Examining the impact of increased SNAP benefits on health outcomes and disparities.
Official title: Growth and decline in SNAP generosity: Outcome and equity implications
Funded at Brandeis University · NIH-11088943 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how extra food assistance from the SNAP program can improve health and healthcare access for different racial and ethnic groups, as well as people with disabilities, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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 21, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $633,085 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MD019025-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11088943 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals from racial/ethnic minority backgrounds and those with disabilities who experience food insecurity.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not experience food insecurity or do not belong to the targeted racial/ethnic or disability groups may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how additional Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits affect healthcare outcomes and disparities among different racial/ethnic groups and individuals with disabilities. By analyzing national Medicaid data alongside unique linked claims and SNAP data from Massachusetts, the study aims to understand the relationship between food insecurity and healthcare access, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. The research will focus on how changes in SNAP benefits influence healthcare utilization, disease management, and overall health outcomes for vulnerable populations.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved healthcare outcomes and reduced disparities for racial/ethnic minorities and people with disabilities.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that food assistance programs can positively impact health outcomes, suggesting that this approach may yield significant insights.
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.