The Effect of Pandemic Food Assistance Policies on U.S. Child Food Security and Health

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

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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.

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

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