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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, Analysis & Background | Assessing/Improving Operations Results of USDA's FNS-Administered SFA Survey II on Supply Chain Disruption and Student Participation

​The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted school meal operations and has contributed to lasting supply chain issues affecting the cost and availability of food and labor. The School Food Authority Survey II on Supply Chain Disruption and Student Participation was administered to all SFAs operating child nutrition programs in schools to gather information on the impacts of continued supply chain disruptions and the return to standard operations during SY 2022–23.

07/25/2023
Resource | Grants FDPIR Nutrition Education Grant Program (FDPNE)

Since 2008, FNS has been awarding funding for nutrition education projects through the FDPNE grants each fiscal year. Indian Tribal Organizations and state agencies that are current FDPIR allowance holders (have a direct agreement with FNS to administer FDPIR) are eligible to apply for funds to conduct projects that provide nutrition information and services to FDPIR participants. Effective FY 2023, the FDPNE competitive grant program is discontinued.

04/18/2023
Resource | Grants FDPIR Sharing Gallery: Grant Opportunities

This gallery features nutrition related grant opportunities that ITOs and FDPIR program operators may be eligible to apply for. Grants are a great way to secure funding to pursue specific nutrition-related projects and initiatives.

03/06/2023
Resource | Research | Assessing/Improving Operations Child Nutrition Program Operations Study, School Year 2017-18

The Child Nutrition Program Operations Study is a multiyear study series that provides the USDA's Food and Nutrition Service with current information on National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program policies, practices, and needs from state agencies and school food authorities. Specifically, it covers policies related to school nutrition service operations, financial management, meal counting, eligibility, nutrition standards, and personnel. Results inform child nutrition program management and policy development. This study in the series covers school year 2017–18.

11/03/2022
Resource | Research | Food Security ERS - Household Food Security in the United States in 2021

This report presents statistics from the survey that cover household food security, food expenditures, and use of federal nutrition assistance programs in 2021.

09/08/2022
Resource | Grants Farm to School Grantee Tips: 908 Report Saving and Submitting

For the benefit of current Farm to School grantees, the USDA Farm to School team recorded two brief webinars to help those new to the 908 reporting process.

07/29/2022
Resource | Technical Assistance & Guidance Farm to School Grantee Tips: 908 Report Downloading and Opening

For the benefit of current Farm to School grantees, the USDA Farm to School team recorded two brief webinars to help those new to the 908 reporting process.

07/28/2022
Resource | Research | Assessing/Improving Operations Results of FNS-Administered School Food Authority Survey on Supply Chain Disruption

The School Food Authority Survey on Supply Chain Disruptions was administered by FNS from November 8th through December 13th through a 20-minute online questionnaire. The survey was sent to all SFAs operating child nutrition programs to gather information on the scope of the supply chain disruptions and school meal operations during school year 2021-22.

03/04/2022
Resource | Research | Impacts/Evaluations Evaluation of the Independent Review of Applications in USDA Child Nutrition Programs

This study examined the processes, procedures, and effectiveness of a second, independent review of applications for certain local education agencies under the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act. The requirement, which was first implemented in School Year 2014-15, is intended to reduce administrative certification error in LEA processing of household applications.

12/01/2021
Page updated: October 14, 2021