This study seeks to identify effective food assistance policies based on evidence from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT) program with regard to child health and health equity. The study will examine whether, how, and for whom, the P-EBT and SNAP emergency allotments impacted food insecurity and health outcomes for children. Specifically, this study will estimate the effects of changes to SNAP emergency allotments and P-EBT benefits on household food insecurity, child health, and health-related economic hardship, as well as evaluate whether the estimated effects of SNAP and P-EBT program changes differ based on race or ethnicity.
Start Date: June 2023
ID #: 283-5109
Principal Investigator: Laura Samuel, PhD, MSN, RN
Co-Principal Investigator: Lucine Francis, PhD
Organization: Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing
Funding Round: ARPA2
Age Groups: Adolescents (grades 9 to 12), Elementary-age children (grades K to 5), Pregnant women, infants and toddlers (ages 0 to 2), Preschool-age children (ages 3 to 5), Young adolescents (grades 6 to 8)
Keywords: COVID-19, Equity and disparities, Food insecurity, Poverty & economic well-being, School meal programs, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
Resource Type: Grant Summary
State: National
Focus Area: Nutrition Policy & Programs
Related Research
October 2026
Cross-Sectional Evaluation of WIC Participation Status and Massachusetts Children’s Nutrition after the Cash-Value Benefit Increase
The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) increased the Cash-Value Benefit (CVB) for fruits and vegetables in 2021. Although WIC participants reported increased purchasing, consumption, and variety of fruits and vegetables after the CVB increase, it is unknown whether this resulted in higher fruit and vegetable intake relative to nonparticipants. The MoreOctober 2026
An Electronic Health Record-Based Intervention to Facilitate Primary Care Referrals to the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children: Retrospective Cohort Study
This study evaluated responses to an electronic health record (EHR)-embedded federal nutrition program (FNP) participation screening and WIC referral tool implemented within 8 clinics during well-child visits for children younger than 5 years of age. Structured EHR data from July 2020 to October 2023 were extracted to summarize screening, referral acceptance, WIC enrollment outcomes, and MoreSeptember 2026