Fed up with teaching nutrition?
Meals for monster
An interactive board game activity for the elementary school classroom to teach nutrition
Why nutrition?
14.7 million children
More than fourteen million children and adolescents were affected by obesity between 2017-2020, according to the CDC National Health Statistic Report1. Nutrition plays a paramount role in preventing childhood obesity by starting and maintaining good habits that can last a lifetime.
Why a board game?
Social education
Rather than competing for children's attention on a digital platform, a physical board game provides a hands on experience in nutrition education, inciting conversations about the American diet in an environment of play, self-guided learning, and feedback2.
What can we do?
An adventure-strategy board game
Meals for Monster teaches the following concepts:
• Added sugar
• Fats and Oils
• Micronutrients (Calcium, Vitamin D, Iron)
• Healthy cooking methods
• Salt content
• Meal and dessert ideas
• Physical Exercise
How do I prepare the game?
Activity preparation
1. Print the Game Board, Game cards (double sided), and Bingo Cards and cut using paper trimmer.
2. Fold bottom quarter of game cards to hide answers.
3. Each set will require a game piece for each player and 2 dice for the group.
How do I prepare the class?
Classroom preparation
1.) Students can play in groups of 3-4. The game is designed for 3rd - 4th grade students.
2.) Each student needs a Bingo card and monster game piece. Erasers or small toys work well!
3.) An instructions sheet is available as a handout and concise rules are at the bottom of the board.
Where can I get the game?
Available for free
Meals for Monster is available for download as PDF, zipped for convenience. Game pieces can be customized to the classroom setting (not included). Pre-made kits may be available for purchase, please contact us for more information.
Who created Meals for Monster?
By students, for students
Meals for Monster is a program founded by Craig Mendonca, a student doctor with a distinction in Global and Public Health at the Frank H. Netter M.D. School of Medicine at Quinnipiac University.
Need help?
Contact us
Interested in collaboration or adapting this game to a unique environment? Missing files? Suggestions? Send us a message through this form and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
1Stierman, Bryan et al. (2021). National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2017–March 2020 Prepandemic Data Files Development of Files and Prevalence Estimates for Selected Health Outcomes. (158).
2Perez-Rodrigo, C. and J. Aranceta, Nutrition education in schools: experiences and challenges. European journal of clinical nutrition, 2003. 57(1): p. S82-S85.Funded by the Frank H. Netter M.D. School of Medicine at Quinnipiac University.
In collaboration with the Game Design & Development at Quinnipiac University.
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We will get back to you as soon as possible.