Case Study: mRelief increases SNAP applications with Civis Analytics

Using data science for user-centric design in food stamp signups

mRelief, a Chicago-based nonprofit, wanted to increase access to SNAP benefits in California, where many eligible people were not receiving aid. In LA County alone, an estimated 600,000 likely eligible individuals were not enrolled, and mRelief was looking for ways to reduce drop-off in the application process using its text-message and mobile/web-based eligibility and application support tools.

To test improvements, mRelief partnered with Civis Analytics to run a randomized controlled trial on call scheduling and text reminders for CalFresh applicants. Civis Analytics found that offering scheduled calls increased SNAP applications by 18%, while reminders added only a small, non-significant boost beyond scheduling; the impact was stronger for English speakers, with call scheduling increasing completed calls by 20% and reminders by 15%.

mRelief

Rose Afriyie

Executive Director and Co-Founder