Examining the impact of changes to food assistance programs on health outcomes and disparities
Official title: Unwinding pandemic-era social programs: Effects on healthcare outcomes and disparities
Funded at Brandeis University · NIH-10835335 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how the end of extra food assistance during the pandemic affects the health and healthcare access of people with disabilities and different racial and ethnic backgrounds, helping us understand what changes might mean for their well-being.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Brandeis University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Waltham, United States) |
| Project start | September 19, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $2,332,008 |
| NIH project number | 1R01NR021130-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10835335 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with disabilities and those from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds who have experienced changes in food assistance benefits.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not rely on food assistance programs or who are not affected by the changes in SNAP benefits may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the end of increased food assistance benefits during the pandemic affects healthcare outcomes and disparities among individuals with disabilities, and different racial and ethnic groups. By analyzing variations in state policies and individual benefit changes, the study aims to identify the causal impacts of these changes on health and healthcare access. The research utilizes a combination of national Medicaid data and detailed state-level data to ensure robust findings that can inform future policy decisions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding of how food assistance impacts health, potentially guiding policies to reduce health disparities.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown that food assistance programs like SNAP can reduce food insecurity and improve health outcomes, but this research aims to address gaps in understanding the specific impacts of recent policy changes.
Where this research is happening
-
Brandeis University
Waltham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sonik, Rajan Anthony — Brandeis University
- Study coordinator: Sonik, Rajan Anthony
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.