This study is the fourth in a series of studies designed to provide statistically valid national estimates of food acquisitions (both purchased foods and USDA Foods) made by school food authorities (SFAs) participating in the federally supported National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and School Breakfast Program (SBP).
In the decade following the release of the third School Food Purchase Study (SFPS III) report, the school nutrition environment has undergone considerable changes. Key among them are the provisions of the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 (PL 111-296) which required updated nutrition standards for the NSLP and SBP. These standards require meals to include greater quantities of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy and reduced sodium. These changes have affected the purchasing practices of SFAs in terms of the types, volume, and cost of foods.