FNS Documents & Resources

Healthy Eating Index scores range from 0 to 100 and are a measure of diet quality used to assess how well a set of foods aligns with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. A higher score is ideal. The FDPIR Food Package scores an 84. This is higher than the average U.S. diet, which scores a 59.

The net monthly income standard for each household size is the sum of the applicable SNAP net monthly income standard and the applicable SNAP standard deduction.

FNS Handbook 501, Exhibit O shows the FDPIR monthly distribution guide rates by household size effective Sept. 1, 2023. This document is commonly referred to as the "FDPIR Guide Rate."  

The FNS Handbook 501 provides ITOs and state agencies guidance on the administration of FDPIR. The chapters within the handbook cover all aspects of the program including financial management, certification of households, food ordering, and inventory control.

This manual contains important information for persons in FNS headquarters, FNS regional offices, and distributing agencies, which include state distributing agencies and Indian Tribal Organizations that are charged with the responsibility of providing USDA Foods to disaster relief organizations in the event of a disaster, emergency, or situation of distress.

Of the FDPIR households served, 48% had only 1 member, while 20% had 2 members, 13% had 3 members, and nearly 10% had 4 members. The remaining 9% of households had 5 or more members.

Each month, participating households receive a food package to help them maintain a nutritionally balanced diet.

Nutrition education topics are culturally relevant and geared towards the specific needs and interests of FDPIR participants.

This manual was developed to provide an overview of the recall process for USDA Foods with a focus on school meals programs.

USDA distributes USDA Foods to food banks, soup kitchens, disaster feeding organizations, Indian Tribal Organizations, charitable institutions and other feeding organizations, helping families stretch their food budgets and ensuring that all Americans have healthy foods within reach.