FoodMASTER Funding

FoodMASTER Funding

The first funded project was supported by Ohio University 1804 funds. In 2005, team FMI received a National Institutes of Health (NIH) Science Education Partnership Award (SEPA). In 2008, FMI received project funding from the United States Department of Agriculture, and in 2009, supplemental NIH funding. NIH SEPA remains the primary funder of the FMI with awards dates of 2005-2008, 2009-2010, 2011-2016, and 2017-2022. 

NIH Science Education Partnership Award

The Science Education Partnership Award (SEPA) Program funds innovative K-12 STEM and Informal Science Education (ISE) educational projects. SEPA projects create partnerships among biomedical and clinical researchers and K-12 teachers and schools, museums and science centers, media experts, and other educational organizations. SEPA K-12 resources target state and national K-12 standards for STEM teaching and learning and are rigorously evaluated for effectiveness. SEPA is sponsored by the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

In 2008, the Food, Math, and Science Teaching Enhancement Resource (FoodMASTER) initiative received a two year award to fund a second phase of research aimed at disseminating FoodMASTER Intermediate nationally. Results from Phase I & II of the parent grant have shown promise for using food as a tool to teach mathematics and science to intermediate students. In 2009, the FoodMASTER Initiative received an additional two years of supplemental funding from SEPA as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. As a result of this funding, Food on the Farm was developed as a mathematic-based supplement to the FoodMASTER Intermediate curriculum.

USDA Higher Education Grant Challenge Award

The United States Department of Agriculture Higher Education Grant Challenge Award supports programs that use creative or non-traditional approaches to address higher education needs related to foods and agriculture. Collaborative projects are encouraged that serve as a model, enhance program quality, and anticipate benefits beyond the funding period.

The Food, Mathematics, and Science Teaching Enhancement Resource (FoodMASTER) Initiative received three years of funding from the USDA Higher Education Grant Challenge Award to develop foods education materials that integrate health and incorporate hands-on learning activities. FoodMASTER: Food Experiences for the Adult Learner was pilot-tested in a sophomore-level food science course at East Carolina University. Initial results show promise for preparing Food and Nutrition professionals using the curriculum.