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Resource | Research | General/Other FY 2025 Research and Evaluation Plan

The USDA Food and Nutrition Service conducts a variety of studies, evaluations, and related activities that respond to the needs of policymakers and managers and help ensure that nutrition assistance programs achieve their goals effectively. This plan provides short descriptions of projects that are expected to launch in fiscal year (FY) 2025. 

It reflects decisions by FNS program and research staff and leadership on the best use of available research funding to meet current information needs that are aligned with agency priorities to improve program efficiency, integrity, and nutrition. FNS developed this plan in consultation with the agencies of the Research, Education, and Economics (REE) Mission Area. 

03/13/2024
Resource | Research, Analysis & Background | Demonstrations Evaluation of the USDA Summer EBT Demonstrations: Lessons Learned From More Than a Decade of Research

The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023 authorized Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer for Children (Summer EBT) as a permanent federal food assistance entitlement program beginning in summer 2024. Summer EBT has been tested through evaluations of demonstration projects since 2011. With pending implementation of this new program, this is an appropriate time to reflect on what USDA, FNS research has learned through more than a decade of study.

03/12/2024
Resource | Policy Memos Summer EBT 2024 Benefit Levels

This memorandum provides the 2024 Summer EBT benefit levels for all states and Indian Tribal Organizations operating the program, including the District of Columbia and U.S. Territories.

SEBT 03-2024
01/29/2024
Resource | Policy Memos Revised: Crediting Tofu and Soy Yogurt Products in the School Meal Programs, CACFP, and SFSP

This memorandum provides updated guidance on crediting tofu and soy yogurt products in the Child and Adult Care Food Program and extends previous guidance on crediting tofu and soy yogurt products to the Summer Food Service Program, as well as to the infant meal pattern in the Child and Adult Care Food Program.

SP 02-2024, CACFP 02-2024, SFSP 02-2024
11/29/2023
Resource | Policy Memos Initial Guidance Regarding Food Benefits for Implementation of the Summer EBT Program by Indian Tribal Organizations Administering WIC

The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023 authorized a permanent, nationwide Summer EBT Program beginning in 2024. This memorandum provides information to assist Indian Tribal Organizations in preparing to implement Summer EBT.

SEBT 02-2024
11/16/2023
Resource | Policy Memos Summer EBT Administrative Funding Process for FY 2024

The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023 authorized a permanent, nationwide Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer (Summer EBT) Program beginning in 2024. This memorandum: (1) provides information to assist states, ITOs, and territories in preparing to implement Summer EBT in 2024; (2) applies to states, ITOs, and territories that elect to administer the Summer EBT Program and administering agencies therein; and (3) relates to requirements under section 13A of the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act.  

SEBT 01-2024, FM 01-2024
10/18/2023
Resource | Policy Nationwide Expansion of SFSP Simplified Cost Accounting Procedures - Revised

This guidance updates previously issued guidance to clarify Summer Food Service Program simplified cost accounting requirements, as found in 7 CFR Part 225.

SFSP 01-2008
09/28/2023
Resource | Policy Memos Summer Food Service Program Questions and Answers - Revised

This guidance updates previously issued Questions and Answers to clarify SFSP requirements. It supersedes SFSP 05-2017, Summer Food Service Program Questions and Answers, Dec. 1, 2016.

SFSP 05-2017
09/28/2023
Resource | Policy Best Practices for Managing Unused Reimbursement in the Summer Food Service Program

This memorandum provides guidance to state agencies for managing those situations in which sponsors have unused reimbursement in the Summer Food Service Program. 

SFSP 14-2023
09/28/2023
Resource | Policy Unused Reimbursement in the Summer Food Service Program

This memorandum provides guidance to state agencies and program operators for managing situations in which sponsors receive more reimbursement than they have spent on allowable costs in the Summer Food Service Program.

SFSP 13-2023
09/28/2023
Page updated: October 14, 2021