Check out this database to access vendor-specific product information for all direct delivered USDA Foods for the National School Lunch Program.
In October 2019, FNS published a proposed rule entitled “Standardization of State Heating and Cooling Standard Utility Allowances.” This action modernizes the standard utility allowances used in calculating Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits in order to enhance program integrity and ensure equity among program participants.
Categorized by food type, the USDA Foods Product Information Sheets describe the items expected to be available for schools and institutions participating in the Child and Adult Care Food Program, the National School Lunch Program, the Summer Food Service Program, and other child nutrition programs.
This memorandum provides a policy option to states to help soften the impact that reduced SUAs might have on SNAP households in certain state.
Due to the impact on SNAP benefits resulting from continuing fluctuations in energy prices, FNS is modifying the Standard Utility Allowance blanket waiver memorandum of Oct. 14, 2010 to allow certain states to extend fiscal year (FY) 2010 SUA amounts through March 31, 2011.
The Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion (CNPP) Food Prices Database presents the cost of these consumed foods for 2003-04. It shows the actual cost of an apple consumed, the cost of a glass of juice drunk, the cost of lasagna eaten, etc. For example, did you know that when you purchase a whole chicken and only consume the meat, your price per pound eaten is actually twice the price per pound purchased? This is because the weight of the skin and bones is about half of the whole chicken purchased. The information in this database should be of interest to nutrition educators and economists who wish to compare relative prices of different foods as consumed, rather than the purchase price.
It has come to FNS's attention that, due to unusual shifts in utility costs, SNAP benefits to needy families may decrease when states make annual SUA adjustments this year - even if the circumstances of those households remain constant.
This memorandum is to inform you of a recent change to the list of USDA-approved Nutrient Standard Menu Planning and School Meals Initiative nutrient analysis software programs available to state agencies, school food authorities and local schools to meet SMI requirements.
Several state agencies have recently asked FNS to approve increases in their Standard Utility Allowances (SUA’s) for heating and cooling based on projections of substantial price increases in energy sources – particularly natural gas. We are aware of broad interest in the issue of the impact of higher energy prices on household budgets and appreciate the conferences and correspondence that bring this issue to our attention.