a Bachelor of Science degree in Nutrition and Dietetics from New York University with a minor in Adolescent Mental Health Studies. On the path to becoming a Registered Dietitian, she is passionate about improving health literacy in youth populations through nutrition-focused initiatives. Marilyn is excited to join the CRUNCH Lunch team as a Research Assistant and delve further into the intersection between school nutrition, health equity, and cultural inclusion.
Connor is a doctoral student in mathematics education at Teachers College, Columbia University, where he focuses on both data science and data science education. Connor obtained his first master’s degree in applied math and statistics at Hunter College, where he served as an adjunct lecturer, and later pursued an Ed.M. degree in economics and education at Teachers College with an emphasis on econometrics and causal analysis. A recipient of the Presidential Cup and Youth Employment Innovation Fellowship at International House New York, Connor is eager to study the relationships between technology, education, and human development, particularly in the era of the widespread adoption of artificial intelligence and its implications for students' education.
Connor is a doctoral student in mathematics education at Teachers College, Columbia University, where he focuses on both data science and data science education. Connor obtained his first master’s degree in applied math and statistics at Hunter College, where he served as an adjunct lecturer, and later pursued an Ed.M. degree in economics and education at Teachers College with an emphasis on econometrics and causal analysis. A recipient of the Presidential Cup and Youth Employment Innovation Fellowship at International House New York, Connor is eager to study the relationships between technology, education, and human development, particularly in the era of the widespread adoption of artificial intelligence and its implications for students' education.
Katerina is a doctoral student in Behavioral Nutrition at Teachers College, Columbia University. Her research focuses on public health nutrition, food systems, and health equity, with a special interest in nutrition education. Katerina earned her Master’s in Public Health Nutrition from the CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, where she honed her expertise in community nutrition and public health policy. As a registered dietitian, Katerina has worked with patients managing chronic diseases like diabetes and obesity, and contributed to food insecurity and health disparities research at the CUNY Urban Food Policy Institute. Currently, Katerina is exploring the role of nutrition education in addressing systemic health inequalities and promoting sustainable food systems, focusing on improving access to healthy food in underserved communities.
Katerina is a doctoral student in Behavioral Nutrition at Teachers College, Columbia University. Her research focuses on public health nutrition, food systems, and health equity, with a special interest in nutrition education. Katerina earned her Master’s in Public Health Nutrition from the CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, where she honed her expertise in community nutrition and public health policy. As a registered dietitian, Katerina has worked with patients managing chronic diseases like diabetes and obesity, and contributed to food insecurity and health disparities research at the CUNY Urban Food Policy Institute. Currently, Katerina is exploring the role of nutrition education in addressing systemic health inequalities and promoting sustainable food systems, focusing on improving access to healthy food in underserved communities.
Rachel is a doctoral student in Behavioral Nutrition at Teachers College, Columbia University. Her research focuses on nutrition education, behavior change, and obesity prevention. She earned her Master’s degree in Clinical Nutrition from New York University. As a registered dietitian, Rachel has worked with patients on weight management and chronic diseases management, aiming to promote preventive care and long-term health through evidence-based nutritional interventions. She is currently exploring how the integration of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) into nutrition education can foster healthy eating habits, improve health literacy and well-being, and promote sustainable food systems.
Crystal is pursuing a Master of Arts in Instructional Technology and Media at Teachers College, Columbia University. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy from the University of California, Berkeley. Passionate about advancing educational equity, Crystal focuses on leveraging digital tools to make learning accessible for all. Her diverse experiences as a teaching assistant in language immersion schools, a curriculum designer at universities, and a researcher in education and linguistics equip her with a unique skill set in the education field. Crystal’s current work explores the intersection of design, learning sciences, and technology, with the goal of applying instructional design to create innovative solutions that expand access to STEM education.
Crystal is pursuing a Master of Arts in Instructional Technology and Media at Teachers College, Columbia University. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy from the University of California, Berkeley. Passionate about advancing educational equity, Crystal focuses on leveraging digital tools to make learning accessible for all. Her diverse experiences as a teaching assistant in language immersion schools, a curriculum designer at universities, and a researcher in education and linguistics equip her with a unique skill set in the education field. Crystal’s current work explores the intersection of design, learning sciences, and technology, with the goal of applying instructional design to create innovative solutions that expand access to STEM education.
Funding
This project is administered by the Teachers College, Columbia University, Department of Health Studies & Applied Educational Psychology and Department of Mathematics, Science & Technology. Funding comes from a Science Education Partnership Award (SEPA), grant from the National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS) at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of NIH.
We also received SEPA funding from 1997 to 2012 for the Linking Food and the Environment (LiFE) Curriculum Series (PI: Isobel R. Contento). This series has 3 volumes, Growing Food, Farm to Table & Beyond, Choice, Control & Change.
