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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 Child Nutrition Program Operations Study II (CN-OPS II) SY 2016-17 Report

The Child Nutrition Program Operations Study II is a multiyear study designed to provide FNS with information on current state agency and school food authority policies, practices, and needs related to school nutrition service operations, financial management, meal counting, eligibility, nutrition standards, and personnel. Results inform CN program management and policy development. 

06/24/2021
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 | Assessing/Improving Operations Understanding the Use of SNAP Online Applications

Currently, 46 of 53 state agencies accept online applications for SNAP benefits from new applicants, and 33 state agencies allow SNAP participants to recertify to renew their benefits online. The purpose of this study was to collect information about online application features, protocols and procedures used for processing online applications, and perceived advantages and challenges with using online applications.

05/20/2021
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 | Report to Congress SNAP E&T Pilot Projects FY 2017 Report to Congress

The SNAP E&T pilot projects give Congress, USDA, and states the opportunity to test innovative strategies and approaches that connect low-income households to good paying jobs and thereby reduce their reliance on public assistance.

11/14/2017
Resource | Research and Data | Assessing/Improving Operations Examination of the Effect of SNAP Benefit and Eligibility Parameters on Low-Income Households

This study examines how the policies that determine benefit levels for the USDA’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program compare to current low-income spending patterns by analyzing the expenditures of low-income households across the United States in 2013 and 2014.

10/27/2017
Resource | Research and Data | Assessing/Improving Operations Methods to Standardize State Standard Utility Allowances

This study develops standard methodologies that might be used to construct standard utility allowances, which are used by States as part of the SNAP eligibility and benefit determination.

08/04/2017
Resource | Research and Data | Assessing/Improving Operations CACFP Assessment of Sponsor Tiering Determinations - 2015

This report provides the 2015 national estimate of incorrect payments for the meal reimbursements. The assessment calculates both overpayments and underpayments for FDCHs that earn either Tier 1 (higher) or Tier II (lower) reimbursements depending on the location and circumstances of the child care provider or the participating children.

06/08/2017
Resource | Research and Data | Assessing/Improving Operations WIC Vendor Peer Group Study

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of state agencies current peer group systems, and to provide guidance to state agencies on how to evaluate and update their systems. Specifically, it uses empirical analysis to identify one or more effective models for establishing vendor peer groups that could apply to most state agencies.

05/31/2017
Page updated: September 16, 2025