FNS Documents & Resources

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. 

USDA produces four food plans outlining practical, nutritious diets at successively higher cost levels: the Thrifty, Low-Cost, Moderate-Cost, and Liberal Food Plans. The Thrifty Food Plan serves as the basis for maximum allotments in SNAP.

The SFMNP awards grants to states, U.S. Territories and federally recognized Indian Tribal Organizations to provide low-income seniors with coupons that can be exchanged for eligible foods at farmers markets, roadside stands, and community supported agriculture programs. The majority of grant funds must be used for benefits. state agencies may use up to 10 percent of their grants for program administrative costs.

These files contain Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program profile data by fiscal year. The profile data includes grant amounts, number of recipients, benefit levels and numbers of participating farmers, markets, stands and Community-Supported Agriculture systems for each state agency that administers the SFMNP.

This document provides the initial study plan for the reevaluation of the Thrifty Food Plan, 2026. This initial study plan is based on information available as of April 2023. The USDA, FNS intends to publish a final study plan by early 2026.

 This file contains Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program grant amounts by state agency. The table displays data for the most recent fiscal years.

This factsheet highlights how a variety of healthy foods from each MyPlate food group are included as part of a school lunch. Learn about ways to help children make healthy food and beverage choices at school.

Esta infografía destaca cómo una variedad de alimentos saludables de cada grupo de MiPlato son parte de un almuerzo escolar.

The Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) awards grants to states, U.S. Territories, and federally recognized Indian Tribal Organizations (ITOs) to provide low-income seniors with coupons that can be exchanged for eligible foods (fruits, vegetables, honey, and fresh-cut herbs) at farmers’ markets, roadside stands, and Community-Supported Agriculture (CSA) programs.

Expenditures on Children by Families provides estimates of the cost of raising children from birth through age 17 for major budgetary components.