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Resource | Research and Data | Assessing/Improving Operations Special Nutrition Program Operations Study, SY 2013-14

The Special Nutrition Program Operations Study is a multiyear study designed to provide the Food and Nutrition Service with a snapshot of current state and school food authority policies and practices of the school meal programs, including information on school meal standards, competitive foods standards, professional standards, school lunch pricing and accounting, and Smarter Lunchrooms activities. 

10/31/2016
Resource | Research and Data | Participation Rates Trends in SNAP Participation Rates: FY 2010-2014

This report is the latest in a series of annual reports presenting information on estimated national SNAP participation rates among people eligible for benefits under federal income and asset rules.

06/01/2016
Resource | Research and Data | Nutrition Education WIC Nutrition Education Study: Phase I Report

The WIC Nutrition Education Study (NEST) provides detailed information on WIC nutrition education services and includes the following two phases:
-- Phase I: Comprehensive nationally representative description of WIC nutrition education processes and features.
-- Phase II: Pilot study of the impact of WIC nutrition education on nutrition and other behaviors in six WIC sites.
This report presents the Phase I results of the study.

05/31/2016
Resource | Research and Data | Participation Rates Reaching Those in Need: Estimates of State SNAP Participation Rates in 2013

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 2013 and in the two previous fiscal years.

02/03/2016
Resource | Research and Data The Low-Cost, Moderate-Cost, and Liberal Food Plans, 2007

The Low-Cost, Moderate-Cost, and Liberal Food Plans outline nutrient-dense foods and beverages, their amounts, and associated costs that can be purchased on three successively higher budgets, each supporting a healthy diet through nutritious meals and snacks at home. The Low-Cost, Moderate-Cost, and Liberal Food Plans are used by various federal and state agencies and the court system. 

11/14/2007
Resource | Research and Data | Participation Rates Reaching Those in Need: State Food Stamp Participation Rates in 2005

This report – the latest in an annual series – presents estimates of the percentage of eligible persons, by state, who participated in the Food Stamp Program (FSP) in an average month in fiscal year 2005 and in the 2 previous fiscal years. This report also presents estimates of state participation rates for eligible “working poor” individuals (persons in households with earnings) over the same period. 

10/01/2007
Resource | Research and Data | Participation Rates Trends in Food Stamp Program Participation Rates: 1999 to 2005

This report is the latest in a series on food stamp participation rates based on the March Current Population Survey, and presents national participation rates for fiscal year 2005.

06/01/2007
Resource | Research and Data | Nutrition Education Nutrition Education Research Review

To assist nutrition educators in their use of relevant research, FNS conducted a review of studies on: Message framing, Use of interactive technology to tailor messages, and Intervention intensity. The review was intended to document how these specific features of nutrition messages and interventions influence the likelihood of promoting more healthful food choices.

06/01/2007
Resource | Research and Data Thrifty Food Plan, 2006

The Thrifty Food Plan, a fundamental part of the U.S. food guidance system and the basis for maximum food stamp allotments, has been revised by USDA’s Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion, with assistance from USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service, Economic Research Service, and Agricultural Research Service. The TFP provides a representative healthful and minimal cost meal plan that shows how a nutritious diet may be achieved with limited resources. The plan assumes that all purchased food is consumed at home.

04/11/2007
Page updated: September 16, 2025