Using SNAP to Enhance Mental Health During COVID-19

Leveraging SNAP to Improve Mental Health Outcomes: Evidence from the COVID-19 Emergency Response

['FUNDING_R01'] · YALE UNIVERSITY · NIH-10876350

This study looks at how boosting food assistance through SNAP can help improve mental health for low-income people who are struggling with food insecurity, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorYALE UNIVERSITY (nih funded)
Locations1 site (NEW HAVEN, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10876350 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates how the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) can be leveraged to improve mental health outcomes, particularly in low-income populations affected by food insecurity during the COVID-19 pandemic. It explores the relationship between food security and mental health, aiming to understand how increased SNAP benefits could alleviate stress and anxiety linked to food scarcity. The study will analyze data to assess the causal impact of enhanced SNAP benefits on mental health, providing insights into effective policy interventions.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are low-income individuals and families experiencing food insecurity, particularly those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Not a fit: Patients who are not experiencing food insecurity or those with sufficient access to mental health resources may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved mental health outcomes for low-income individuals by demonstrating the effectiveness of enhanced SNAP benefits.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown positive associations between food security and mental health, but this specific approach of enhancing SNAP benefits during a pandemic is relatively novel.

Where this research is happening

NEW HAVEN, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.