Arkansas Children's Nutrition Center

Arkansas Children's Nutrition Center ACNC researches maternal-child nutrition and physical activity to understand health and development.

The Arkansas Children’s Nutrition Center (ACNC) is a growing and vibrant research center focusing on improving child health and optimizing function throughout development. The faculty and scientific staff are dedicated to discovering the fundamental biology of childhood brain and metabolic processes, and the mechanisms by which diet and physical activity (both maternal and child) impact these networks. The ACNC is a national Human Nutrition Research Center established as a partnership between the Arkansas Children’s Hospital (ACH) and the United States Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service (USDA-ARS). Since its inception in 1994, the ACNC has become a premier research venue for the study of maternal-child health and early childhood development. Its location in Little Rock benefit from a supportive community and strong collaborative ties with the Arkansas Children’s Research Institute and the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences.

Understanding how children grow and develop is a key part of our work at the Arkansas Children’s Nutrition Center. 📏⚖️Sc...
01/21/2026

Understanding how children grow and develop is a key part of our work at the Arkansas Children’s Nutrition Center. 📏⚖️

Scarlett is helping demonstrate some of the body composition measurements we use in research—such as height, weight, skinfolds, and body circumferences—with the help of our team member, Anni. These measurements allow us to follow growth patterns and development in children over time.

Thank you to our incredible participants and families who make this research possible. 💙

Interested in learning more about our studies? Visit our website to learn more about current research opportunities: https://www.archildrens.org/research/research-programs-and-centers/arkansas-childrens-nutrition-center

⭐ Feedback Friday ⭐At the Arkansas Children’s Nutrition Center (ACNC), supporting our participants and their families is...
01/16/2026

⭐ Feedback Friday ⭐

At the Arkansas Children’s Nutrition Center (ACNC), supporting our participants and their families is always our priority. A research parent recently shared this feedback:

💬 “The attention to the participants and their families are awesome.”

We’re grateful for our ACNC team that shows up with intention and compassion for every family we serve. 💙

Are you less than 37 weeks pregnant and interested in breastfeeding? Arkansas Children’s Nutrition Center invites you to...
01/16/2026

Are you less than 37 weeks pregnant and interested in breastfeeding? Arkansas Children’s Nutrition Center invites you to participate in a breastfeeding research study to evaluate programs to support breastfeeding if you're 18 or older. As a thank you, you may receive $100 and a 1.5-year supply of diapers for 13 study visits over 2 years.

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

Fueling kids (and grown-ups!) doesn’t have to be complicated.Looking for snack ideas that support steady energy and grow...
01/15/2026

Fueling kids (and grown-ups!) doesn’t have to be complicated.

Looking for snack ideas that support steady energy and growing bodies? Try pairing protein + fiber to help kids feel full and focused between meals:
🥕 Apple slices + peanut butter
🧀 Cheese + whole-grain crackers
🍓 Greek yogurt + berries
🥒 Veggies + hummus

Small, simple choices can make a big difference over time—especially during busy school weeks.

Are you less than 37 weeks pregnant? Join Arkansas Children’s Nutrition Center breastfeeding research study to evaluate ...
01/14/2026

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

Are you expecting? 🤍The Arkansas Children’s Nutrition Center is conducting research studies with pregnant moms to help u...
01/11/2026

Are you expecting? 🤍

The Arkansas Children’s Nutrition Center is conducting research studies with pregnant moms to help us better understand growth and development.

Eligible participants may receive payment and/or diapers as a thank-you for their time and commitment.

Learn more about how you can be part of research that supports healthy beginnings.

⭐ Feedback Friday! ⭐We’re excited to spotlight one of our incredible team members today! A research parent recently shar...
01/10/2026

⭐ Feedback Friday! ⭐

We’re excited to spotlight one of our incredible team members today! A research parent recently shared this about their experience at the Arkansas Children’s Nutrition Center:

💬 “Mandeepa was amazing and took the time to talk my child through a procedure with so much patience and care.”

This feedback perfectly reflects the empathy, compassion, and dedication Mandeepa brings to her work every day. We’re so grateful for team members who prioritize trust, comfort, and kindness for every child and family we serve. 💙

Are you less than 37 weeks pregnant and interested in breastfeeding? Arkansas Children’s Nutrition Center invites you to...
01/09/2026

Are you less than 37 weeks pregnant and interested in breastfeeding? Arkansas Children’s Nutrition Center invites you to participate in a breastfeeding research study to evaluate programs to support breastfeeding if you're 18 or older. As a thank you, you may receive $100 and a 1.5-year supply of diapers for 13 study visits over 2 years.

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

New Year, Fresh Goals! 🎉Making lifestyle changes isn’t always easy—but with the right mindset, it’s absolutely doable. H...
01/08/2026

New Year, Fresh Goals! 🎉

Making lifestyle changes isn’t always easy—but with the right mindset, it’s absolutely doable. Here are 5 simple tips to help you set goals and stick with them this year:

1. Make It Meaningful: Choose a goal that matters to you. Expecting a baby? Focus on nourishing foods that support both you and your growing little one. 🍏

2. Get Specific: Clear goals create clarity. Instead of “I want to be more active,” try “I’ll walk for 30 minutes, three times a week.”

3. Keep It Realistic: Set goals you can sustain. Love sweets? Don’t eliminate them—try swapping one dessert a day for fruit. 🍰➡️🍎

4. Focus on Consistency: Small, steady habits add up over time. Keep showing up and celebrate every win along the way. 🗓️✅

5. Check In & Adjust: Life happens—review your goals regularly and adjust as needed to stay on track. 🔄

You’ve got this! Here’s to making this year your healthiest and happiest yet. ✨

🎉 Celebrating Excellence at the Arkansas Children’s Nutrition Center 🎉We’re excited to recognize three outstanding ACNC ...
01/06/2026

🎉 Celebrating Excellence at the Arkansas Children’s Nutrition Center 🎉

We’re excited to recognize three outstanding ACNC team members who were honored with peer-nominated awards—making this recognition even more meaningful. Being celebrated by colleagues who see your work every day is truly special. 🌟

🏆 Outstanding ACNC Clinical Research Award
Precious Jeffrey – Celebrated for her unwavering dedication and commitment to our study participants.

🏆 Outstanding ACNC Basic Research Award
Ying Zhong – Recognized for exceptional contributions and dedication in the wet bench setting.

🏆 Outstanding ACNC Mentorship Award
Haile Assress, Ph.D. – Honored for exemplary mentorship through active listening, thoughtful feedback, and leading with respect and empathy.

A heartfelt congratulations to our award winners and a big thank-you to all nominees and ACNC team members. Your hard work, collaboration, and passion continue to make a meaningful impact. Here’s to an inspiring and impactful year ahead! ✨

Are you less than 37 weeks pregnant and interested in breastfeeding? Arkansas Children’s Nutrition Center invites you to...
12/17/2025

Are you less than 37 weeks pregnant and interested in breastfeeding? Arkansas Children’s Nutrition Center invites you to participate in a breastfeeding research study to evaluate programs to support breastfeeding if you're 18 or older. As a thank you, you may receive $100 and a 1.5-year supply of diapers for 13 study visits over 2 years.

To find out if you are eligible, call 📞501-364-3309 or 📧 email acncstudies@archildrens.org

🌟 Meet Brittany! 🌟Brittany is a Supervisor of Research Laboratory at the Arkansas Children’s Nutrition Center! Brittany ...
12/16/2025

🌟 Meet Brittany! 🌟

Brittany is a Supervisor of Research Laboratory at the Arkansas Children’s Nutrition Center! Brittany has been part of the ACNC family for 2.5 years, and her impact is felt every day across our research programs.

In her role, Brittany oversees all things lab-related — from study start-up and sample collection to processing and testing biological samples using advanced analytical techniques. Her work helps drive the science that supports healthier futures for kids across Arkansas.

💬 Why she loves working at ACNC:
“I love that I am able to come to work every day and use my scientific background, knowledge, and expertise to help advance child health across Arkansas.”

✨ A proud accomplishment:
Brittany led the implementation of a fully electronic laboratory sample management and inventory system — a major step forward in supporting efficient and high-quality research.

🥨 Favorite healthy snack: Pretzels and hummus
🥾 Outside of work: Hiking with her husband and binge-watching anything True Crime
💡 Three words to describe ACNC: Compassion • Teamwork • Innovation

🗣️ Brittany’s favorite part about ACNC:
“I love that the ACNC shows kids firsthand that science and research can be fun!”
Help us celebrate Brittany and the incredible work she does to support child health research! 💙🔬✨

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15 Children's Way
Little Rock, AR
72202

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

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The Arkansas Children’s Nutrition Center (ACNC) is a growing and vibrant nutrition research center focusing on improving child health. The faculty and staff are dedicated to discovering the impact of diet and physical activity (both maternal and child) on childhood brain and metabolic development. ACNC is a partnership between the USDA-Agricultural Research Service and Arkansas Children’s Hospital, in collaboration with the Arkansas Children’s Research Institute and the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences.