This page provides a list of all studies currently, or soon to be, collecting data. For completed studies and their results, please visit Research and Analysis. For study related questions, please contact us at FNSstudies@usda.gov.
SNAP Studies
- Understanding Participant Experiences in SNAP Employment and Training
Anticipated Data Collection: July 2026 to April 2027
Contractor: MathematicaGiven proposals to increase work requirements in SNAP and efforts to engage more participants in Employment and Training (E&T) activities, little is known about the lived experiences of SNAP participants as they move through the SNAP certification process, learn about work requirements, engage with an E&T provider, and seek employment after training completion. This study seeks to engage with SNAP work registrants—including SNAP E&T participants and ABAWDs—through focus groups, in-depth interviews, and photovoice methods to learn about their perceptions and experiences in navigating work requirements, seeking training opportunities, and finding employment. This study will enable an understanding of how work requirements and E&T policy play out in the lives of SNAP participants and help them obtain employment and increase their earnings. The debt ceiling amended the statutory purpose of SNAP to include assisting “low-income adults in obtaining employment and increasing their earnings.” This study further supports our efforts to improve customer service consistent with Executive Order 14058.
Child Nutrition Studies
- Area Eligibility Assessment
Anticipated Data Collection: December 2025 to June 2026
The area eligibility assessment follows updates and expands on CACFP tiering assessment, last conducted in 2015, to estimate an error and improper payment rate for certification of area eligibility in all components of CACFP and SFSP for which area eligibility is used. We will collect all necessary data from state agencies and sponsors of family day care homes to assess the accuracy of area eligibility determinations and, if applicable, associated improper payments.
- Annual Survey of School Food Authorities
Anticipated Data Collection: March to May 2026
The annual SFA survey is a census designed to help us understand the current operating environment for SFAs including challenges they face and their progress implementing policy changes. Access to a timely and reliable source of data on these topics allows us to provide the best possible customer service to SFAs.
- 2027 Farm to School Census
Anticipated Data Collection: Spring 2027
Beginning in 2013, the quadrennial Farm to School Census has provided nationally representative data on farm to school participation and activities in the United States. The 2027 Census will be conducted in spring 2027 and collect information about SY 2026-27. The Census provides important information to help USDA, policymakers, and advocates better understand the role of farm to school in supporting resilient local food systems and contributing to student experiences at school, as well as the benefits and challenges of doing farm to school activities.
WIC Studies
- WIC and FMNP Modernization Evaluation
Anticipated Data Collection: August 2025 to May 2028
Contractor: MathematicaThe WIC and Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) Modernization Evaluation provides a comprehensive look at how FNS is working with WIC state agencies, local agencies, and other partners to modernize WIC and the FMNP. In 2021, Congress provided us with $390 million and waiver authority for WIC and FMNP outreach, innovation, and program modernization efforts. We provided grants and waivers to all WIC state agencies and supported modernization through projects and by providing technical assistance to state agencies. The WIC and FMNP Modernization Evaluation tracks the progress and outcomes of these efforts. We are examining the effects of WIC modernization on five key indicators: enrollment, participation, retention, benefit redemption, and the participant experience.
- WIC Participant and Program Characteristics (PC+) 2026
Anticipated Data Collection: May 2026 to November 2026
Contractor: WestatFederal regulation requires state agencies to provide FNS with participant information to produce a biennial participant characteristic report. Since 1988, we have been collecting a minimum set of administrative data from state management information systems to produce this report. In 2024, we expanded the data request to include two additional types of data: (1) longitudinal characteristics data and (2) longitudinal electronic benefit transfer (EBT) data, along with household identifiers to link the characteristics and EBT data files. This generates a rich longitudinal dataset that allows us to generate measures of participant retention and examine redemption behavior. We use this information for program monitoring and managing WIC information needs.
- WIC Tribal Organizations and U.S. Territories Study
Anticipated Data Collection: June 2026 to February 2027
Contractor: WestatWIC operates through 88 state agencies, including five territories (Puerto Rico, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands) and 33 Indian Tribal Organizations (ITOs). While the requirements for all WIC state agencies are the same, operational, cost, and other factors make program administration in territories and ITOs qualitatively different than in other state agencies. This study will conduct case studies in a sample of territories and ITOs to examine how operations are uniquely different than in the geographic WIC states agencies and how this impacts the program experience.