Lerner Center Research Publications

This brief summarizes the results from a  study that evaluated the effects of exposure to prescription and illicit opioids during pregnancy on infant health and wellbeing at birth. 

This study finds that children in households that participate in more than one social assistance program (such as Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Programs, and Free or Reduced-Price Lunch) have lower literacy skills when they enter kindergarten than children whose households participate in fewer or no social programs. 

This brief summarizes findings examining the relationship between exposure to UFM in kindergarten and attendance and weight outcomes in NYC students from grades K-3. The results demonstrate that children who receive free meals through UFM in kindergarten have better school attendance than those who do not. In addition, there is no evidence receiving free meals in kindergarten affects weight outcomes.  

This data slice examines the changes in grandparenting in rural China and calls for policies that decrease caregiver burnout, stress, and associated poor health outcomes. 

This brief summarizes findings from research examining the connection between SNAP participation and preventative care in an infant’s first year of life in Missouri.

This data slice analyzes 2019 administrative data from Virginia to examine gaps in child care subsidy receipts.

This brief summarizes findings from a recently published paper examining administrative data from the Commonwealth of Virginia. 

This brief summarizes findings from a study examining participation in SNAP and TANF in early childhood in Virginia.

Engaging children in preparing family meals can protect against childhood obesity and other risky behaviors.

This data slice compares adolescent ADHD diagnoses across racial-ethnic groups.

 A new study finds that despite increased income due to Marcellus Shale, childhood obesity in rural PA remain unchanged.

This research brief discusses findings that show each additional dollar of minimum wage reduces infant deaths by up to 1.8% annually in large U.S. cities.

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is an important federal resource that provides nutritional assistance to low-income families. Timing of SNAP benefits can reduce childhood injuries.

Living near fast food has a greater impact on younger children who attend neighborhood schools. Proximity to fast food restaurants increases the probability of childhood obesity or overweight.