FNS Documents & Resources

The market basket costs in the Thrifty Food Plan, 2021 apply to the contiguous 48 states and the District of Columbia. By law, the USDA must make cost adjustments to the Thrifty Food Plan to reflect the cost of food in Alaska and Hawaii. The Thrifty Food Plan Cost Estimates for Alaska and Hawaii report provides updated estimates of the June 2022 cost of the reevaluated Thrifty Food Plan in Alaska and Hawaii.

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.

This infographic highlights healthy foods that are part of a balanced school breakfast.  Learn about why eating breakfast is important for learning, and how parents can help their child eat a healthy breakfast at school.

Esta infografía destaca comidas saludables que forman parte de un desayuno escolar balanceado. Conozca por qué desayunar es importante para el aprendizaje y cómo los padres pueden ayudar a que sus niños coman un desayuno saludable en la escuela.

This notice announces CNPP's intention to request OMB's approval of the information collection processes and instruments to be used during consumer research while testing nutrition education messages and products developed for the general public.

In September 2020, in response to a Congressional Directive, the USDA contracted with Insight Policy Research to conduct the Measuring the Cost of a Thrifty Food Plan in Puerto Rico study. The purpose of the study is to provide CNPP with options for measuring the cost of a TFP in Puerto Rico.

The Thrifty Food Plan, 2021 was released on Aug. 16, 2021. The TFP represents the cost of a nutritious, practical, cost-effective diet.

The Food Plans represent a nutritious diet at four different cost levels. 

The Low-Cost, Moderate-Cost, and Liberal Food Plans outline nutrient-dense foods and beverages, their amounts, and associated costs that can be purchased on three successively higher budgets, each supporting a healthy diet through nutritious meals and snacks at home. The Low-Cost, Moderate-Cost, and Liberal Food Plans are used by various federal and state agencies and the court system.