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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 | Technical Assistance & Guidance USDA Foods Database

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

11/09/2023
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 | Webinars/Videos Navigating the USDA Foods Database

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.

03/02/2023
Resource | Technical Assistance & Guidance USDA Foods Available List for SY 2025

See what foods are available for your menus next school year!

01/09/2023
Resource | Webinars/Videos USDA Foods in Schools Ordering and Purchase Update Webinar

This webinar provided state agencies with information about USDA Foods ordering and procurement processes.

10/17/2022
Resource | Webinars/Videos Understanding the USDA DoD Fresh Program and FFAVORS

Webinar recording from September 8, 2022 on understanding the USDA DoD Fresh program and the fresh fruit and vegetable order receipt system. 

09/14/2022
Resource | Technical Assistance USDA Foods Processing Program: Tips on How to Efficiently and Effectively Utilize USDA Foods Diverted to Processors

This webinar provided an overview of the USDA Foods Processing program and shared some tips on how to effectively manage USDA Foods diverted to processors.

08/12/2022
Resource | Webinars/Videos Best Practices for Storage and Distribution of USDA Foods in Schools

Webinar discusses information that should be included on inventory reports for quick action to keep distribution costs reasonable and ensure USDA Foods are efficiently delivered to schools. 

 

03/31/2022
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
Page updated: October 14, 2021