Arkansas Children's Nutrition Center

03/14/2026

🥧 Happy Pi Day from the ACNC!

Today we’re celebrating 3.14—and every number represents something important to us: families who partner with us to advance child health research.

Just like π is essential in math, nutrition and physical activity are essential for healthy growth, development, and overall wellbeing.

💬 Fun question for you: Are you celebrating Pi Day with pie, math, or both? Tell us in the comments!

03/13/2026

Are you currently less than 37 weeks pregnant and interested in breastfeeding?

Arkansas Children’s Nutrition Center has a breastfeeding research study to help us learn about breastfeeding intervention that you may be eligible for if you are 18 years of age or older!

There will be 13 study visits over 2 years. To thank you for your time and participation you will be paid $100 and provided a 1.5-year supply of diapers.

Contact us to find out if you qualify:
📞501-364-3309
or
📧acncstudies@archildrens.org

03/11/2026

Happy Registered Dietitian Day!

This year’s theme from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, “Discover the Power of Nutrition,” celebrates how food fuels our bodies, supports growth, and promotes lifelong health.

Our dietitians are sharing insights for families during pregnancy, toddlerhood, and the school years.

03/11/2026

🌸 Looking for a different kind of Spring Break activity?

Some families spend part of their break partnering with researchers to help us learn more about child health and development.

By participating in research, families help scientists discover new insights that can support kids now and in the future.

Curious what participating in a research visit is like?

🔗 Learn more about participating: https://www.archildrens.org/research/research-programs-and-centers/arkansas-childrens-nutrition-center

💬 What are your family’s plans for Spring Break this year?

03/07/2026

⭐ Feedback Friday ⭐

Nothing means more to us than hearing how families experience their time at the Arkansas Children’s Nutrition Center.

One family recently shared:
“It’s awesome the way how we as a family are treated and the special place for waiting.”

From the moment families walk through our doors, our goal is to create a space where parents and children feel welcomed, respected, and comfortable. Whether families are participating in research or spending time in our Living Center, those moments together help make the experience meaningful for everyone involved.

Thank you to the families who partner with us and make this work possible. Your feedback fuels our team. 💙

03/06/2026

Less than 15 weeks pregnant with a BMI greater than 30?

You might be eligible for a community-based exercise research study at ACNC. Study will last throughout pregnancy and 1-year following delivery.

Monetary and other non-monetary incentives provided for your participation.

Contact us to find out if you qualify:
📞501-364-3309
or
📧acncstudies@archildrens.org

Learn more about the Community Expecting study for expectant women.

03/04/2026

Wellness Wednesday 🌿 | National Nutrition Month

Nutrition plays an important role even before a baby is born. During pregnancy and early childhood, nutrients help support growth and development.

At Arkansas Children’s Nutrition Center, a part of our research focuses on understanding how early nutrition shapes long-term health.

This March, we’re celebrating the power of informed, supportive nutrition choices for moms, babies, and families.

Stay tuned all month for tips and resources.

03/04/2026

Are you less than 37 weeks pregnant?

Join Arkansas Children’s Nutrition Center breastfeeding research study to evaluate breastfeeding support programs!

Participate in 13 study visits over 2 years and you may receive $100 along with a 1.5-year supply of diapers as a thank you for your time.

Contact us: 501-364-3309 | acncstudies@archildrens.org

03/03/2026

📸 Science in action at the Arkansas Children’s Nutrition Center

Meet Imani, one of our amazing research participants, stopping for a photo in our lobby! Behind her is a computer-generated image created from MRI technology that helps scientists and doctors better understand how children grow and develop.

These images allow researchers to see incredible detail—helping them study how the body works and supports healthy development in childhood. While the science behind it is complex, the goal is simple: learning more so we can support healthier futures for kids.

We’re so grateful to families like Imani’s who help make this important work possible 💙

02/26/2026

We’re proud to share that Dr. Keshari Thakali, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at the Arkansas Children’s Nutrition Center, was featured on Little Rock ARC on KATV Channel 7 in recognition of Heart Health Month.

During the segment, Dr. Thakali discussed why heart health begins in childhood and how everyday habits — balanced nutrition, regular movement and quality sleep — help lay the foundation for lifelong cardiovascular health.

At ACNC, our research focuses on understanding how early-life nutrition and physical activity impact long-term health outcomes, helping families and communities build healthier futures from the start.

Thank you to KATV for highlighting the importance of prevention and pediatric research in our community. ❤️

02/25/2026

Expecting a little one soon?

If you're under 37 weeks pregnant and considering breastfeeding, you might qualify for a breastfeeding research study at Arkansas Children’s Nutrition Center to help us learn about breastfeeding intervention!

Participants aged 18+ may receive $100 and a 1.5-year supply of diapers as a token of our appreciation for your time and commitment for 13 study visits over 2 years.

Contact us to find out if you qualify:
📞501-364-3309
📧acncstudies@archildrens.org

02/24/2026

Our team loved being part of the Arkansas Children's for a Newborn Event: Health, Safety & Learning!

Katina and Anni enjoyed connecting with families, sharing nutrition education, and talking about opportunities to participate in research at Arkansas Children's Nutrition Center. Events like this are a great reminder of how strong communities support healthy starts for babies.

Thank you to Arkansas Children's Hospital Southwest Little Rock Clinic for hosting such an impactful day filled with car seat check-ups, health screenings, safe sleep education, vaccines, and helpful resources for families.

We’re grateful to partner with others who are working to help children be better today and healthier tomororw!