Consumer Education Foundation

The Consumer Education Foundation was formed to promote healthy eating, and to help people improve what they eat, how much they eat, and how much they enjoy food. Established as a charitable fund in 1999, it was awarded the status of a tax-deductible foundation in 2005 under its registered name, the Wansink Consumer Education Foundation. Its mission is focused on food-related education, and it helps educate people to be better consumers by supporting a number of types of projects. The Foundation sponsors and administers the National Science Fair Awards, a Consumer Camp in conjunction with the Cornell University Food and Brand Lab, and the Small Plate Movement.

Science Fair Awards
The Foundation issues certificates along with all expense-related awards to elementary and secondary students who are conducting school-based or 4-H projects aimed at helping people make healthier food choices and develop healthier eating habits. These awards are typically in the range of $25–75 and tend to be related to a science fair or to a nutrition-related school project in either the United States or in Canada. The priority is on creative, novel ideas. Students who are from small public schools or from rural areas are especially encouraged to apply. Applications are evaluated on a continuous basis.

Consumer Camp


The Foundation also sponsors Consumer Camp on the campus of Cornell University during one of the first two weekends in April. This provides a full-day “on-hands” opportunity for people of all ages to learn how to improve what they eat, how much they eat, and how much they enjoy food.