FNS Documents & Resources

Healthy Eating Index scores range from 0 to 100 and are a measure of diet quality used to assess how well a set of foods aligns with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. A higher score is ideal. The FDPIR Food Package scores an 84. This is higher than the average U.S. diet, which scores a 59.

Check out this database to access vendor-specific product information for all direct delivered USDA Foods for the National School Lunch Program.

States annually update Standard Utility Allowances (SUAs) to reflect changes in utility costs. When determining a household’s eligibility, states consider a household’s total shelter costs, including the cost of utilities. Since actual utility costs are often hard to determine, states can use SUAs, which are standard amounts that represent low-income household utility costs in the state or local area. SUAs may be used in lieu of the household's actual costs when determining eligibility and benefit amount.

This information is provided to assist state agencies, school food authorities, and local schools with the selection of a software program that has been USDA-approved for nutrient analyses required in the school meal programs.

FNS will collect and approve information from state agencies on how the various state SNAP agencies develop, update, change and implement options will be determined for SUAs for household.

These questions and answers provide more information about the USDA Foods Database for states/school districts.

This webinar provided state agencies and school districts instructions on how to navigate the USDA Foods Database to access vendor-specific product information, including nutrients, allergens, ingredients and certifications.

This information collection addresses the mandatory state agency information and burden estimates associated with the following state agency options under SNAP: establishing and reviewing standard utility allowances and establishing methodology for offsetting cost of producing self-employment income.