Examining the effects of SNAP policy changes on health and diet during the pandemic
Official title: Evaluating the Implementation and De-Implementation of Pandemic Era SNAP Expansion Policies on Diet and Health: A Mixed Methods Project
Funded at Harvard School of Public Health · NIH-10832272 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how changes to food assistance during the pandemic have affected the health and eating habits of low-income adults, and it’s designed to help understand both the good and bad effects of these changes on people's lives.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Harvard School of Public Health NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | September 22, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $2,299,164 |
| NIH project number | 1R01NR021098-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10832272 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are low-income adults who have experienced changes in SNAP benefits during the pandemic.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not low-income or who have not been affected by SNAP policy changes may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) during the pandemic have impacted the health and dietary habits of low-income adults. By analyzing data from various states, the project aims to understand both the positive effects of expanded SNAP benefits and the negative consequences of their reduction. The study employs a mixed methods approach, combining quantitative data analysis with qualitative interviews to capture the experiences of those affected. Participants may provide insights into their food security, health outcomes, and the overall impact of these policy changes on their lives.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved SNAP policies that enhance food security and health outcomes for low-income individuals.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that SNAP expansions can significantly improve food security and health outcomes, suggesting that this study builds on established findings.
Where this research is happening
-
Harvard School of Public Health
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Leung, Cindy — Harvard School of Public Health
- Study coordinator: Leung, Cindy
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.