From Kitchen to Clinic

Children receiving cancer treatment often experience nutrition-related challenges, such as changes in appetite, weight, and food intake, due to treatment side effects and the demands placed on families during care. These challenges can increase caregiver stress, reduce diet quality, and contribute to short- and long-term health risks for children. While medically tailored meals have been shown to improve nutrition and reduce burden in adults with serious illness, their use in pediatric cancer care has not been well studied. This pilot study will evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of a 12-week, family-centered food-as-medicine program for children undergoing active cancer treatment and their caregivers. The program combines weekly delivery of medically tailored meals with individualized caregiver coaching provided by registered dietitian nutritionists. During the first eight weeks, families receive full meal support and weekly coaching sessions, followed by a four-week transition period with tapered meal delivery and bi-weekly coaching to support sustainable nutrition practices. A total of 60 pediatric patients and their caregivers will be enrolled at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. The study will assess whether families can be successfully recruited and retained, whether they are able to participate in study activities, and whether the program is acceptable and usable during cancer treatment. The study will also explore preliminary effects on children's dietary intake, weight and growth patterns, treatment tolerance, household nutrition security, and caregiver stress and burden.

Sex

All

Minimum age

5 Years

Maximum age

21 Years

Patient Inclusion Criteria:

1. Receiving cancer treatment for any cancer diagnosis
2. Within the first 3-6 weeks of diagnosis i. Diagnosis date is defined as the date of the family meeting relaying diagnosis to the patient/caregiver/family
3. At least 5-21 years of age at the time of enrollment
4. English-speaking
5. Approved to participate by both their oncologist and RDN
6. Must anticipate to live in the same household as the designated caregiver for the duration of the study

Patient Exclusion Criteria:

1. Experiencing swallowing or digestive diseases/food allergies (e.g. celiacs, lactose intolerance, nut allergy), or specific food preferences that cannot be accommodated by MANNA.
2. Receiving nutrition via nasogastric or gastric tube feedings
3. Bone marrow transplant patient