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Resource | Research and Data | Food/Nutrient Analysis Indicators of Diet Quality, Nutrition, and Health for Americans by Program Participation Status, 2011–2016: The SNAP Report

This study is the fourth in a series that uses the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data to examine the relationship between SNAP participation and indicators of diet quality, nutrition, and health. As in previous studies, this study compares SNAP participants with income-eligible and higher income nonparticipants, by age and gender.

12/30/2021
Resource | Policy Updates to the Federal Micro-Purchase Threshold in 2 CFR 200.320(a)(1)

The previous version of this memorandum contained incorrect references to state agencies throughout. FNS is correcting this memorandum to remove the incorrect references and so that it more clearly and accurately reflects the federal regulations. This memorandum notifies state agencies and child nutrition program operators of the changes made by OMB to the federal informal procurement method, micro-purchases and the micro-purchase threshold.

12/15/2021
Resource | Research and Data | Assessing/Improving Operations Third National Survey of WIC Participants

The National Survey of WIC Participants (NSWP) study series is designed to describe state and local agency characteristics, examine participants’ characteristics, assess participants’ experiences with WIC, and estimate improper payments resulting from certification errors in WIC. The study is conducted approximately every 10 years, and the current study is the third iteration (NSWP-III) in the series. 

12/14/2021
Basic page Meal Components Resources for Child Nutrition Programs

These resources provide information about meal components and meal pattern requirements for child nutrition programs.

12/03/2021
Resource | Technical Assistance SNAP Retailer Notice - Allowable Items

SNAP retailer notice to only accept SNAP benefits for allowable items.

10/26/2021
Resource | Research and Data | Assessing/Improving Operations Study of Nutrition and Activity in Childcare Settings in USDA’s CACFP

Centers and family daycare homes participating in CACFP play an important role in supporting the health and wellness of the children they serve. The Study of Nutrition and Activity in Childcare Settings  is the first nationally representative, comprehensive assessment of the CACFP. Data were collected in program year 2016–17 from CACFP providers and participating children on nutritional quality of meals served, nutrient intake of participating children, meal costs and revenues, and more. Findings serve as an important baseline for the subsequent updates to the meal pattern and nutrition standards, which were implemented in October 2017. 

10/25/2021
Basic page Breastfeeding Is a Priority in the WIC Program

WIC mothers are strongly encouraged to breastfeed their infants unless there is a medical reason not to. All WIC staff are trained to promote breastfeeding and provide the necessary support new breastfeeding mothers and infants need for success.

10/12/2021
Resource | Technical Assistance CACFP Meal Pattern Training Worksheets

CACFP Worksheets in English and Spanish: These worksheets can be used to empower CACFP providers with the knowledge, skills, and expertise to implement CACFP meal pattern requirements.

10/04/2021
Resource | Research and Data | Assessing/Improving Operations Study of School Food Authority Procurement Practices

The Study of School Food Authority (SFA) Procurement Practices is the first study from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Food and Nutrition Service to comprehensively describe and assess the decision-making process regarding school food procurement practices at the SFA level. The sample for this study was a subset of the 1,679 SFAs that participated in the Child Nutrition Operations Study II (CN-OPS-II), which included a module on SFA procurement practices in school year (SY) 2016–17. Findings are based on the perceptions and experiences of the SFA and they may not reflect actual regulations and policies; this study was not an audit. 

09/21/2021
Resource | Research and Data | Assessing/Improving Operations Third Access, Participation, Eligibility, And Certification Study (APEC-III), SY 2017-18

This is the third study in the Access, Participation, Eligibility, and Certification study series, conducted in school year 2017-18. FNS relies upon the APEC series to provide reliable, national estimates improper payments made to school districts operating the NSLP and SBP. APEC studies also help identify sources of error and inform FNS policy and technical assistance for state agencies and school food authorities to reduce error. FNS conducted previous iterations of the study in school years 2005-06 and 2012-13.

09/03/2021
Page updated: October 14, 2021