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WELCOME TO

The Ethno-Nutrition Project

We create community connection through interactive games and literature to inspire families navigating rare diseases and complex feeding needs to rediscover the joy of food.

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What We Do

Explore and buy our games and books that make complex nutritional education immersive and fun.

Where we host networking and collaborative workshops for families to establish support networks and exchange resources

Everyday Anthropology in daily life, from food and hobbies to the strategic thinking behind playing board games.

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WHY IT MATTERS

Anthropology isn't just the science of humanity 

Join us on this journey to explore how we learn to understand ourselves and each other.

What People are Saying

"What you are doing in absolutely amazing and we need you to keep sharing so that there can be a new generation of rare-disease advocates."

— Anna S., Retired Nurse (MA)

"Thank you for sharing your story and discovery of your love for food, flavors and culture with the next generation! We are so excited to join."

— Nisha Patel, Parent (NJ)

"I'm amazed by Arjun's passion for cooking and actually taking the time to share his journey of winning against 'that' broccoli!"

— Shushma Patel,  Parent (NJ)

What People are Saying

"We need more voices like this that will show us what is important and the more this work is shared, the more change will come."

— Kavita A., Nutritionist (CT)

"We're so glad we purchased the game! Playing it helped my family see mealtime as something joyful again! This game bridges science and heart in a way we've never seen before."

— Mina P., Grandparent (CT)

"Attending a pop-up event gave our kids a new language to talk about food, culture, and mealtime together. We're so grateful for these events."

— Paula M., Parent/Nanny (MA)

What Clients are Saying

"Arjun brings together culture, science, and storytelling in a way that makes complex nutrition topics feel simple, human, and deeply meaningful for everyone involved."

— Healthcare Provider

"Watching my daughter learn about her feeding tube through Arjun's games made a scary topic feel safe. This project truly changes how families experience food."

— A Parent, Community Member

"Our community pop-up left families smiling, connected, and hopeful. Ethno-Nutrition reminded us that food is memory, identity, and love, all at once."

— Community Organizer

Selected Highlights

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PORTFOLIO

Projects & Fieldwork

A curated look at the projects, community pop-ups, and creative experiments driving the Ethno-Nutrition Project forward.

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Anthropology in Everyday Life

Let’s dive into the ways our everyday activities can help shape our collective success.

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PODCAST — Available on Spotify

Strategic Squares

Exploring how different board games across cultures and time periods have shaped analytical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills

Recent News & Achievements

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RARE NEW ENGLAND CONFERENCE EXHIBITOR

Debut presentation of Meal Match game for VLCAD patients and families. Advocating for rare-disease, sharing resources and templates and enjoying talking about food, spices, and games with others. 

Recent News & Achievements

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At the Edge of a Bite

Selected as a winner of the 2026 Anthropology UnEssay Competition for a poem that captured the essence of being "on the verge" of something and drawing attention to the threshold of a moment.

Recent News & Achievements

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Our book featured in Times Square

A recipe book from someone who has navigating feeding challenges and needed to make every bite count. As advertised in NY Times Squre, The Table Between Us is available now at all retail bookstores.

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About THE FOUNDER

Arjun Patel

Arjun combines his fascination with anthropology and love of crafting to explore how to uplift people around him in creative ways. Through his handmade fashion pieces and community pop-up shops, he hopes to celebrate art and humanity by bringing people together across generations.

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When he isn't documenting herbs from his medicinal garden or sketching new board game ideas, you'll find him hosting community pop-ups that bring science and tradition together in fun and unique ways.

Fun fact: In his free time, you might find Arjun quietly observing local birds in their natural habitat or experimenting in the kitchen with new recipes. Check out his blog post on birdwatching and his recipe book!

Get in Touch

Let's Explore Together

Do you want to be a part of this? Have a story, a recipe, or a research idea to share? We'd love to have you join our project!

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