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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 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 | Technical Assistance & Guidance Taking Action to Build Food-Safe Schools

Each Action Sheet addresses a specific area of food safety by providing you with background information, action steps that will help you build your framework, and resources for the in-depth information you will need to develop or strengthen that area.

11/06/2023
Resource | Guidance Documents | FNS-GD-2013-0024 El virus estomacal

El virus estomacal: lo que el personal de la escuela debe saber

09/07/2023
Resource | Policy Memos Implementation of Summer EBT in 2024 by WIC Indian Tribal Organizations

This memorandum provides information to assist Indian Tribal Organizations (ITO) in preparing to implement Summer EBT.

SEBT 02-2023
06/13/2023
Resource | Research, Analysis & Background | General/Other Food Safety Research: Farm to School

FNS advances food safety education and practices in federal nutrition assistance programs through research conducted by the Center for Food Safety in Child Nutrition Programs (the Center). To better understand food safety concerns associated with fresh produce and farm to school activities, the Center conducted a study.

03/09/2023
Resource | Policy Memos WIC Infant Formula Vendor Substitutions Waiver

This letter is in response to correspondence from WIC state agencies using offline Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) technology or paper food instruments, and requesting program flexibility from the WIC program federal requirements as a result of the impact of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the 2022 Abbott recall of certain powder infant formula, exempt infant formula, and WIC-eligible nutritionals on the nationwide supply chain leading to both periodic location- and product-based WIC infant formula and exempt infant formula shortages.

03/09/2022
Resource | Policy Memos | FNS-GD-2019-0062 Best Practices to Minimize Food Waste

This memorandum implements requirements under the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 and provides guidance to TEFAP state agencies on best practices to minimize food waste of privately donated foods provided to TEFAP state agencies and eligible recipient agencies. 

08/16/2019
Resource | Policy Memos | FNS-GD-2019-0033 State Agency Food Safety Inspections Report for SY 2018-19

This memorandum provides guidance regarding continuation of the food safety inspections reporting requirement under the NSLP and SBP for fiscal year 2019.

SP19-2019
04/11/2019
Page updated: October 14, 2021