FNS Documents & Resources

This analysis helps to estimate the nutritional quality of the 2022 FDPIR food package 'as offered' using the Healthy Eating Index scoring algorithm. This will provide an update to the first HEI estimate of the 2014 FDPIR food package. The project also aims to estimate the HEIs of the food packages 'as delivered' to participants.

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.

The USDA Food and Nutrition Service conducts a variety of studies, evaluations, and related activities that respond to the needs of policymakers and managers and help ensure that nutrition assistance programs achieve their goals effectively. This plan provides short descriptions of projects that are expected to launch in fiscal year (FY) 2025. 

It reflects decisions by FNS program and research staff and leadership on the best use of available research funding to meet current information needs that are aligned with agency priorities to improve program efficiency, integrity, and nutrition. FNS developed this plan in consultation with the agencies of the Research, Education, and Economics (REE) Mission Area. 

Meeting and conference call notes from the FDPIR Food Package Review Work Group.

The purpose of the FDPIR Food Package Review Work Group is to review the FDPIR food package on an ongoing basis, with the goal of revising it to better meet the nutritional needs and food preferences of program participants without significantly increasing overall food package costs.

This factsheet highlights how a variety of healthy foods from each MyPlate food group are included as part of a school lunch. Learn about ways to help children make healthy food and beverage choices at school.

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.

Congress directed USDA to re-evaluate the Thrifty Food Plan based on “current food prices, food composition data, consumption patterns, and dietary guidance.”  The 2021 TFP reflects the latest available data and is designed to meet the needs of low-income Americans in a cost-conscious way.

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans can help us all eat healthy, be healthy, and save.

Expenditures on Children by Families provides estimates of the cost of raising children from birth through age 17 for major budgetary components.