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Resource | Data | Cost Study USDA Food Plans

USDA produces four food plans outlining practical, nutritious diets at successively higher cost levels: the Thrifty, Low-Cost, Moderate-Cost, and Liberal Food Plans. The Thrifty Food Plan serves as the basis for maximum allotments in SNAP.

08/03/2023
Resource | Research, Analysis & Background Initial Study Plan: Thrifty Food Plan, 2026

This document provides the initial study plan for the reevaluation of the Thrifty Food Plan, 2026. This initial study plan is based on information available as of April 2023. The USDA, FNS intends to publish a final study plan by early 2026.

05/31/2023
Resource | Federal Register Documents Assessment of Mobile Technologies for Using SNAP Benefits

This is a new collection for the contract Assessment of Mobile Technologies for Using Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Benefits (Mobile Payment Pilot evaluation). The purpose of the Mobile Payment Pilot evaluation is to assess the effects of five pilot projects that will allow SNAP participants to use mobile payments to purchase food as an alternate option to a physical electronic benefit transfer card.

05/30/2023
Resource | Report USDA Food Plans: Monthly Cost of Food Reports

The USDA food plans represent a healthy diet at four different cost levels. Each food plan specifies quantities of food and beverage categories that can be purchased and prepared to make healthy meals and snacks at home.

05/24/2023
Resource | Policy Memos FY 2023 Food and Administrative Funding for TEFAP

The fiscal year 2023 TEFAP funding memorandum provides guidance on full-year FY 2023 TEFAP food and administrative funding allocations.

02/08/2023
Resource | FAQs/Q&As Q&As FDPIR Self-Determination Demonstration Project Round 2

A document with questions and answers regarding the FDPIR Self-Determination Demonstration Project round two funds.

01/18/2023
Basic page SNAP and the Thrifty Food Plan

SNAP benefit amounts are updated each year based on the cost of the Thrifty Food Plan in June and take effect on Oct. 1. The Thrifty Food Plan is the cost of groceries needed to provide a healthy, budget-conscious diet for a family of four.

11/21/2022
Resource | Webinars/Videos FDPIR Self-Determination Demonstration Project: How to Apply for Round 2 Funds

This webinar included an overview of the demonstration project, and a detailed walk-through of requirements outlined in the recently published Federal Register notice.

11/10/2022
Resource | Policy Thrifty Food Plan Adjustment of FY 2023 TEFAP Funding

In FY 2023, the USDA anticipates an increase in TEFAP entitlement food funding, due to significant inflationary changes reflected in the June 2022 TFP.

08/29/2022
Resource | Research | Assessing/Improving Operations USDA Direct Certification With Medicaid for Free and Reduced-Price Meals Demonstration, SY 2019-20

This report examines the impact of using Medicaid data to directly certify students for free and reduced-price school meals in the NSLP and SBP in fifteen states in school year 2019-20. It assesses outcomes related to certification, participation, federal reimbursement, and state administrative costs in SY 2019-20 and over the course of the demonstration.

03/16/2022
Page updated: October 14, 2021