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Resource | Research | General/Other FY 2025 Research and Evaluation Plan

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. 

03/13/2024
Resource | Research | Food Security Evaluation of Demonstration Projects to End Childhood Hunger (EDECH): Final Interim Evaluation Report

This study—authorized by the 2010 Child Nutrition Act—tests innovative strategies to end childhood hunger and food insecurity. 

02/08/2018
Resource | Research | Demonstrations Evaluation of Demonstration Projects to End Childhood Hunger

The 2010 Child Nutrition reauthorization provided funding to test innovative strategies to end childhood hunger and food insecurity. 

02/08/2018
Resource | Research Multi-Agency Task Force Report to Congress, July 2016

The 2014 Farm Bill established a Multi-Agency Taskforce to provide coordination and direction for U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) foods administered by the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS). This second annual report to Congress describes the activities of the taskforce in 2015.

07/29/2016
Resource | Research | General/Other Feasibility of Tribal Administration of Federal Nutrition Assistance Programs

Section 4004 of the Agricultural Act of 2014 required a study to determine the feasibility of Indian Tribal Organizations (ITOs) administering federal nutrition assistance programs in lieu of state agencies. This study presents broad general findings regarding tribal interest in administering nutrition assistance programs, ability to administer all or parts of these programs, and potential challenges.

07/11/2016
Resource | Research | Assessing/Improving Operations Study of the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR)

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) provides nutrition assistance to Tribal communities through the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR). The last nationally representative study of FDPIR was based on 1989 data. Since that time, there have been many changes in FDPIR affecting eligibility, warehouse operations and distribution, customer service, and improvements in the types and variety of products offered in the food package. This report provides an update of FDPIR participant characteristics and program operations, based on a nationally representative sample of participants and sites.

06/01/2016
Resource | Research | Benefit Content/Cost Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations Regional Vendor Pilot Assessment

This report assesses that pilot and includes a qualitative evaluation of the vendor and ITO experiences and an assessment of pilot costs.

03/21/2016
Resource | Research | Food/Nutrient Analysis Nutrient and Food Group Analysis of USDA Foods in Five of its Food and Nutrition Programs - 2014

This study updates a 2009 analysis of the nutrient and food group content of the USDA Foods offered and delivered through Federal nutrition assistance programs. It examines the Child and Adult Care Feeding Program (CACFP), the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP), the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR), and The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) in fiscal year (FY) 2014 and the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) in school year (SY) 2013-2014. The study also estimated the Healthy Eating Index (HEI) scores under the HEI-2010 and the HEI-2005 scoring systems for each program’s benefits.

02/29/2016
Resource | Research | Report to Congress Multiagency Task Force Report to Congress, February 2015

This first annual report to Congress describes the activities of the Multi-Agency Taskforce in 2014.

04/30/2015
Resource | Research Addressing Child Hunger and Obesity in Indian Country: Report to Congress Summary

This report responds to the requirement found in section 141 of the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 (HHFKA) and summarizes hunger, obesity, and Type II diabetes among American Indian (AI) and Alaska Native (AN) children living on or near reservations or other tribal lands (often referred to as Indian Country).

02/15/2012
Page updated: October 14, 2021