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Resource | Research and Data | Assessing/Improving Operations Third National Survey of WIC Participants

The National Survey of WIC Participants (NSWP) study series is designed to describe state and local agency characteristics, examine participants’ characteristics, assess participants’ experiences with WIC, and estimate improper payments resulting from certification errors in WIC. The study is conducted approximately every 10 years, and the current study is the third iteration (NSWP-III) in the series. 

12/14/2021
Resource | Research and Data | Assessing/Improving Operations Study of Nutrition and Activity in Childcare Settings in USDA’s CACFP

Centers and family daycare homes participating in CACFP play an important role in supporting the health and wellness of the children they serve. The Study of Nutrition and Activity in Childcare Settings  is the first nationally representative, comprehensive assessment of the CACFP. Data were collected in program year 2016–17 from CACFP providers and participating children on nutritional quality of meals served, nutrient intake of participating children, meal costs and revenues, and more. Findings serve as an important baseline for the subsequent updates to the meal pattern and nutrition standards, which were implemented in October 2017. 

10/25/2021
Resource | Research and Data | Assessing/Improving Operations Third Access, Participation, Eligibility, And Certification Study (APEC-III), SY 2017-18

This is the third study in the Access, Participation, Eligibility, and Certification study series, conducted in school year 2017-18. FNS relies upon the APEC series to provide reliable, national estimates improper payments made to school districts operating the NSLP and SBP. APEC studies also help identify sources of error and inform FNS policy and technical assistance for state agencies and school food authorities to reduce error. FNS conducted previous iterations of the study in school years 2005-06 and 2012-13.

09/03/2021
Resource | Research and Data | Payment Accuracy and Program Integrity The Extent of Trafficking in SNAP: 2015-2017

This study is the eighth in a series of studies that examine the rate of benefit trafficking SNAP, annualized amount of benefits trafficked, and store violation rate. The estimates are presented as ‘current estimates’ that are calculated to be comparable to past studies, and as ‘updated estimates’ that are calculated to be comparable to other trafficking reports released by FNS. 

09/03/2021
Resource | Research and Data | Assessing/Improving Operations 2019 Farm to School Census and Comprehensive Review

The Farm to School Census and Comprehensive Review includes the 2019 Farm to School Census; a descriptive review of the USDA Farm to School grant program; a review of published research on farm to school since 2010; and a set of interviews with school food distributors. 

07/15/2021
Resource | Research and Data | Assessing/Improving Operations Direct Certification in the National School Lunch Program State Implementation Progress Report to Congress SY 2017-2018 and SY 2018-2019

This report presents information on direct certification with the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program for free school meals for SY 2017-2018 and SY 2018-2019.

06/22/2021
Resource | Research and Data | Participation Rates Reaching Those in Need: Estimates of State SNAP Participation Rates in 2018

This report – part of an annual series – presents estimates of the percentage of eligible persons, by state, who participated in SNAP during an average month in FY 2018 and in the two previous fiscal years. This report also presents estimates of state participation rates for individuals in eligible “working poor” households (households with earnings) over the same period. 

05/19/2021
Resource | Research and Data | Participation Rates Trends in SNAP Participation Rates: FY 2016-2018

This report is the latest in a series on SNAP participation rates, which estimate the proportion of people eligible for benefits under federal income and asset rules to those who actually participate in the program. This report presents rates for Fiscal Year 2018, comparing them to rates for FYs 2016 and 2017.

05/18/2021
Resource | Research and Data Farm to School Literature Review

The Farm to School Literature Review report summarizes findings from a review of published research on Farm to School since 2010.

03/10/2021
Resource | Research and Data Farm to School Grantee Report (FY 2013-2017)

The Farm to School Grantee Report analyzes baseline, progress and final reports submitted to FNS by 365 grantees who received Farm to School grant awards in fiscal years 2013–2017.

03/10/2021
Page updated: September 16, 2025