2
024 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES –FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE
35-1
Table of Contents
Preface .............................................................................................................................................................................
3
Agency-Wide ..................................................................................................................................................................
3
Purpose Statement ......................................................................................................................................................
3
OIG and GAO Reports ...............................................................................................................................................
6
Available Funds and Full Time Equivalents ..............................................................................................................
8
Permanent Positions by Grade and FTE’s ..................................................................................................................
9
Vehicle Fleet ..............................................................................................................................................................
10
Shared Funding Projects .............................................................................................................................................
11
Account 1: Child Nutrition ..............................................................................................................................................
13
Appropriations Language ...........................................................................................................................................
13
Lead-Off Tabular Statement .......................................................................................................................................
13
Project Statements ......................................................................................................................................................
14
Justification of Increases and Decreases ....................................................................................................................
17
Current Law Proposals ...............................................................................................................................................
23
Proposed Legislation ..................................................................................................................................................
26
Geographic Breakdown of Obligations and FTE’s ....................................................................................................
27
Classification by Objects ............................................................................................................................................
28
Status of Programs......................................................................................................................................................
29
Account 2: Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) ...................................
77
Appropriations Language ...........................................................................................................................................
77
Lead-Off Tabular Statement .......................................................................................................................................
77
Project Statements ......................................................................................................................................................
78
Justification of Increases and Decreases ....................................................................................................................
79
Geographic Breakdown of Obligations and FTE’s ....................................................................................................
80
Classification by Objects ............................................................................................................................................
80
Status of Programs......................................................................................................................................................
81
Account 3: Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) ..................................................................................
91
Appropriations Language ...........................................................................................................................................
91
Lead-Off Tabular Statement .......................................................................................................................................
92
Project Statements ......................................................................................................................................................
93
Justification of Increases and Decreases ....................................................................................................................
96
Current Law Proposals ...............................................................................................................................................
99
Geographic Breakdown of Obligations and FTE’s ....................................................................................................
105
Classification by Objects ............................................................................................................................................
106
Status of Programs......................................................................................................................................................
107
Account 4: Commodity Assistance Program (CAP) .......................................................................................................
129
2
024 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES –FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE
35-2
Appropriations Language ...........................................................................................................................................
129
Lead-Off Tabular Statement .......................................................................................................................................
129
Project Statements ......................................................................................................................................................
130
Justification of Increases and Decreases ....................................................................................................................
132
Geographic Breakdown of Obligations and FTE’s ....................................................................................................
133
Classification by Objects ............................................................................................................................................
133
Status of Programs......................................................................................................................................................
135
Account 5: Nutrition Programs Administration (NPA) ...................................................................................................
155
Appropriations Language ...........................................................................................................................................
155
Lead-Off Tabular Statement .......................................................................................................................................
155
Project Statements ......................................................................................................................................................
155
Justification of Increases and Decreases ....................................................................................................................
156
Current Law Proposals ...............................................................................................................................................
156
Geographic Breakdown of Obligations and FTE’s ....................................................................................................
160
Classification by Objects ............................................................................................................................................
16
1
Status of Programs......................................................................................................................................................
163
Summary of Performance ................................................................................................................................................
179
2024 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES –FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE
35-3
P
REFACE
This publication summarizes the fiscal year (FY) 2024 Budget for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).
Throughout this publication any reference to the “Budget” is in regard to the 2024 Budget, unless otherwise noted.
All references to years refer to fiscal year, except where specifically noted. The budgetary tables throughout this
document show actual amounts for 2021 and 2022, enacted levels for 2023, and the President’s Budget request for
2024. Amounts for 2023 estimated levels include: non-enacted amounts such as Full-Time Equivalent levels, fleet
levels, information technology investment levels, recovery levels, transfers in and out, balances available end of
year, and obligation levels.
Throughout this publication, the “2018 Farm Bill” is used to refer to the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018. Most
programs funded by the 2018 Farm Bill are funded through 2023. Amounts shown in 2024 for most Farm Bill
programs reflect those confirmed in the baseline.
Pursuant to the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985, sequestration is included in the
numbers for mandatory programs in 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024.
A
GENCY-WIDE
P
URPOSE STATEMENT
The Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) was established August 8, 1969, by Secretary's Memorandum No. 1659 and
Supplement 1 pursuant to the authority contained in 5 U.S.C. 301 and the Reorganization Plan No. 2 of 1953. FNS
is the Federal agency responsible for managing the 16 domestic nutrition assistance programs. Its mission is to
increase food security and reduce hunger in partnership with cooperating organizations by providing children and
other low-income Americans access to food, a healthful diet, and nutrition education.
Over the past half-century – beginning with the National School Lunch Program in 1946 – the Nation developed
nutrition assistance programs to help the most vulnerable populations meet their food needs. These essential
programs promote food security and healthier diets among low-income families and individuals seeking self-
sufficiency. Currently, the programs administered by FNS touch the lives of one in four Americans annually.
FNS develops dietary guidance and promotes healthier dietary behaviors based on the latest body of scientific
research to meet the nutrition needs of consumers. FNS leads food, nutrition, and economic analyses that inform
Federal and State programs; translates science into actionable food and nutrition guidance for all Americans; and
leads national communication initiatives that help advance consumers’ dietary and economic knowledge and inform
choices.
The nutrition assistance programs described below work both individually and in concert with one another to
improve the nutrition and health of the Nation’s children and other low-income Americans.
SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (SNAP): Authorized by the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008,
as amended, SNAP is the cornerstone of the Nation’s nutrition assistance safety net, touching the lives of
approximately 42 million Americans each month. It provides nutrition assistance to participants, the majority of
whom are children, the elderly, or people with disabilities, helping them put food on the table using benefits that can
be redeemed at authorized food retailers nationwide. State agencies are responsible for the program’s administration
according to national eligibility and benefit standards set by Federal law and regulations. The Food and Nutrition
Service is responsible for authorizing and monitoring participating retailers. Benefits are 100 percent federally
financed, while administrative costs are shared between the Federal and State Governments.
SNAP provides the basic nutrition assistance benefits for low-income people in the United States of America. Other
FNS programs supplement this program with benefits targeted to special populations, dietary needs, and delivery
settings. (Puerto Rico, American Samoa, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands receive grant
funds to provide food and nutrition assistance in lieu of SNAP).
F
OOD DISTRIBUTION PROGRAM ON INDIAN RESERVATIONS (FDPIR): FDPIR provides USDA Foods to income-
eligible households living on Indian reservations, and to American Indian households residing in approved areas
near reservations or in Oklahoma. Many households participate in FDPIR as an alternative to SNAP because they do
not have easy access to SNAP offices or authorized food stores. Dual participation in SNAP and FDPIR is not
permitted. State agencies and Indian Tribal Organizations (ITOs) that operate the program are responsible for
eligibility certification, nutrition education, local warehousing and transportation of food, and distribution of food to
2024 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES –FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE
35-4
recipient households, and program integrity. USDA purchases and ships the USDA Foods distributed through the
program. USDA also provides ITOs and State agencies administering the program with funds for program
administrative expenses.
C
HILD NUTRITION PROGRAMS (CNP): The Child Nutrition Programs - National School Lunch (NSLP), School
Breakfast (SBP), Special Milk (SMP), Child and Adult Care Food (CACFP), and Summer Food Service (SFSP) are
authorized by the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act and the Child Nutrition Act of 1966. These
programs provide reimbursement to State and local governments for nutritious meals and snacks served to children
in schools, childcare institutions, summer sites and after school care programs. CACFP also supports meal service in
adult day care centers. FNS provides cash and USDA-purchased foods on a per-meal basis to offset the cost of food
service at the local level and a significant portion of State and local administrative expenses, and provides training,
technical assistance, and nutrition education. Payments are higher for meals served free or at a reduced price to
children from low-income families.
In addition, the Fresh Fruit and V
egetable Program (FFVP) provides access to fresh fruits and vegetables for
students in low-income elementary schools across the Nation. FFVP, authorized and funded under Section 19 of the
Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act and expanded by the Food, Conservation and Energy Act of 2008,
operates in selected low-income elementary schools in the 50 States, the District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico,
and the Virgin Islands. States select schools to participate based on criteria in the law and participating students
receive between $50 and $75 worth of fresh produce over the school year.
On December 29, 2022, as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023 (Public Law 117-328), Congress
authorized a new permanent Federal child nutrition program, the Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer for Children
Program (Summer EBT). Beginning summer 2024, Summer EBT will provide benefits for school children in low-
income families that may be redeemed at authorized food retailers across the country, helping children meet their
nutritional needs during summers when schools are not in session.
S
PECIAL SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION PROGRAM FOR WOMEN, INFANTS AND CHILDREN (WIC): WIC addresses
the supplemental nutritional needs of at-risk, low-income pregnant, breastfeeding and postpartum women, infants
and children up to five years of age. WIC provides participants with monthly supplemental food packages targeted
to their dietary needs, breastfeeding support to nursing mothers, nutrition education, and referrals to a range of
health and social services – benefits that promote a healthy pregnancy for mothers and a healthy start for their
children. Appropriated funds are provided to State agencies for food packages, nutrition services, and administration
for the program; State agencies operate the program pursuant to plans approved by FNS.
T
HE EMERGENCY FOOD ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (TEFAP): This program supports the emergency feeding network
by distributing 100 percent domestically grown USDA Foods for use by emergency feeding organizations, including
soup kitchens, food recovery organizations, and food banks, which work to distribute the foods directly to low-
income households. TEFAP also provides administrative funds to defray State and local costs associated with the
transportation, processing, storage, and distribution of USDA Foods. The allocation of both Federal food and
administrative grants to States is based on a formula that considers the States’ unemployment levels and the number
of persons with income below the poverty level.
T
HE COMMODITY SUPPLEMENTAL FOOD PROGRAM (CSFP): CSFP supports the health of low-income elderly
persons at least 60 years of age by supplementing their diets with nutritious USDA Foods. Participants receive a
monthly food package of USDA Foods. State agencies are provided funding to cover State and local administrative
costs such as nutrition education, warehousing, food delivery, and participant certification. States work with local
agencies to distribute the monthly food package to participants.
S
ENIOR FARMERS’ MARKET NUTRITION PROGRAM (SFMNP): SFMNP provides coupons to low-income seniors
that can be exchanged for fresh, nutritious, unprepared, locally grown fruits, vegetables, herbs and honey at farmers’
markets, roadside stands, and community-supported agriculture programs.
F
ARMERS’ MARKET NUTRITION PROGRAM (FMNP): FMNP provides WIC participants, including women, infants
older than 4 months, and children up to the age of five with special coupons to purchase fresh, locally grown fruits,
vegetables, and herbs directly from farmers, farmers’ markets and roadside stands.
P
ACIFIC ISLAND AND DISASTER ASSISTANCE: Pacific Island Assistance includes assistance to the nuclear-affected
islands of the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) in the form of cash-in-lieu of food and administrative funds
through the Special Food Assistance Program and is authorized under the Compact of Free Association
2024 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES –FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE
35-5
Amendments Act of 2003 (P.L. 108-188). Disaster relief in the form of USDA Foods can be provided to the RMI
and Federated States of Micronesia for use in Presidential Disaster Declaration.
Federal nutrition assistance programs operate as partnerships between FNS and the State and local organizations that
interact directly with program participants. States voluntarily enter into agreements with the Federal Government to
operate programs according to Federal standards in exchange for program funds that cover all benefit costs, and a
significant portion, if not all, of administrative expenses.
Under these agreements, FNS is responsible for implementing statutory requirements that set national program
standards for eligibility and benefits, providing Federal funding to State and local partners, and for conducting
monitoring and evaluation activities to make sure that program structures and policies are properly implemented and
effective in meeting program missions. State and local organizations are responsible for delivering benefits
efficiently, effectively, and in a manner consistent with federal regulations.
C
ENTER FOR NUTRITION POLICY AND PROMOTION (CNPP): Through the work of CNPP, FNS serves as a Federal
authority on evidence-based food guidance, nutrition and economic analyses, and consumer nutrition education. It is
non-regulatory, with several initiatives that serve as the foundation for many Federal departments’ and agencies’
policies and programs. CNPP’s work includes:
• D
ietary Guidelines for Americans, man
dated under the 1990 National Nutrition Monitoring and Related
Research Act to provide dietary guidance for the general public, expanded to include guidance for infants and
toddlers from birth to 24 months, and for pregnant women, per the Agricultural Act of 2014 (2014 Farm Bill).
Designed for professional audiences, it forms the foundation for Federal nutrition policies and programs and is a
central source that nutrition programs across the Federal Government can implement “with one voice” as they
tailor it for their specific program audiences;
• Healthy Eating Index (HEI), an analytic tool used to assess how well diets align with the Dietary Guidelines,
used widely by Academic institutions, organizations, and Federal agencies including many agencies within the
USDA, such as FNS, the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, and the Economic Research Service;
• Nutrition Evidence Systematic Reviews (NESR) is a team of scientists who have a unique combination of
experience and expertise in systematic review methodology, nutrition science, public health, and library
science. NESR scientists answer nutrition questions of public health importance by conducting high-quality
systematic reviews, rapid reviews, and evidence scans using up-to-date methods and technology;
• USDA Food Plans (Thrifty, Low Cost, Moderate Cost, and Liberal) that exempli nutritious diets at four cost
levels, can help Americans eat healthfully on a budget, and serve as a reference source for other Federal needs
such as the Thrifty Food Plan setting the maximum allotment for SNAP. Other uses of the USDA Food Plans
include being used in bankruptcy courts to ensure people are left with enough money to buy food, and serving
as the source (Moderate Cost and Liberal Food Plans) for the Department of Defense to determine the Basic
Allowance for Subsistence (the food allowance) paid to U.S. service members, as well as the Basic Daily Food
Allowance used for reimbursement rates for dining facilities on military bases; and
• MyPlate, which is the consumer translation of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, the Federal nutrition
symbol and resource that serves as the foundation for Federally funded, consumer nutrition education
initiatives, providing advice and tools to consumers on how to build healthy eating solutions into their everyday
lives.
FNS Staff:
FNS employees are an important resource for advancing the key outcomes sought through the nutrition
assistance programs. The agency staff serves to ensure and leverage the effective use of program appropriations.
About half of FNS staff is funded by the Nutrition Programs Administration account, which represents less than
two-tenths of one percent of the total FNS budget. The agency employment level represents less than two percent of
the total employment within USDA and is similarly small in proportion to the total State-level staff needed to
operate the programs. The agency employs people from a variety of disciplines, including policy and management
analysts, nutritionists, computer experts, communication experts, communications professionals, accountants,
investigators, and program evaluators. Because of the small size of the agency’s staff relative to the resources it
manages, FNS has created clear and specific performance measures and must focus its management efforts on a
limited number of high-priority areas.
Program operations are managed through FNS’ seven regional offices and 13 field offices/satellite locations. A
regional administrator directs each regional office. These offices maintain direct contact with State agencies that
administer the FNS programs and conduct on-site management reviews of State operations. The Retailer Operations
2024 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES –
FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE
35-6
Division monitors 258,589 stores and other outlets as of September 30, 2022, that are authorized to redeem SNAP
benefits.
As of September 2022, there were approximately 1,638 full-time permanent employees in the agency. There were
681 employees in the Washington headquarters office and 957 in the field. The chart below displays staff year
utilization.
Full Time Equivalent Distribution
Table FNS-1. Full Time Equivalent Distribution (From All Sources of Funds)
FNS Projects and CNPP
2021
Actual
2022
Actual
2023
Enacted
Change
2024
President’s
Budget
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
374
397
551
17
568
Child Nutrition Programs
265
262
396
45
441
Commodity Assistance Program
3
3
3
0
3
Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for
Women, Infants and Children
41
47
83
0
83
Nutrition Programs Administration
708
751
872
8
880
Total Available
1,391
1,460
1,905
70
1,975
OIG and GAO Reports of National Significance
Table FNS-2. Completed OIG Reports*
Area
Number
Date
Title
Status
CN, FM,
SNAP
27801-0001-23(1)
6-2022
COVID-19: FNS Pandemic Electronic Benefit
Transfer (Interim Report #1)
Closed – no recommendations
for FNS
ROS,
SNAS
27801-0001-21
8-2022
COVID-19: Oversight of The Emergency Food
Assistance Program
Final action pending on 4 of 4
open recommendations
SNAP
27601-0006-41
1-2023
SNAP Waiver Process
Final action pending on 2 of 2
open recommendations
*Includes only those audits where FNS is the lead agency.
Table FNS-3. Completed GAO Reports*
Area
Number
Date
Title
Result
All Programs
GAO-22-105291
1-2022
COVID-19: Significant Improvements Are
Needed for Overseeing Relief Funds and Leading
Responses to Public Health Emergencies
Closure pending on 2 of 2
open recommendations
SNAP
GAO-22-104740
4-2022
Nutrition Assistance Programs:
Federal Agencies Should Improve Oversight and
Better Collaborate on Efforts to Support
Veterans with Food Insecurity
Closure pending on 1 of 1
open recommendation
CNPP, OPS
GAO-23-105450
12-2023
Thrifty Food Plan: Better Planning and
Accountability Could Help Ensure Quality of
Future Reevaluations
Closure pending on 8 of 8
open recommendations
*Includes only those audits where FNS is the lead agency.
Table FNS-4. In Process OIG Reports*
Area
Number
Start Date
Title
Current Audit Stage
P-EBT
27801-0001-23
4-2021
COVID-19: FNS Pandemic Electronic Benefit
Transfer (Interim Report #2)
Fieldwork
*Includes only those audits where FNS is the lead agency.
2024 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES –FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE
35-7
Table FNS-5. In Process GAO Reports*
Area
Number
Start Date
Title
Current Audit Stage
FM, OPS,
SNAP
105458
11-2021
Hunger and Homelessness
Fieldwork
CN, SNAS
105697
1-2022
USDA Foods in Schools Programs
Fieldwork
CN, ROS,
SNAS
105884
3-2022
School Meals Buy American Provision
Fieldwork
SNAP
106000
5-2022
College Student Food Insecurity
Fieldwork
All
Programs
106130
7-2022
Dietary Guidelines for Americans
Fieldwork
All
Programs
106218
10-2022
Tribal Food Security
Fieldwork
SNAS
106503
2-2023
Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for
Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Infant
Formula Pricing
Fieldwork
All
Programs,
OPS
106539
2-2023
Food Insecurity and the Charitable Food
Assistance Network
Fieldwork
*Includes only those audits where FNS is the lead agency.
2024 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES –FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE
35-8
A
VAILABLE FUNDS AND FULL TIME EQUIVALENT’S
Table FNS-6. Total Obligations and FTE’s (thousands of dollars)
Item
2021
Actual
FTE
2022
Actual
FTE
2023
Estimate
FTE
2024
Estimate
FTE
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program:
SNAP ........................................................
$98,163,901
374
$118,070,961
397
$135,867,723
551
$119,133,239
568
SNAP Other Supplement Funds ...............
17,595,416
-
4,634,523
-
3,500,000
-
-
-
Pandemic EBT Benefits ............................
31,228,649
-
18,886,199
-
20,000,000
-
-
-
Total, SNAP .............................................
146,987,966
374
141,591,683
397
159,367,723
551
119,133,239
568
Child Nutrition Programs:
Appropriation ............................................
4,036,851
234
15,846,682
262
3,119,869
366
3,247,215
411
Transfer from Section 32 ..........................
21,040,058
-
19,968,082
-
25,215,313
-
28,555,432
-
Permanent Appropriation ..........................
226,837
31
249,704
30
210,250
30
228,250
30
CARES Act Supp. Funding ......................
2,316,587
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Other Supplemental Funding ....................
1,477,489
-
2,754,414
-
2,117,000
-
-
-
Total, Child Nutrition .............................
29,097,812
265
38,818,882
292
30,662,432
396
32,030,897
441
WIC (including Supplemental funds) .......
6,502,029
41
7,209,327
47
6,712,023
83
6,810,699
83
CAP (including Supplemental funds) .......
1,169,162
3
489,063
3
484,275
3
541,442
3
Nutrition Programs Admin .......................
147,774
708
160,230
751
187,348
872
219,193
880
Congressional Hunger Center ...................
2,000
-
2,000
-
2,000
-
2,000
-
Total, Food & Nutrition Service Funds .
183,906,743
1,391
188,271,185
1,490
197,415,801
1,905
158,737,470
1,975
Obligations under other USDA
Appropriations:
Office of Hearing and Appeals .................
28
-
29
-
22
-
-
-
Office of the Chief Info. Officer ...............
11
-
11
-
12
-
-
-
Office of the Secretary ..............................
35
-
42
-
-
-
-
-
Office of Cong Relations ..........................
24
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Food Safety and Insp. Service ...................
10
-
11
-
11
-
-
-
Agricultural Marketing Service ................
22
-
40
-
70
-
-
-
Farm Service Agency ................................
10
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Rural Development ...................................
-
-
12
-
-
-
-
-
Department Administration ......................
-
-
210
-
-
-
-
-
Office of the Chief Economist ..................
-
-
62
-
-
-
-
-
Office of Civil Rights ...............................
-
-
30
-
225
-
-
-
Homeland Security ...................................
-
-
40
-
750
-
-
-
Other .........................................................
-
-
115
-
150
-
-
-
Total, Agriculture Appropriations ........
140
-
602
-
1240
-
-
-
Obligations under other Federal
Appropriations:
Health and Human Services ......................
1,043
-
1,000
-
750
-
-
-
Total, Food & Nutrition Service Obligations
$183,907,926
1,391
$188,272,787
1,490
$197,417,791
1,905
$158,737,470
1,975
Note: For additional explanation of specific program figures, please see the supporting project statements.
2024 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE
35-9
P
ERMANENT POSITIONS BY GRADE AND FTE’S
Table FNS-7. Permanent Positions by Grade and FTE’s
Item
D.C.
Field
2021
Actual
Total
D.C.
Field
2022
Actual
Total
D.C.
Field
2023
Estimated
Total
D.C.
Field
2024
Estimated
Total
SES .......................................
9
8
17
8
8
16
9
9
18
9
9
18
GS-15 ....................................
48
32
80
63
36
99
72
42
114
75
40
115
GS-14 ....................................
120
83
203
147
103
250
168
121
289
175
125
300
GS-13 ....................................
275
229
504
312
266
578
358
312
670
372
323
695
GS-12 ....................................
64
392
456
64
359
423
73
422
495
76
437
513
GS-11 ....................................
27
54
81
46
123
169
53
145
198
55
150
205
GS-9 ......................................
11
8
19
25
52
77
28
61
89
29
64
93
GS-8 ......................................
7
0
7
5
0
5
6
0
6
6
0
6
GS-7 ......................................
2
10
12
3
7
10
3
8
11
4
8
12
GS-6 ......................................
3
3
6
3
3
6
3
4
7
4
4
8
GS-5 ......................................
0
1
1
0
1
1
0
1
1
0
1
1
GS-4 ......................................
2
1
3
1
0
1
1
0
1
1
0
1
GS-3 ......................................
1
0
1
1
0
1
1
0
1
1
0
1
GS-2 ......................................
0
1
1
3
1
4
3
2
5
4
1
5
Total Permanent .................
569
822
1,391
681
957
1,638
781
1,124
1,905
810
1,165
1,975
Unfilled, EOY ......................
84
64
148
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Total Perm. FT EOY ..........
653
886
1,539
681
957
1,638
781
1,124
1,905
810
1,165
1,975
FTE ......................................
653
886
1,539
681
957
1,638
781
1,124
1,905
810
1,165
1,975
2024 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES –
FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE
35-10
V
EHICLE FLEET
M
OTOR VEHICLE FLEET
The FNS General Services Administration (GSA) vehicles consists largely of sedans and minivans. Fleet vehicles
are used by the National Office and Regional Offices. Vehicles assigned to the Regional Offices shared vehicles are
used for travel within their area of responsibility. The four (4) fleet vehicles at the National Office in Alexandria,
Virginia are used for shuttle service to transport employees to/from the Department and to transport the FNCS
Deputy Under Secretary and FNS Administrator.
Replacement Criteria
Leased vehicles are replaced according to the respective GSA guidelines for years and/or miles driven. Vehicles are
not automatically replaced without evaluating use/benefits and cost effectiveness in support of the mission.
Utilization rates are also reviewed prior to requesting replacements.
Reductions to Fleet
In FY 2022, fleet size decreased from 23 to 21 vehicles. FNS currently has 21 GSA leased vehicles. Mountain Plains
Regional Office (MPRO) turned in two (2) GSA lease vehicles (sedans and SUV) in FY 2022, due to vehicle
underutilization.
Table FNS-8. Size, Composition, and Annual Costs of Motor Vehicle Fleet
Sedans
and
Station
Wagons
Vans
SUVs
Light
Trucks
4X2
Light
Trucks
4X4
Medium
Duty
Vehicles
Buses
Heavy
Duty
Vehicles
Total
Vehicles
Annual
Operating
Costs
2021 EOY Operating Inventory
12
6
2
0
0
3
0
0
23
$113,274
2022 Planned Acquisitions .......
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
2022 Planned Disposals ............
1
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
2
2022 EOY Operating Inventory
11
6
1
0
0
3
0
0
21
$118,937
2023 Planned Acquisitions .......
3
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
4
2023 Planned Disposals ............
3
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
4
2023 EOY Operating Inventory
11
6
1
0
0
3
0
0
21
$124,884
2024 Planned Acquisitions .......
2
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
2
2024 Planned Disposals ............
2
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
2
2024 EOY Operating Inventory
11
6
1
0
0
3
0
0
21
$137,022
Note: Number of vehicles by type include vehicles owned by the agency and leased from commercial sources or GSA.
Note: Annual Operating Costs excludes acquisition costs and gains from sale of vehicles as shown in FAST.
Table FNS-9. Statement of Proposed Purchase of Passenger Motor Vehicles
Fiscal Year
Net Active Fleet, SOY
Disposals
Replacements
Additions
Total Acquisitions
Net Active Fleet,
EOY
2021
12
1
1
0
0
12
2022
12
1
0
0
0
11
2023
11
3
3
0
0
11
2024
11
2
2
0
0
11
Note: FNS no longer has purchased vehicles or owned vehicles in the fleet. The FY 2021 numbers are a correction of what was reported in the FY 2023 Explanatory
Notes.
2024 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES –FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE
35-11
S
HARED FUNDING PROJECTS
Table FNS-10. Shared Funding Projects (dollars in thousands)
Item
2021
Actual
2022
Actual
2023
Estimated
2024
Estimated
Working Capital Fund:
Administration:
Material Management Service Center .......................................................
$83
$95
$90
$95
Ask USDA Contact Center ........................................................................
-
-
1,223
1,283
Mail and Reproduction Services ...............................................................
24
146
143
148
Integrated Procurement Systems ...............................................................
246
227
220
226
Procurement Operations Division .............................................................
73
130
143
272
Personnel and Document Security ............................................................
-
-
72
77
HR Enterprise System Management .........................................................
18
23
20
23
Subtotal .....................................................................................................
444
621
1,911
2,124
Communications:
Creative Media and Broadcast Center .......................................................
1,884
281
541
1,250
Finance and Management:
-
-
-
National Finance Center ............................................................................
1,533
1,788
933
976
Internal Control Support Services .............................................................
156
158
174
184
Financial Shared Services .........................................................................
1,410
1,468
1,403
1,509
Subtotal .....................................................................................................
5,003
3,414
2,510
3,919
Information Technology:
Client Experience Center ...........................................................................
9,382
8,629
8,496
9,012
Dept. Admin. Information Technology Office .........................................
1,653
1,882
1,898
1,898
Digital Infrastructure Services Center .......................................................
4,804
5,559
6,470
6,763
Enterprise Cyber Security .........................................................................
-
-
532
555
Enterprise Data Analytics ..........................................................................
-
-
2,770
2,795
Enterprise Network Services .....................................................................
1,111
956
1,998
1,910
Subtotal .....................................................................................................
16,950
17,026
22,164
22,933
Office of the Executive Secretariat ...........................................................
209
264
422
441
Total, Working Capital Fund .................................................................
22,606
21,606
27,007
27,517
Department-Wide Shared Cost Programs:
Advisory Committee Liaison Services ......................................................
3
4
-
-
Agency Partnership Outreach ....................................................................
104
95
119
119
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility ..........................................
-
-
32
32
Human Resources Priority Goals Program ...............................................
1
-
60
60
Medical Service .........................................................................................
2
-
-
-
National Capital Region Interpreting Services .........................................
0
76
103
103
Office of Customer Experience .................................................................
146
132
47
47
Personnel and Document Security ............................................................
51
51
-
-
Physical Security .......................................................................................
65
65
67
67
Security Detail ...........................................................................................
70
68
76
76
Security Operations ...................................................................................
98
94
104
104
TARGET Center ........................................................................................
18
19
26
26
USDA Enterprise Data Analytics Services ...............................................
82
66
-
-
Total, Departmental Shared Cost Programs ........................................
639
670
686
686
E-Gov:
Budget Formulation and Execution LOB .................................................
12
14
8
8
Disaster Assistance Improvement Plan .....................................................
32
13
13
13
E-Rulemaking ............................................................................................
224
204
193
162
Financial Management LOB .....................................................................
1
1
1
1
Geospatial LOB .........................................................................................
13
13
13
13
GovBenefits ...............................................................................................
125
103
95
100
Grants.gov ..................................................................................................
26
19
27
27
Hiring Assessment Tool ............................................................................
-
3
-
-
HR Management LOB ...............................................................................
5
4
4
4
Integrated Acquisition Environment .........................................................
-
65
54
48
Total, E-Gov .............................................................................................
438
439
408
376
Agency Total ............................................................................................
23,663
22,715
28,101
28,579
2024 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES –FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE
35-12
This
page was intentionally left blank
2
024 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE
35-13
C
HILD NUTRITION PROGRAMS
A
PPROPRIATIONS LANGUAGE
The appropriations language follows (new language underscored; deleted matter enclosed in brackets):
For necessary expenses to carry out the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act (42 U.S.C. 1751 et seq.), 1
except section 21, and the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (42 U.S.C. 1771 et seq.), except sections 17 and 21; 2
[$28,545,432,000]$32,030,897,000, to remain available through September 30, [2024]2025
, of which such sums as
3
are made available under section 14222(b)(1) of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (Public Law 110-4
246), as amended by this Act, shall be merged with and available for the same time period and purposes as provided 5
herein: Provided, That of the total amount available, $20,162,000 shall be available to carry out section 19 of the 6
Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (42 U.S.C. 1788): Provided further, That of the total amount available, 7
[$21,005,000]
$21,876,000 shall be available to carry out studies and evaluations and shall remain available until
8
expended: [Provided further, That of the total amounts available, $14,000,000 shall remain available until expended 9
to carry out section 18(g) of the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act (42 U.S.C. 1769(g)):] Provided 10
further, That notwithstanding section 18(g)(3)(C) of the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act (42 U.S.C. 11
1769(g)(3)(c)), the total grant amount provided to a farm to school grant recipient in fiscal year [2023]
2024 shall not
12
exceed $500,000: Provided further, That of the total amount available, $30,000,000 shall be available to provide 13
competitive grants to State agencies for subgrants to local educational agencies and schools to purchase the 14
equipment, with a value of greater than $1,000, needed to serve healthier meals, improve food safety, and to help 15
support the establishment, maintenance, or expansion of the school breakfast program: [Provided further, That of 16
the total amount available, $40,000,000 shall remain available until expended to carry out section 749(g) of the 17
Agriculture Appropriations Act of 2010 (Public Law 111-80):][ Provided further, That of the total amount available 18
$2,000,000 shall remain available until expended to carry out activities authorized under subsections (a)(2) and 19
(e)(2) of section 21 of the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act (42 U.S.C. 1769b-1(a)(2) and 20
(e)(2)):][Provided further, That of the total amount available, $3,000,000 shall be available until September 30, 21
2024 to carry out section 23 of the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (42 U.S.C. 1793), of which $1,000,000 shall be for 22
grants under such section to the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana 23
Islands, the United States Virgin Islands, Guam, and American Samoa:] Provided further, That section 26(d) of the 24
Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act (42 U.S.C. 1769g(d)) is amended in the first sentence by striking 25
“2010 through [2023]
2024" and inserting "2010 through [2024]2025": Pr
ovided further, That section 9(h)(3) of the 26
Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act (42 U.S.C. 1758(h)(3)) is amended in the first sentence by striking 27
"For fiscal year [2022]2023" and inserting "For fiscal year [2023]
2024": Provided further, Tha
t section 9(h)(4) of 28
the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act (42 U.S.C. 1758(h)(4)) is amended in the first sentence by 29
striking "For fiscal year [2022]2023" and inserting "For fiscal year [2023]
2024".
30
Change Description
The first change (line 9) removes funding for Farm to School Grants. This item was funded in 2023 through the
appropriations language. President’s Budget 2024 requests this funding through a General Provision.
The sec
ond change (line 16) removes funding for summer demonstrations.
The third change (line 18) removes funding for the Institute of Child Nutrition. This item was funded in 2023
through the appropriations language. President’s Budget 2024 requests this funding through a General Provision.
The fourt
h change (line 21) removes funding for school breakfast expansion grants.
L
EAD-OFF TABULAR STATEMENT
Table FNS-11. Lead-Off Tabular Statement (In dollars)
Item
Amount
Estimate, 2023 ............................................................................................................
$28,545,432,000
Change in Appropriation ............................................................................................
+3,485,465,000
Budget Estimate, 2024................................................................................................
32,030,897,000
Budget Estimate, Current Law 2024 ..........................................................................
$32,030,897,000
Change Due to Proposed Legislation .........................................................................
+234,000,000
Net 2024 Request .......................................................................................................
32,264,897,000
2
024 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE
35-14
P
ROJECT STATEMENTS
Table FNS-12. Project Statement Appropriated Funding (thousands of dollars, FTE)
Item
2021
Actual
FTE
2022
Actual
FTE
2023
Estimated
FTE
2024
Estimated
FTE
Inc/
Dec
FTE
Inc/Dec
Chg
Key
Discretionary Appropriations:
Team Nutrition/HUSSC ......................
$18,004
26
$18,004
29
$20,162
35
$20,162
35
-
-
Summer Demonstration .......................
42,000
-
45,000
-
40,000
-
-
-$40,000
-
(1)
School Meals Equipment Grants .........
30,000
-
30,000
-
30,000
-
30,000
-
-
School Breakfast Expansion Grants ....
6,000
-
6,000
-
3,000
-
-
-3,000
-
(2)
Institute of Child Nutrition ..................
1,000
-
2,000
-
2,000
-
-
-2,000
-
(3)
Farm to School Grants .........................
12,000
-
17,000
-
14,000
-
-
-14,000
-
(4)
Subtotal ..............................................
109,004
26
118,004
29
109,162
35
50,162
35
-59,000
-
Mandatory Appropriations:
National School Lunch Program .........
13,539,797
-
14,665,855
-
15,404,530
-
16,427,651
-
+1,023,121
-
(5)
School Breakfast Program ...................
5,039,086
-
5,188,750
-
5,453,240
-
6,045,213
-
+591,973
-
(6)
Child and Adult Care Food Program ...
4,015,116
-
4,314,605
-
4,659,778
-
4,185,721
-
-474,057
-
(7)
Summer Food Service Program ...........
551,944
14
581,074
14
655,333
20
846,331
20
+190,998
-
(8)
Special Milk Program ..........................
7,309
-
6,250
-
7,817
-
6,651
-
-1,166
-
(9)
Summer EBT (Benefits) ......................
-
-
-
-
-
-
1,700,000
-
+1,700,000
-
(10)
Summer EBT (50% Admin.) ...............
-
-
-
-
-
-
170,000
-
+170,000
-
(11)
State Administrative Expenses ............
317,044
-
332,000
-
339,000
-
491,591
-
+152,591
-
(12)
Commodity Procurement ....................
1,460,769
25
1,567,663
24
1,788,389
33
1,948,518
33
+160,129
-
(13)
Food Safety Education ........................
2,988
6
3,048
6
4,196
8
4,378
8
+182
-
(14)
Coordinated Review ............................
10,000
61
10,000
58
10,000
80
10,000
80
-
-
Computer Support ...............................
19,366
-
26,753
17
28,238
24
34,912
24
+6,674
-
(15)
Training and Technical Assistance ......
34,214
42
41,498
41
45,996
59
61,291
82
+15,295
+23
(16)
CN Studies ..........................................
15,299
9
15,607
9
21,005
13
21,876
13
+871
-
(17)
CN Payment Accuracy ........................
11,427
51
11,656
49
12,315
72
17,069
80
+4,754
+8
(18)
Farm to School Team ..........................
4,077
-
6,159
15
6,433
22
9,533
36
+3,100
+14
(19)
Subtotal ..............................................
25,028,436
208
26,770,918
233
28,436,270
331
31,980,735
376
+3,544,465
+45
Supplemental Appropriations:
CARES Act:
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
CNP Covid-19 #3 Emergency Costs ...
1,800,000
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
School Food / CN Support for Local
Food Procurement & Mgt ....................
1,000,000
-
1,500,000
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Keep Kids Fed Act ..............................
-
-
1,039,000
-
2,117,000
-
-
-
-2,117,000
-
Subtotal ..............................................
2,800,000
-
2,539,000
-
2,117,000
-
-
-2,117,000
-
Total Adjusted Appropriation ..........
27,937,440
234
29,427,922
262
30,662,432
366
32,030,897
411
+1,368,465
+45
Sequester .............................................
-3,520
-
-89,488
-
-4,484
-
-9,829
-
-5,345
-
Total Available ..................................
27,933,920
234
29,338,434
262
30,657,948
366
32,021,068
411
+1,363,120
+45
Proposed Legislation ...........................
-
-
-
-
-
-
234,000
-
-
-
2
024 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE
35-15
Table FNS-13. Appropriations Project Statement Permanent Funding (thousands of dollars, FTE)
Item
2021
Actual
FTE
2022
Actual
FTE
2023
Estimated
FTE
2024
Estimated
FTE
Inc./Dec.
FTE
Inc./Dec.
Mandatory Appropriations:
a
Information Clearinghouse .....................
$250
-
$250
-
$250
-
$250
-
-
-
Institute of Child Nutrition......................
5,000
-
5,000
-
5,000
-
7,000
-
+$2,000
-
Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program ........
183,000
5
187,000
5
191,000
5
195,000
5
+4,000
-
Technical Assistance Program Integrity .
4,000
21
4,000
20
4,000
20
4,000
20
-
-
Administrative Review ...........................
4,000
4
4,000
4
4,000
4
4,000
4
-
-
Professional Standards – Foodservice .....
1,000
1
1,000
1
1,000
1
1,000
1
-
-
Farm to School Grants ............................
5,000
-
5,000
-
5,000
-
17,000
-
+12,000
-
Total Permanent Appropriations/
Transfers.................................................
202,250
31
206,250
30
210,250
30
228,250
30
+18,000
-
a
The program lines in this table are not subject to appropriation.
2
024 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE
35-16
Table FNS-14. Project Statement on Basis of Obligations (thousands of dollars, FTE)
Item
2021
Actual
FTE
2022
Actual
FTE
2023
Estimated
FTE
2024
Estimated
FTE
Inc/
Dec
FTE
Inc/Dec
Discretionary Obligations:
Team Nutrition/HUSSC ...........................................
$18,261
26
$20,708
29
$20,162
35
$20,162
35
-
-
Summer Demonstration ............................................
16,314
-
18,772
-
40,000
-
-
-
-$40,000
-
School Meals Equipment Grants ..............................
28,081
-
29,624
-
30,000
-
30,000
-
-
-
School Breakfast Expansion Grants .........................
8,197
-
2,000
-
3,000
-
-
-
-
-
Institute of Child Nutrition .......................................
-
-
5,000
-
2,000
-
-
-
-2,000
-
Farm to School Grants ..............................................
-
-
9,000
-
14,000
-
-
-
-14,000
-
Subtotal ...................................................................
70,853
26
85,104
29
109,162
35
50,162
35
-56,000
-
Mandatory Obligations:
National School Lunch Program ..............................
5,845,801
-
21,637,497
-
15,404,530
-
16,427,651
-
+1,023,121
-
School Breakfast Program ........................................
2,520,393
-
5,619,744
-
5,453,240
-
6,045,213
-
+591,973
-
Child and Adult Care Food Program ........................
3,990,124
-
5,509,481
-
4,659,778
-
4,185,721
-
-474,057
-
Summer Food Service Program ................................
10,925,354
14
989,484
14
655,333
20
846,331
20
+190,998
-
Special Milk Program ...............................................
2,780
-
5,999
-
7,817
-
6,651
-
-1,166
-
Summer EBT (Benefits) ...........................................
-
-
-
-
-
-
1,700,000
-
+1,700,000
-
Summer EBT (50% Admin.) ....................................
-
-
-
-
-
-
170,000
-
+170,000
-
State Administrative Expenses .................................
327,791
-
342,609
-
339,000
-
491,591
-
+152,591
--
Commodity Procurement .........................................
1,517,864
25
1,796,700
24
1,788,389
33
1,948,518
33
+160,129
-
Food Safety Education .............................................
2,692
6
2,435
6
4,196
8
4,378
8
+182
-
Coordinated Review .................................................
9,672
61
8,973
58
10,000
80
10,000
80
-
-
Computer Support ....................................................
18,399
-
23,235
17
28,238
24
34,912
24
+6,674
-
Training and Technical Assistance ...........................
45,258
42
21,681
41
45,996
59
61,291
82
+15,295
+23
CN Studies ...............................................................
13,763
9
8,547
9
21,005
13
21,876
13
+871
-
CN Payment Accuracy .............................................
9,871
51
9,074
49
12,315
72
17,069
80
+4,754
+8
Farm to School Team ...............................................
3,121
-
3,905
15
6,433
22
9,533
36
+3,100
+14
Subtotal ...................................................................
25,232,883
208
35,979,364
233
28,436,270
331
31,980,735
376
+3,544,465
+45
Supplemental Obligations:
CARES Act:
2,316,587
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
CNP Covid-19 #3 Emergency Costs ........................
1,477,489
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
School Food / CN Support for Local Food
Procurement & Mgt ..................................................
-
-
1,943,000
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Keep Kids Fed Act ...................................................
-
-
811,414
-
2,117,000
-
-
-
-2,117,000
-
Subtotal ...................................................................
3,794,076
-
2,754,414
-
2,117,000
-
-
-
-2,117,000
-
Total Obligations ....................................................
29,097,812
234
38,818,882
262
30,662,432
366
32,030,897
411
+1,378,465
+45
Rescission ................................................................
-
-
-
-
-80,000
-
-
-
+80,000
-
Sequestration ............................................................
-3,520
-
-89,488
-
-4,484
-
-5,294
-
-810
-
Recoveries ................................................................
-1,654,514
-
-1,202,500
-
-590,000
-
-590,000
-
-
-
Unobligated Balance, SOY ......................................
-9,000,000
-
-9,497,662
-
-1,398,690
-
-1,993,174
-
-594,484
-
Unobligated Balance, EOY ......................................
9,497,662
-
1,398,690
-
1,993,174
-
2,588,468
-
+595,294
-
Total Appropriation ...............................................
27,937,440
234
29,427,922
262
30,582,432
366
32,030,897
411
+1,448,465
+45
2
024 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE
35-17
Table FNS-15. Project Statement on Basis of Obligations (thousands of dollars, FTE)
Item
2021
Actual
FTE
2022
Actual
FTE
2023
Estimated
FTE
2024
Estimated
FTE
Inc/
Dec
FTE
Inc/Dec
Mandatory Obligations:
a
Information Clearinghouse .......................
$250
-
$250
-
$250
-
$250
-
-
-
Institute of Child Nutrition........................
6,000
-
5,000
-
5,000
-
7,000
-
+$2,000
-
Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program ..........
203,431
5
233,523
5
191,000
5
195,000
5
+4,000
-
Technical Assistance Program Integrity ...
3,539
21
3,416
20
4,000
20
4,000
20
-
-
Administrative Review .............................
188
4
198
4
4,000
4
4,000
4
-
-
Professional Standards – Foodservice .......
866
1
1,042
1
1,000
1
1,000
1
-
-
Farm to School Grants ..............................
12,563
-
6,275
-
5,000
-
17,000
-
+12,000
-
Subtotal ....................................................
226,837
31
249,704
30
210,250
30
228,250
30
+18,000
-
Recoveries ................................................
-30,080
-
-68,655
-
-23,465
-
-23,465
-
-
-
Unobligated Balance, SOY .......................
-292,544
-
-298,037
-
-323,238
-
-346,703
-
-23,465
-
Lapsing Balances ......................................
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Unobligated Balance, EOY .......................
298,037
-
323,238
-
346,703
-
370,168
-
+23,465
-
Total Appropriation ...............................
202,250
31
206,250
30
210,250
30
228,250
30
+18,000
-
The program lines in this table are not subject to appropriation.
Table FNS-16. Direct Appropriations Authorities
Direct Appropriation and Transfer Activities
Authorization
Information Clearinghouse .......................................................
NSLA Sect. 26(d)
Institute of Child Nutrition .......................................................
NSLA Sect. 21(e)(1)(A)
Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (transfer) ..........................
NSLA Sect. 19(i)(1)
Technical Assistance Program Integrity ...................................
NSLA Sect. 21(g)(1)(A)
Grants to States (Administrative Review) ................................
CNA Sect. 7(h)(1)
Professional Standards – Foodservice ......................................
CNA Sect. 7(g)(3)(A)
Farm to School Grants .............................................................
NSLA Sect. 18(g)(8)(A)
Note: National School Lunch Act (NSLA); Child Nutrition Act (CNA); the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and
Related Agencies Appropriations Act of 2010, P.L. 111-80; P.L. 111-296.
JUSTIFICATION OF INCREASES AND DECREASES
The numbers and letters of the following listing relate to values in the Change (Chg) Key column of the Project
Statement, compared to 2023 Estimated. The Justification reflects an increase of $3,485,465,000. This change
includes:
(1) A decrease of $40,000,000 for Summer Demonstration ($40,000,000 available in 2023)
.
For over a d
ecade, FNS has run demonstration projects to develop and rigorously evaluate alternative methods
of providing access to food to children in low-income households during the summer months, when schools
were not in session, including summer EBT demonstration projects in partnership with several States and Indian
Tribal Organizations. These demonstration funds have served their purpose, providing critical evidence to
inform Congress on alternative program design options, and are no longer necessary. On December 29, 2023,
Congress enacted a permanent nationwide Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer for Children Program (Summer
EBT) and non-congregate meal options for children in rural areas under the Summer Food Service Program as
part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023 (P.L. 117-328).
(2) A decrease of $3,000,000 for School Breakfast Equipment Grants ($3,000,000 available in 2023)
.
Breakfast pa
rticipation by schools has come a long way over the last several decades. In 2020, prior to the
COVID-19 pandemic, 94 percent of schools operating the National School Lunch Program also operated the
School Breakfast Program and in 2024, a similar participation rate is expected. Therefore, while school
breakfast continues to be a priority, USDA believes these expansion grants are no longer needed to drive
participation in the School Breakfast Program.
2
024 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE
35-18
(3) A decrea
se of $2,000,000 for Institute of Child Nutrition ($2,000,000 av
ailable in 2023).
The Institute of Child Nutrition (ICN), part of the School of Applied Sciences at The University of Mississippi,
is the only federally funded national center dedicated to applied research, education and training, and technical
assistance for child nutrition programs. While these funds were provided in the appropriations language in
2023, the President’s Budget requests $2 million for this purpose as a General Provision. (See Table FNS-13.
Appropriations Project Statement Permanent Funding.)
(4) A decrease of $14,000,000 for Farm to School Grants ($14,000,000 available in 2023).
Farm to S
chool Grants play an important role in expanding USDA’s farm to school efforts across the country
and strengthening the school meal programs. Each year Farm to School Grants help fund projects that will
increase the amount of local foods served through child nutrition programs and help educate children about
where their food comes from. Farm to school efforts can help school meal programs be more resilient in the
face of recent supply chain disruptions by building connections within local communities. While these funds
were provided in the appropriations language in 2023, the President’s Budget request includes $12 million for
Farm to School Grants as a General Provision. (See Table FNS-13. Appropriations Project Statement
Permanent Funding.)
(5) An increase of $1,023,121,000 for National School Lunch Program (NSLP) ($15,404,530,000 available in
2023).
In 2021 and 2022,
due to waivers that were established for Child Nutrition Program operations during the
COVID-19 pandemic, normal obligational patterns were disrupted. In 2021, about half the meals served in
schools were served and claimed under the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP), while half were served and
claimed under the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs, primarily using the Seamless
Summer Option (SSO). For 2022, USDA issued a broad range of flexibilities designed to allow school meal and
childcare programs to return to serving healthy meals while maintaining social distancing. As a result of these
waivers, schools had the option to serve all meals free of charge throughout the school year, using the meal
pattern requirements of regular school and childcare meals, while being reimbursed a the SFSP reimbursement
rates. Beginning in 2023, requested funding assumes a return to more normal school lunch and school breakfast
operations.
The requested increase for 2024 is to account for projected increases in participation and inflation of meal
reimbursement rates. In 2024, the total number of lunches and snacks is projected to be 5.034 billion, an
increase of 14 million (or 0.3% percent) over the current estimate for 2023 of 5.020 billion.
Table FNS-17. National School Lunch Program Performance Measure
a
NSLP Performance Measure
2021 Actual
2022 Actual
2023 Estimated
2024 Estimated
Lunches Served (millions):
Above 185% of poverty ......................................
25
212
1,210
1,213
130% - 185% of poverty .....................................
4
28
231
231
Below 130% of poverty ......................................
1,514
4,613
3,428
3,437
Total Lunches .....................................................
1,543
4,853
4,869
4,881
Average Daily Participation millions).................
9
29.6
29.5
29.5
Lunch Rate per meal (blended, cents):
Above 185% of poverty ......................................
42
44
87
91
130% - 185% of poverty .....................................
320
335
403
423
Below 130% of poverty ......................................
360
375
443
465
Snacks Served (millions):
Above 185% of poverty ......................................
1
2
2
2
130% - 185% of poverty .....................................
1
1
1
1
Below 130% of poverty ......................................
86
147
148
150
Total Snacks .......................................................
88
150
151
153
Snack subsidy per meal (blended)(cents):
Above 185% of poverty ......................................
8
9
9
9
130% - 185% of poverty .....................................
48
50
54
57
Below 130% of poverty ......................................
96
100
108
113
TOTAL, Lunches and Snacks .............................
1,631
5,003
5,020
5,034
Total Meal Reimbursement (millions) ................
$5,581
$21,637
$15,405
$16,428
2024 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE
35-19
Meals served under the Seamless Summer Option were reimbursed at the Summer Food Service Program rates in 2022.
Other information: Income Eligibility
Eligibility for rates of payment in the Child Nutrition Programs is tied to family income with free meal eligibility
set at 130 percent of the Federal poverty level and reduced-price meals at 185 percent. The pertinent income levels
for a family of four are shown below (rates are higher for Alaska and Hawaii):
Table FNS-18. Income Eligibility for a Family of Four
(6) An increase of $591,973,000 for School Breakfast Program (SBP) ($5,453,240,000 available in 2023).
In 2024, FNS p
rojects a total of 2.616 billion school breakfasts served, an increase by 39 million meals (or 1.5
percent) over 2023. The increase in the projected number of meals combined with the expected increase in
school breakfast reimbursement rates requires an increased appropriation of $591,973,000.
Table FNS-19. School Breakfast Program Performance Measure
a
SBP Performance Measure
2021 Actual
2022 Actual
2023 Estimated
2024 Estimated
Meals Served (millions):
Above 185% of poverty ....................................
8
71
385
391
Reduce Price, Regular.......................................
1
2
9
9
Reduce Price, Severe Need ...............................
2
10
119
121
130%-185% of poverty, Total ...........................
3
12
128
130
Free, Regular ....................................................
123
-
61
62
Free, Severe Need .............................................
927
2,458
2,003
2,033
Below 130% of poverty, Total ..........................
1,050
2,458
2,064
2,095
TOTAL, Meals .................................................
1,061
2,541
2,577
2,616
Average Daily participation (millions) .............
6
15
15
15
Average Subsidy Per Meal (cents):
Paid ...................................................................
32
33
50
53
Reduced Price: ..................................................
Regular .............................................................
159
167
196
206
Severe Need ......................................................
196
197
226
237
Free: ..................................................................
Regular .............................................................
189
205
237
249
Severe Need ......................................................
226
235
267
280
Program Total (millions) ..................................
$2,349
$5,620
$5,453
$6,045
Meals served under the Seamless Summer Option were reimbursed at the Summer Food Service Program rates in 2022.
(7) A decrease of $474,057,000 for Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) ($4,659,778,000 available in
2023).
Fluctuatio
ns in CACFP funding needs are affected by decreases in participation and increases in the CPI for
Food Away from Home (for centers) and for Food at Home (for homes) used to set reimbursement rates. The
current estimate projects 1.906 billion meals served in childcare centers, family day care homes and adult care
centers in 2024, an increase of 53 million meals (or 3% percent) above the total number of meals served in
2022.
Poverty Level (Family of 4)
2022-2023 School Year
2023-2024 School Year
100 Percent
$27,750
$30,000
130 Percent
36,075
39,000
185 Percent
51,338
55,500
2024 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE
35-20
Table FNS-20. Child and Adult Care Program Performance Measure
CACFP Performance Measure
2021 Actual
2022 Actual
2023 Estimated
2024 Estimated
Meals Served Centers (millions):
Above 185% of poverty .........................................
284
320
325
379
130% - 185% of poverty ........................................
64
74
75
80
Below 130% of poverty .........................................
1,146
1,121
1,138
1,102
TOTAL, Centers ....................................................
1,494
1,515
1,538
1,561
Tier 1 Homes (Low Income) ..................................
326
326
329
332
Tier 2 Homes (Upper Income) ...............................
30
12
13
13
TOTAL, Family Day Care Homes .........................
356
338
342
345
Total Child & Adult Care Program Meals .............
1,850
1,854
1,880
1,906
Above 185% of poverty .........................................
24
26
27
28
130% - 185% of poverty ........................................
173
181
196
206
Below 130% of poverty .........................................
212
221
237
249
Tier 1 (Low Income) ..............................................
159
160
189
198
Tier 2 (Upper Income) ...........................................
76
77
189
95
Meal Reimbursement .............................................
$3,846
$5,373
$4,534
$4,055
Sponsor Admin ......................................................
85
87
89
91
Audits ....................................................................
59
49
37
40
Program Total (millions) .......................................
$3,990
$5,509
$4,660
$4,186
(8) An increase of $190,998,000 for Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) ($655,333,000 and 20 FTE’s available
in 2023).
During 2021,
under COVID-19 waivers, about half of school lunches and breakfasts were served and claimed
under the Summer Food Service Program, which distorts the typical obligation patterns. For 2022, extension of
area eligibility waivers in the Summer Food Service Program allowed for expanded operations. For 2023 and
2024, the program is expected to return to normal program rules, but with significant expansion due to new non-
congregate meal delivery options for children in rural areas, authorized in the Consolidated Appropriation Act,
2023 (P.L. 117-328). FNS anticipates a total of 182 million summer meals served in 2024, an increase of 29
million meals (or nearly 19 percent) from the previous year.
Table FNS-21. Summer Food Service Program Performance Measure
SFSP Performance Measure
2021 Actual
2022 Actual
2023 Estimated
2024 Estimated
Meals Served (millions):
Summer Food Program .................................................
3,091
151
153
182
Average Subsidy Per Meal (cents):
Lunch ............................................................................
432
456
495
520
Breakfast .......................................................................
246
261
282
296
Supplements ..................................................................
102
108
117
123
Program Total (millions) ...............................................
$9,722
$989
$655
$846
(9) A decrease of $1,166,000 for Special Milk Program (SMP) ($7,817,000 available in 2023).
This change is
due to small projected decreases in participation, net of reimbursement rate inflation. In 2024,
FNS anticipates participation in the Special Milk Program to be approximately 17.8 million total half pints
served. The cash reimbursement rate for milk served is adjusted annually on July 1 to reflect changes in the
Producer Price Index for fresh processed milk.
2024 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE
35-21
Table FNS-22. Special Milk Program Performance Measure
SMP Performance Measure
2021 Actual
2022 Actual
2023 Estimated
2024 Estimated
Half Pints Served (millions):
Paid (Above 130% of poverty) ......................................
13
17
16
16
Free (130% of poverty or below) ..................................
1
2
2
2
Total, half pints .............................................................
14
19
18
18
Reimbursement Rates (cents):
Paid ...............................................................................
20
22
27
28
Free ...............................................................................
20
22
27
28
Program Total (millions) ...............................................
$3
$6
$8
$7
(10) An increase of $1,700,000,000 for Summer EBT (Benefits) (0 available in 2023).
Summer i
s perhaps the most challenging time of the year for children at risk of food insecurity because they
lose access to daily school meals, and some face structural barriers to accessing summer meals through the
traditional programs. Rigorous evaluations of Summer EBT demonstrations over the last decade found that
Summer EBT is an effective way to reduce very low food security among children and to improve their diet
quality during the summer months.
Section 50
2(b) of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023 (P.L. 117-328), established a new permanent
Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer Program for Children (Summer EBT) under Section 13A of the Richard B.
Russell National School Lunch Act. Beginning in summer 2024, States will be able to provide an EBT benefit
to school children in low-income families equal to $40 per summer month, indexed to the Thrifty Food Plan, to
purchase groceries at authorized retailers. Likewise, Indian Tribal Organizations who operate the WIC program
may provide Summer EBT benefits to children that may be redeemed at authorized WIC retailers. This new
legislation is expected to have a significant and permanent impact on the Nation’s ability to meet the nutritional
needs of children during the summer. Requested funding is based on projections that approximately 27 million
children will participate in Summer EBT in 2024.
(11) An increase of $170,000,000 for Summer EBT (50% Admin) (0 available in 2023).
The Consoli
dated Appropriations Act, 2023 (P.L. 117-328) also established authority under Section 13A(d) of
Richard B. Russell School Lunch Act for Federal reimbursement to States and Indian Tribal Organizations
(ITO) for 50 percent of the administrative expenses incurred in operating Summer EBT. Based on historic
operating costs for SNAP and evaluations of the summer EBT demonstrations, the Budget requests $170
million for Summer EBT administrative reimbursement in 2024. Future requests will be informed by State and
ITO operating plans.
(12) An increase of $152,591,000 for State Administrative Expenses ($339,000,000 available in 2023).
The formul
a for SAE as set forth in Section 7 of the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 specifies the formula as “an
amount equal to not less than 1 ½ percent of the Federal funds expended under sections 4, 11, and 17 of the
Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act (42 U.S.C. 1753, 1759a, and 1766) and sections 3 and 4 of this
Act during the second preceding fiscal year.” This counts meal reimbursement funding for lunch, breakfast, and
child and adult care meals, and the special milk program. This larger than normal increase in SAE is due to
higher meal reimbursement obligations resulting from Child Nutrition Program waivers in School Year 2021-
2022.
(13) An increase of $160,129,000 for Commodity Procurement ($1,788,389,000 and 33 FTE’s available in 2023).
Funding is provided for commodity purchases used in the School Lunch, Child and Adult Care Food, and the
Summer Food Service Programs, including the costs of procuring those commodities. This increase is to
account for programmatic changes in participation and inflation.
2024 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE
35-22
Table FNS-23. Commodity Performance Measure
Commodity Performance Measure
2021 Actual
2022 Actual
2023 Estimated
2024 Estimated
CN Appropriation:
AMS/CCC Commodities ...................................................
$485
$485
$485
$485
Section 6 Commodities/Cash/Procurement Costs ..............
951
1,106
1,147
1,260
School Lunch Total ............................................................
1,436
1,591
1,632
1,745
Child & Adult Care Food Program:
Commodities/Cash .............................................................
156
176
185
190
Summer Food Service Program:
Commodities ......................................................................
10
12
13
14
Program Total (millions) ...................................................
1,602
1,779
1,830
1,949
Appropriation (millions) ....................................................
$1,461
$1,568
$1,788
$1,949
(14) An increase of $182,000 for Food Safety Education ($4,196,000 and 8 FTE’s available in 2023).
Food safet
y education funds are used to reinforce and expand FNS’ efforts to provide Child Nutrition Programs
operators with continuous, effective training and technical assistance in food safety and food defense for
schools, summer feeding sites, child care centers, family day care homes and adult care centers. FNS develops
materials, ensures their delivery at all appropriate levels, makes training available at all possible levels, and
facilitates the implementation of food safety requirements into the operators’ food service operations. The funds
provide resources to help ensure the safety of foods served to school children, including training for State and
local staff. This increase is due to pay inflation.
(15) An increase of $6,674,000 for Computer Support ($28,238,000 and 24 FTE’s available in 2023).
This line
supports the essential systems needed to administer the Child Nutrition Programs, including the
federal staff required to operate and maintain those systems. This increase is due to a 5.2 percent pay increase,
inflation, and the 2024 Current Law Proposal: Modernize Food Ordering and Inventory Management Systems
which requests $5,500,000.
(16) An increase of $15,295,000 including 23 FTEs for Training and Technical Assistance ($45,996,000 and 59
FTE’s available in 2023).
Effectiv
e and continual training and technical assistance are necessary to help States properly administer the
Child Nutrition Programs and to ensure States are equipped to identify and prevent fraud and abuse. A change
of $1,995,000 is due to pay cost and increases to state and local index trends. An additional $13.3 million
increase is for three Current Law Proposals. The first current law proposal requests $10 million to enhance
FNS’ ability to provide critical training, technical assistance, and oversight to ensure program integrity and
compliance with Federal law and regulations by supporting an increase of 16 FTEs for child nutrition in
national and regional offices. The second proposal is for $2 million to further integrate Enterprise Risk
Management approaches in FNS strategic planning and program operations. The third proposal requests $1.3
million and 7 FTEs for Federal administration of the new Summer EBT program.
(17) An increase of $871,000 for CN Studies ($21,005,000 and 13 FTE’s available in 2023).
FNS conduct
s a variety of studies, evaluations, and related activities that respond to the needs of policy makers
and managers and help ensure that nutrition assistance programs achieve their goals effectively. This line
supports the critical evaluations needed for the Child Nutrition Programs, including the federal staff needed to
oversee this vital work. The change is for pay costs and to match state and local index trends.
(18) An increase of $4,754,000 including 8 FTEs for CN Payment Accuracy ($12,315,000 and 72 FTE’s available in
2023).
This fundin
g supports FNS’ robust Federal oversight, monitoring and technical assistance, which are essential
to the identification, prevention and resolution of erroneous payments. The increase includes two Current Law
Proposals. The first requests $1.2 million for 8 staff years to support Federal administration of Summer EBT.
The second, would provide $3 million to improve program integrity specifically in the Child Care and Adult
Food Program. The remaining increase of $554,000 is for pay costs and to match state and local index trends.
2024 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE
35-23
(19) An incre
ase of $3,100,000 includi
ng 14 FTEs for Farm to School Team ($6,433,000 and 22 FTE’s available in
2023).
The Farm to
School initiative is an effort to connect schools (K - 12) with regional or local farms in order to
serve healthy meals using locally produced foods. USDA recognizes the growing interest among school districts
and communities to incorporate regionally and locally produced farm foods into the Child Nutrition Programs.
The Farm to School Team supports local and regional food systems by facilitating alliances between program
operators and their local food producers. Working with local and state authorities, school districts, farmers, and
community partners, the Farm to School Team provides guidance to and develops mechanisms for assisting
program operators in accessing local markets, enabling food producers to effectively service their local schools
and communities, and facilitating communication between interested stakeholders. An increase of $300,000 is
related to inflation and pay cost. The remaining increase of $2.8 million is related to a Current Law Proposal to
increase FNS staffing, adding 14 FTE’s to the farm to school team. The proposal enhances the national office’s
ability to support the annual grant making process, coordinate with partners, and develop program-wide
materials and training.
Table FNS-24. Summary of 2024 Current Law Proposals for CN
Proposals
Amount (Thousands)
Modernize Food Ordering and Inventory Management Systems ..............
$5,500
Increase Training and Technical Assistance .............................................
10,000
FNS Enterprise Risk Management ............................................................
2,000
Federal Administration of Summer EBT...................................................
2,500
Strengthen CACFP Program Integrity .......................................................
3,000
Increase Farm to School Team Support ....................................................
2,800
Total .........................................................................................................
$25,800
CURRENT LAW
Modernize Food Ordering and Inventory Management Systems
The additional funding will support further enhancements to the system and validation that specified requirements
have been fulfilled, as well as one-time funding for the migration of USDA Department of Defense (DoD) Fresh
Fruit and Vegetable Program ordering system to the Web Based Supply Chain Management (WBSCM). This is
necessary to eliminate system duplication and enhance customer service/customer experience by sampling the
number of systems program stakeholders need to utilize to access the National School Lunch Program (NSLP), The
Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP), and the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations
(FDPIR).
Table FNS-25. Change in Funding (thousands of dollars)
Item
2024
2025
2026
2027
2028
2029
2030
2031
2032
2033
10 Year Total
Budget Authority
$5,500
$1,000
$1,000
$1,000
$1,000
$1,000
$1,000
$1,000
$1,000
$1,000
$14,500
Outlays
5,500
1,000
1,000
1,000
1,000
1,000
1,000
1,000
1,000
1,000
14,500
CURRENT LAW
Training and Technical Assistance Program
Effective and continual training, technical assistance, and robust oversight are necessary to help States properly
administer the Child Nutrition Programs (CNPs) and to ensure States are equipped to identify and prevent fraud and
abuse.
The past tw
o years demonstrate the importance of FNS capacity to provide timely and thoughtful response to State
and local needs, particularly in the face of changing circumstances. The Child Nutrition Programs are a crucial
source of meals for millions of children nationwide to combat food insecurity which was further exacerbated by the
pandemic particularly among families with children. While recent circumstances were extraordinary, they
demonstrate the importance of FNS programmatic capacity to respond to complex and/or unexpected circumstances.
2024 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE
35-24
It is i
mperative that FNS is resourced appropriately to respond efficiently and effectively to changing program
operations while providing timely customer service and comprehensive oversight to reduce improper payments and
program errors. Errors in the Child Nutrition Programs have both financial implications to the Federal Government
as well as program operators and households such as eligible children missing out on healthy meals and snacks.
FNS’ capacity to conduct the number of needed oversight reviews with the required breadth of focus is critical to
ensuring program integrity and compliance with Federal requirements so that public investment in the program
yields the intended outcomes. The Child Nutrition Program staff recently underwent a reorganization designed to
create a management and staffing structure which is better aligned with the growing complexity and scope of the
Child Nutrition Programs. In total, this request would add 16 staff to support CN at the regional and national level.
Table FNS-26. Change in Funding (thousands of dollars)
Item
2024
2025
2026
2027
2028
2029
2030
2031
2032
2033
10 Year Total
Budget
Authority
$
10,000
$
10,000
$
10,000
$
10,000
$
10,000
$
10,000
$
10,000
$
10,000
$
10,000
$
10,000
$
100,000
Outlays
10,000
10,000
10,000
10,000
10,000
10,000
10,000
10,000
10,000
10,000
100,000
CURRENT LAW
Enterprise Risk Management Program
This proposal will fund FNS implementation of a comprehensive Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) program
across FNS program areas (with funding requests in both CN and SNAP). OMB Circular No. A-123 directs Federal
agencies to integrate and coordinate risk management and strong and effective internal controls into existing
business activities and as an integral part of managing an Agency. This proposal intends to take existing risk
management processes, that may operate at times as a silo within a business area and formalize a comprehensive
program across the agency. This proposal will fund resources to operate the program, leadership training, and
implementation of further integrating ERM into FNS’s strategic planning process. The plan will include
identification and implementation of risk mitigation strategies, tracking of the risk profile and similar activities in
line with industry standard risk management principles and the OMB circular. By incorporating ERM processes,
FNS will achieve the following results:
• Break down silos and build transparency by improving communication about managing risk across the
enterprise;
• Use root cause analysis to systematically and thoughtfully build risk management into work processes;
• Proactively identify and monitor risk to quickly and efficiently address issues with high impact and/or
visibility to the program;
• Improve decision making and use of resources by allowing for quick pivots and implementation of a
strategic response through advanced identification of risks and mitigation strategies;
• Increase efficiency by identifying clear focus areas for leaders, managers and staff, especially when facing
multiple demands; and
• Prioritize workload and problem-solving issues with programmatic delivery affecting access, integrity,
equity, and nutrition security using a systematic process applied across all FNS nutrition programs.
Table FNS-27. Change in Funding (thousands of dollars)
Item 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033
10 Year
Total
Budget
Authority
$2,000 2,000 1,000 $1,000 $1,000 $1,000 $1,000 $1,000 $1,000 $1,000 $12,000
Outlays
2,000
2,000
1,000
1,000
1,000
1,000
1,000
1,000
1,000
1,000
12,000
CURRENT LAW
Federal implementation of Summer EBT
This proposal would support Federal administration of the new Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer for Children
Program (Summer EBT), established in the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023. As the first new nationwide
Child Nutrition Program to be permanently authorized in almost fifty years, Summer EBT represents a significant
expansion of Federal efforts to meet the nutritional needs of children in the summer and will require sustained
investment to fully support functions associated with administration of the program. FNS does not currently receive
an appropriation to implement Summer EBT. This increase would be divided between training and technical
2024 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE
35-25
assis
tance ($1,200,000) to support activities such as policy development and technical assistance and payment
accuracy ($1,300,000) for Federal oversight of the program. The amount will be adjusted annually to account for
changes in inflation. This includes 15 FTEs to be allocated across the FNS National and Regional Offices to support
the ongoing policy development and oversight activities associated with the new Summer EBT Program.
Table FNS-28. Change in Funding (thousands of dollars)
Item 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033
10 Year
Total
Budget Authority
$2,500
$2,600
$2,600
$2,700
$2,800
$2,900
$3,000
$3,100
$3,100
$3,200
$28,500
Outlays
2,500
2,600
2,600
2,700
2,800
2,900
3,000
3,100
3,100
3,200
28,500
CURRENT LAW
Child and Adult Care Food Program Integrity
Building on the program integrity improvements included in the Child Nutrition Integrity final rule expected to be
published in the summer of 2023, FNS is requesting $3 million to improve program integrity specifically in the
Child Care and Adult Food Program (CACFP). The funds will support additional staff years and contractual support
to improve program accountability through targeted and coordinated activities, including utilizing data analysis and
mining on existing FNS and State administrative data to expose patterns, trends, and indicators for further analysis.
In light of recent integrity concerns resulting in Federal indictments of individuals and organizations operating
CACFP during the pandemic, FNS has been exploring new ways to analyze program data to better ensure integrity,
including identifying potentially concerning meal claims earlier in the oversight process. This funding will enable
FNS to build on initial efforts by exploring how a machine learning model could be used by States (before claims
for reimbursement are even submitted to FNS) to look at claims at the sub-State level. This would allow for the
identification of issues as early as possible, and with more precision, as well as potentially lead to modification of
program operation and/or oversight procedures to ensure early detection of possible issues.
Table FNS-29. Change in Funding (thousands of dollars)
Item
2024
2025
2026
2027
2028
2029
2030
2031
2032
2033
10 Year Total
Budget Authority
$3,000
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
$3,000
Outlays
3,000
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
3,000
CURRENT LAW
Increase Farm to School Team Support
CN’s revised management and staffing structure is better aligned with the growing complexity and scope of the
child nutrition programs.
Provide ad
ditional funds for staffing to support FNS efforts to successfully administer and monitor the growing
portfolio of grantees including support to implement the Food Systems Transformation work of the Administration.
In addition, funds will assist with expanded support for Child Nutrition operators engaged in local food procurement
and agriculture education.
Across th
e Department of Agriculture, agencies are working to create or reinforce the infrastructure, market, and
supply chain connections, applying lessons learned and opportunities identified during pandemic related
interruptions, to Build Back Better and allow strong and resilient local food systems to thrive. Modernizing key areas
of the Farm to School Program is an important component to ensuring that producers and child nutrition program
operators have a permanent place at the local food systems table in their communities and incorporate nutritious,
locally produced food in program meals. This proposal increases the capacity of the Farm to School Program to
meet the needs of Child Nutrition Program operators actively engaged in local food procurement and agricultural
education.
The Communi
ty Food Systems Division (CFSD) in the Child Nutrition Programs (CNP) promotes farm to school
initiatives among CNP operators, including procurement of local foods for use in meals and food and agricultural
education for the children and youth participating in the programs. Farm to school initiatives play an important role
2024 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE
35-26
in ensuri
ng a resilient, sustainable, and equitable food system. Strong local food systems help address climate
change, improve rural economies, and support communities in their efforts to attain equity and food sovereignty.
Under auth
ority provided in Sections 18(g) and 9(j) of the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act, CFSD
advances farm to school initiatives through grants, training and technical assistance, and research. Since the
program’s inception, USDA has awarded over $64 million through Farm to School Grants, funding a total of 896
projects, reaching more than 22 million students in 54,000 schools. Total annual grant amounts have grown from
$4.5 million to 68 projects in 2013, to $12 million to 177 projects in 2021. CFSD has approximately 400 active
grantees. In addition, in 2023, CFSD will implement $15 million of American Rescue Plan funding for state agency
formula grants.
The 2019 Far
m to School Census found that 65 percent of National School Lunch Program school food authorities
are engaged in farm to school activities, and that number is expected to grow. The exponential growth in farm to
school activity demands a level of technical assistance and state and local capacity building that cannot be
accomplished without additional staff dedicated to this work, as well as close coordination with USDA partners
including Rural Development, the Agricultural Marketing Service, and the Natural Resources Conservation Service.
This proposal will add 14 FTE’s to the farm to school team. The proposal enhances the national office’s ability to
support the annual grant making process, coordinate with partners, and develop program-wide materials and
training.
Table FNS-30. Change in Funding (thousands of dollars)
Item 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033
10 Year
Total
Budget Authority
$2,800
$2,800
$2,900
$2,900
$3,000
$3,000
$3,100
$3,100
$3,200
$3,200
$30,000
Outlays
2,800
2,800
2,900
2,900
3,000
3,000
3,100
3,100
3,200
3,200
30,000
PROPOSED LEGISLATION
Child Nutrition Programs
Offering free meals to all children would reduce administrative burden, ensure access, reduce the stigma associated
with school meal participation, give working families and single-parent headed households extra breathing room,
and allow school food service professionals to focus on their core mission of providing nutritious meals to children.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, children had access to free meals as a result of temporary flexibilities provided in
the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (P.L. 116-127), and now many States are seeking ways to continue
offering free school meals for all students.
Some States are leveraging participation in the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) to support universal free
meals, often in tandem with State initiatives. CEP is a Federal-local cost sharing option that allows eligible schools
to provide meals at no cost to all students. To be eligible for CEP, an individual school, group of schools, or school
district must meet or exceed the established identified student percentage (ISP) threshold, currently set at 40 percent,
in the school year prior to implementing CEP. The ISP is the percentage of enrolled students who are certified for
free school meals without submitting a household application, such as those directly certified through the
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). For CEP, students who are certified for free meals without a
household application are “identified students.” The ISP is calculated by dividing the total number of identified
students by the total number of enrolled students. The ISP is multiplied by 1.6 (the CEP multiplier) to determine the
percentage of meals reimbursed at the free rate; remaining meals are reimbursed at the lower paid rate.
This proposal would allow more States and schools to leverage participation in CEP to expand access to healthy and
free school meals to an additional 9 million children. The proposal amends Section 11(a)(1) of the Richard B.
Russell National School Lunch Act (42 U.S.C. 1759a(a)(1)) to expand children’s access to free school meals by
changing the eligibility threshold from “less than 40 percent” to “25 percent or lower” and makes CEP financially
viable for more schools by increasing the CEP multiplier from 1.6 to 2.5. It also allows an option for Statewide CEP
with an eligibility threshold of zero percent and a multiplier of 2.5 using a statewide ISP.
2024 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE
35-27
Table FNS-31. Change in Funding (thousands of dollars)
Item 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033
10 Year
Total
Budget Authority
234,000 1,465,000 1,507,000 1,553,000 1,596,000 1,638,000 1,685,000 1,733,000 1,771,000 1,817,000 15,000,000
Outlays
187,000 1,219,000 1,499,000 1,543,000 1,588,000 1,629,000 1,676,000 1,723,000 1,764,000 1,808,000 14,636,000
G
EOGRAPHIC BREAKDOWN OF OBLIGATIONS AND FTE
Table FNS-32. Geographic Breakdown of Obligations and FTE (thousands of dollars, FTE)
State/Territory/Country
2021
Actual
FTE
2022
Actual
FTE
2023
Estimated
FTE
2024
Estimated
FTE
Alabama ..................................
-
-
$151
1
$209
2
$240
2
Arizona ....................................
$168
1
88
1
121
1
139
1
California ................................
2,727
18
2,438
16
3,367
24
3,873
27
Colorado ..................................
2,833
18
2,569
17
3,548
26
4,082
28
Connecticut .............................
-
-
303
2
418
3
481
3
District of Columbia ................
-
-
1,892
12
2,613
19
3,006
21
Delaware .................................
-
-
151
1
209
2
240
2
Florida .....................................
316
2
370
2
512
4
589
4
Georgia ....................................
2,614
17
2,119
14
2,926
21
3,367
23
Iowa ........................................
-
-
151
1
209
2
240
2
Illinois .....................................
2,542
16
2,167
14
2,992
22
3,443
24
Indiana ....................................
150
1
80
1
110
1
127
1
Kansas .....................................
-
-
68
-
94
1
108
1
Louisiana .................................
-
-
24
-
33
-
38
-
Massachusetts..........................
2,852
18
2,705
18
3,735
27
4,297
30
Maryland .................................
-
-
3,963
26
5,473
39
6,297
44
Michigan .................................
-
-
382
3
528
4
608
4
Minnesota ................................
-
-
60
-
83
1
95
1
Missouri ..................................
142
1
104
1
143
1
165
1
North Carolina.........................
92
1
163
1
226
2
259
2
New Hampshire .......................
-
-
151
1
209
2
240
2
New Jersey ..............................
2,749
18
2,223
15
3,070
22
3,531
25
Nevada ....................................
-
-
203
-
281
-
323
-
New York ................................
-
-
16
-
22
-
25
-
Ohio ........................................
-
-
84
1
116
1
133
1
Oklahoma ................................
-
-
271
2
374
3
430
3
Pennsylvania ...........................
-
-
1,303
9
1,799
13
2,070
14
Puerto Rico ..............................
-
-
199
1
275
2
316
2
Rhode Island ...........................
-
-
251
-
347
-
399
-
South Carolina.........................
-
-
303
2
418
3
481
3
Tennessee ................................
-
-
92
1
127
1
146
1
Texas ......................................
2,115
14
2,247
15
3,103
22
3,569
25
Utah .........................................
-
-
123
1
171
1
196
1
Virginia ...................................
81,261
139
66,710
80
71,224
118
73,686
137
Washington .............................
-
-
215
1
297
2
342
2
Wisconsin ................................
31
-
175
1
242
2
278
2
West Virginia ..........................
-
-
183
1
253
2
291
2
Total, Available .....................
100,592
264
94,697
262
109,877
396
118,150
441
The geographic breakdown data reports only federal administrative costs. Non-administrative costs such as grants to states and benefits are
excluded.
2024 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE
35-28
C
LASSIFICATION BY OBJECTS
Table FNS-33. Classification by Objects for Appropriated Funds (thousands of dollars)
Item
No.
Item
2021
Actual
2022
Actual
2023
Estimated
2024
Estimated
Personnel Compensation:
Washington D.C. .............................................................
$9,989
$9,872
$16,642
$19,632
Personnel Compensation, Field .......................................
14,983
14,808
24,964
29,449
11
Total personnel compensation .........................................
24,972
24,680
41,606
49,081
12
Personal benefits ..............................................................
10,702
10,577
17,831
21,035
Total, personnel comp. and benefits ................................
35,674
35,257
59,437
70,116
Other Objects:
21.0
Travel and transportation of persons ...............................
97
150
200
250
23.2
Rental payments to others ................................................
1
10
10
10
23.3
Communications, utilities, and miscellaneous charges ....
12
15
21
26
24.0
Printing and reproduction ................................................
2,012
2,200
2,600
2,800
25.2
Other services from non-Federal sources ........................
12,387
6,047
6,800
7,195
25.3
Other goods and services from Federal sources ...............
27,967
13,500
14,000
14,500
26.0
Supplies and materials .....................................................
1,234,901
1,796,700
1,788,389
1,948,518
31.0
Equipment .......................................................................
79
85
90
100
41.0
Grants, subsidies, and contributions ................................
27,784,632
36,964,868
28,790,835
29,987,332
42.0
Insurance claims and indemnities ....................................
50
50
50
50
Total, Other Objects ........................................................
29,062,138
38,783,625
30,602,995
31,960,781
99.9
Total, new obligations .....................................................
29,097,812
38,818,882
30,662,432
32,030,897
Table FNS-34.
Classification by Objects for Permanent Funding (thousands of dollars)
Item
No.
Item
2021
Actual
2022
Actual
2023
Estimated
2024
Estimated
Personnel Compensation:
Washington D.C. ...............................................................
$1,589
$1,636
$1,419
$1,491
Personnel Compensation, Field .........................................
2,084
2,453
2,128
2,236
11
Total personnel compensation...........................................
3,673
4,089
3,547
3,727
12
Personal benefits ...............................................................
1,488
1,752
1,520
1,597
Total, personnel comp. and benefits..................................
5,161
5,841
5,067
5,324
Other Objects:
25.2
Other services from non-Federal sources ..........................
973
429
600
750
25.3
Other goods and services from Federal sources ................
402
253
350
450
41.0
Grants, subsidies, and contributions ..................................
220,301
243,181
204,233
221,726
Total, Other Objects ..........................................................
221,676
243,863
205,183
222,926
99.9
Total, new obligations .......................................................
226,837
249,704
210,250
228,250
2024 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE
35-29
S
TATUS OF PROGRAMS
The Child Nutrition Programs provide funding for the following nutrition programs: National School Lunch Program,
School Breakfast Program, Special Milk Program, Child and Adult Care Food Program, Summer Food Service Program,
and Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program.
Program Mission
The Child Nutrition Programs improve the diets of children when they are away from home through nutritious meals and
snacks based on the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. The National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs
provide benefits in public and nonprofit private elementary, middle, and secondary schools, and in residential childcare
institutions. The Special Milk Program provides fluid milk to any participating public or nonprofit private school or
childcare institution that does not participate in other federally subsidized meal programs. The Child and Adult Care Food
Program provides food for the nutritional well-being of young children and adults in day care homes and non-residential
centers, and for children and teenagers in afterschool care programs and in emergency shelters. The Summer Food
Service Program provides nutritious meals to children in low-income areas and in residential camps during the summer
months, and at other times when school is not in session. In participating elementary schools, the Fresh Fruit and
Vegetable Program provides fresh fruits and vegetables outside of the regular meal service to all students. And through
the end of the COVID public health emergency, states are able to provide cash benefits, redeemable for food, through
Pandemic EBT (P-EBT) to children who were unable to access meals in school or in child care due to school and child
care facility closures or their own COVID-related absences. States are also authorized to provide P-EBT benefits to
children during the summer following a school year in which the health emergency remains in place. These programs are
administered in most States by the State education agency, and in some States, by the State agriculture or health agencies.
The Child Nutrition Programs were reauthorized by the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 (HHFKA, P.L. 111-296)
on December 13, 2010. The HHFKA amended the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act (NSLA) and the Child
Nutrition Act of 1966 (CNA) in the areas of program access, improved school meals, healthy school nutrition
environments, and integrity. While the HHFKA reauthorization technically expired at the end of 2015, most Child
Nutrition Programs and provisions are permanently authorized or have continued operating via annual appropriations.
NATIONAL SCHOOL LUNCH PROGRAM
Program Mission
The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) provides funds to States for lunches served to students during lunch periods
at school and for snacks served to children participating in after school care programs. The lunches must be consistent
with statutory and regulatory nutrition standards, which are based on the goals of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans.
States are generally reimbursed based on the number of qualifying lunches and snacks served to children in participating
schools at designated reimbursement rates. These reimbursement rates are adjusted annually and reflect three categories:
free (children from families with incomes at or below 130 percent of the Federal poverty level (FPL)), reduced price
(children from families with incomes between 130 and 185 percent FPL, or paid meals. In accordance with Section 17A
of the NSLA, reimbursement for snacks served by schools in eligible areas is paid at the free snack rate.
Section 4 of the NSLA authorizes a base reimbursement for all qualifying meals served, including lunches to children
whose family income is above 185 percent of the Federal poverty guidelines. In addition, Section 11 of the NSLA
authorizes additional reimbursement for free and reduced-price meals served to children. For school year (SY) 2022-
2023, a child from a family of four with an annual income of $36,075 or less is eligible for free meals, and a child from a
family of four with an annual income of no more than $51,338 is eligible for reduced price meals. The reimbursement
rates for meals are revised on July 1 of each year. The cash reimbursement for a free or reduced-price lunch is the sum of
Section 4 (base) and Section 11 (supplemental) reimbursement rates. School food authorities (SFAs) that served 60
percent or more free and reduced-price lunches during the second preceding school year receive increased assistance at
the rate of 2 cents per meal served. In addition, SFAs that demonstrated that the meals offered met the nutrition standards
received an additional 8 cents per lunch served. In addition to the cash reimbursements, Section 6 of the NSLA also
provides base funding for the purchase of USDA Foods to be used in the meal service, based on lunches served in the
previous year.
Facts in Brief
Participating schools and Residential Child Care Institutions (RCCIs), saw an increase of approximately 196 percent in
daily participation from 2021. This increase was due to schools returning to pre-pandemic operations with students
receiving in-class instruction combined with authorized waivers that allowed schools to serve free lunches for all students
while being reimbursed at the Summer Food Service Program reimbursement rates.
2024 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE
35-30
• In 2022, m
ore than 4.8 billion lunches were served in the NSLP including those served under the Seamless Summer
Option (SSO). USDA allowed schools to offer meals and snacks throughout SY 2021-2022 through the NSLP SSO,
meaning all meals were provided at no cost to students. Combined, that resulted in an increase of 2.6 billion from
2021. Average daily participation in 2022 was 29.6 million, up from 7.8 million in 2021.
• In 2022, approximately 96.4 percent of all lunches served were provided free or at a reduced price, down from 98.3
percent in 2021.
• A total of 92,559 schools and RCCIs participated in the NSLP in 2022, compared to 47,058 in 2021 (44,088 more
schools and 1,413 more RCCIs).
SCHOOL BREAKFAST PROGRAM
Program Mission
The School Breakfast Program (SBP) provides funds to States for qualifying breakfasts served to students at or close to
the beginning of their day at school. SBP provides reimbursement to states to operate nonprofit breakfast programs in
schools and residential childcare institutions. Like school lunches, the breakfasts must be consistent with statutory and
regulatory nutrition standards, which are based on the goals of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. All school
breakfasts must meet Federal nutrition requirements, though decisions about the specific foods to serve and how the foods
are prepared are made by local school food authorities. The SBP is available to the same schools and institutions that are
eligible to participate in the NSLP. The income eligibility guidelines for the NSLP and SBP are the same; therefore,
children from families that meet the NSLP income eligibility guidelines also qualify for free or reduced-price breakfasts.
For each eligible breakfast served, schools are reimbursed at established rates for free, reduced price, and paid meals.
Schools in which percent of lunches served to students during the second preceding school year were served free or at a
reduced price receive higher “severe need” reimbursements for breakfasts served free or at a reduced price. The meal
reimbursement rates are revised on July 1 of each year.
Facts in Brief
Participating schools and RCCIs in 2022 saw a decrease of 9.0 percent in average daily participation from 2021. This
decrease was lessened as a result of the authorized waivers that allowed schools to serve free breakfast for all students
while being reimbursed at the Summer Food Service Program reimbursement rates.
• In 2022, the SBP was available at 86,904 schools and institutions (an increase of 96.1 percent from 2021) with an
enrollment of 51.4 million students (an increase of 23.6 million students from 2021).
• Average daily participation in 2022 was 15 million students, an increase of approximately 9.6 million students from
2021. The program was available to 96.3 percent of the students enrolled in schools participating in the lunch
program in 2022, as compared to 50 percent in 1990.
• The proportion of total meals served free or at a reduced price was about 97.7 percent during 2022, a decrease of over
1.5 percent from 2021. Approximately 2.5 billion school breakfasts were served in 2022, an increase of
approximately 137 percent from 2021.
FNS continues to partner with State agencies to support best practices in implementing effective school breakfast
programs that ensure children from low-income households have access to nutritious breakfasts to support learning during
the school day.
Child Nutrition Programs COVID-19 Response
Waivers and Flexibilities
During the COVID-19 public health emergency, USDA provided many flexibilities to make it easier for children to
access food and to remove administrative roadblocks for the dedicated local staff who serve them. These changes were in
line with USDA’s commitment to keep Americans safe, secure, and healthy during the national emergency and to explore
all options to ensure children-maintained access to nutritious food during an unprecedented time.
Using authority provided by the Families First Coronavirus Response Act [P.L. 116-127] (FFCRA), and funding provided
through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act [P.L. 116-136] (CARES Act), and the Continuing
Appropriations Act, 2021 and Other Extensions Act [P.L. 116-159], USDA issued nationwide waivers of school meal
program requirements to support access to meals while taking appropriate safety measures. These waivers provided the
flexibility that State agencies and schools needed to maintain meal service while students learned virtually, in person with
social distancing, or a mix of virtual and in-person instruction. Notably, the USDA allowed schools to offer meals and
snacks throughout SY 2021-2022 through the NSLP SSO at the applicable Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) rates
2024 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE
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(see t
he Summer Food Service Program section of this report for more information). For SY 2021-2022, USDA issued
waivers allowing:
• Meals to be served in a non-congregate setting, supporting social distancing.
• Parents and guardians to pick up meals to take home to their children.
• Flexible mealtimes, to make it easier to provide multiple grab-and-go meals at a time.
• Allow Offer Versus Serve flexibility for senior high schools
Other nationwide flexibilities made available for SY 2021-2022 included allowing states to waive certain meal pattern
requirements, making it easier for schools to implement alternative meal service models, as well as delaying
administrative deadlines associated with the Community Eligibility Provision, recognizing that many schools were closed
for safety reasons due to COVID-19. To support social distancing, USDA also provided nationwide flexibility to allow
State agencies and local operators to conduct monitoring offsite for all Child Nutrition Programs, and truncated State
Program reporting requirements where operationally feasible.
The Keep Kids Fed Act (KKFA) [P.L. 117-158], enacted June 25, 2022, extended USDA’s authority to issue nationwide
waivers that increased Federal costs for summer programs through September 30, 2022, and non-cost nationwide waivers
through SY 2022-2023. The KKFA also temporarily increased the school breakfast reimbursement by 15 cents and school
lunch reimbursement by 40 cents. It also gave USDA the authority to issue meal pattern waivers through June 30, 2022;
however, to facilitate more nutritious meals, USDA opted not to issue nutrition standard waivers in SY 2022-2023.
To ensure that schools were as prepared as possible for SY 2022-2023 as early as possible, prior to the enactment of
KKFA, USDA used existing waiver authority under Section 12(l) of the NSLA to offer States the option to request
several administrative and operational flexibilities needed to support access to nutritious meals, while State agencies
mitigated the administrative, fiscal, and operational challenges exacerbated by COVID-19. Because States were offered
the waiver flexibilities needed before the nationwide waiver authority was extended under KKFA, USDA did not need to
issue nationwide waivers for SY 2022-2023 operations. For example, States could request Section 12(l) waiver
flexibilities for non-congregate meal services, parent and guardian pick up, and meal service times for CACFP, NSLP,
and SBP operations for SY 2022-2023, as well as for SFSP and SSO during unanticipated school closures. Some
administrative waiver flexibilities provided for SY 2022-2023 include waivers of the requirement for local educational
agencies (LEA) to complete a triennial assessment of their school wellness policies and the requirement for State agencies
to develop and submit a report describing the results of the second reviews of eligibility determinations conducted by
each LEA.
While the number and type of waivers requested by State agencies varied, 64 State agencies requested and were granted
these waivers, which allowed States and LEAs to appropriately allocate their limited staffing resources to meal service as
they recovered from COVID operations. In addition, USDA provided State agencies the opportunity to submit a waiver
request of both State and local Child Nutrition Program monitoring requirements and propose an alternative plan for
conducting effective Program oversight in 2022. FNS approved 15 individual State monitoring plans. Most monitoring
plans reflected a need for States to have additional time to review schools to be able to provide sufficient training and
technical assistance as schools transitioned back to more normal operations. Fifty State agencies were approved for
waivers of on-site monitoring requirements. Since the outset of the COVID-19 outbreak, USDA worked tirelessly with
States and local authorities to ensure schools and other program operators were empowered to continue feeding children.
USDA also provided customer-oriented technical assistance resources to State and local Child Nutrition Program
operators for the purposes of supporting COVID-19 recovery and mitigating supply chain issues. These included a
Strategies to Address Labor Shortages infographic and a five-part publication, Planning for a Dynamic School
Environment During School Year 2021-2022: A School Food Authority’s Guide to School Meals. The individual titles
were Summary of Flexibilities, Table of Flexibilities, Flexibilities in Practice, School Meal Supply Chain Issues, and the
fifth was a revised version of Child Nutrition Program Meal Service During Coronavirus (COVID-19). In addition, FNS
held a webinar on menu planning resources for State agencies and SFAs, a webinar for industry on the Transitional
Standards for Milk, Whole Grains, and Sodium, and collaborated with the Institute of Child Nutrition (ICN) to conduct
additional webinars to highlight success stories related to supply chain disruptions and address emergency preparedness.
Innovative Partnerships
Complementing the flexibilities made available as part of the COVID-19 response, in 2020 FNS partnered with the
Baylor University Collaborative on Hunger and Poverty (BCHP) to implement Emergency Meals to You (eMTY), a
cooperative agreement supported by $185 million in CARES Act funds that provided nutritious, boxed meals to eligible
2024 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE
35-32
childre
n by mail. Evaluation of eMTY is currently being completed by Urban Institute, Baylor University, and Healthy
Eating Research at Duke University. The evaluation includes nutrition research, effectiveness of aid provided, and
academic papers, and will be effective in informing future disaster response.
In 2022, FNS engaged with food industry leaders through a variety of approaches to identify successes, challenges, and
collaboration points around increasing the supply of healthy and appealing foods for the K-12 food system. As schools
continue to struggle with staffing and supply chain issues caused by the pandemic and strive to meet updated nutritional
standards for school meals, cooperation from the food industry is crucial. FNS held industry listening sessions at three
large, professional conferences: School Nutrition Association (SNA) Legislative Action Conference (LAC), the American
Commodity Distribution Association (ACDA) Annual Conference, and the School Nutrition Association (SNA) Annual
National Conference. In addition, in October 2021, USDA’s Secretary, Deputy Under Secretary for Food, Nutrition and
Consumer Services, and FNS Administrator hosted a virtual listening session with 19 school food industry executives to
discuss their critical role in strengthening access to nutritious foods for school meals programs, now and into the future.
Pandemic EBT
Pandemic EBT, or P-EBT, was initially authorized by the 2020 Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA). As
amended, P-EBT authorizes states to issue benefits on EBT cards, redeemable for food, to households with children who
would have received free or reduced-price meals at school or in childcare if not for the closure or reduction in attendance
or hours of their schools or childcare providers due to the COVID-19 pandemic. P-EBT also authorizes states to extend
USDA-approved school and childcare plans through the summer months. The FFCRA, as amended, deems all schools
and childcare providers closed for a period not longer than 90 days in the summer. The value of benefits for each eligible
child in 2022 was equal to the federal NSLP, SBP and Afterschool Snack reimbursement for one lunch, one breakfast,
and one snack multiplied by the number of days that children did not have access to meals in school or childcare. States
administered P-EBT in 2022 consistent with individual state plans reviewed and approved by FNS. While P-EBT is
meant to replace lost school and childcare meal benefits, it is built on SNAP’s existing EBT infrastructure. As a result, the
administration of P-EBT is a joint effort and a joint responsibility of states’ Child Nutrition, Education, and SNAP
agencies. During 2022, FNS approved P-EBT plans for school children in 35 states and territories, childcare plans in 45
states and territories, and summer plans in 46 states and territories. States distributed $18 billion in benefits to more than
32 million children in 2022.
Child Nutrition Emergency Operational Costs Reimbursement Programs
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, FNS implemented the School Programs Emergency Operational Costs
Reimbursement Program and the Child and Adult Care Food Program Emergency Operational Costs Reimbursement
Program, temporary reimbursements programs enacted by Congress under the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021.
These reimbursement programs provided additional funding for local Child Nutrition Program operators whose revenues
declined or were temporarily interrupted during the early months of the pandemic due to COVID-19 related restrictions
and closures. The amount of funding provided to each program operated was determined using a statutory formula
established under the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021. FNS disbursed a total of $353,332,116 in funding to 57
State agencies participating in the Child and Adult Care Food Program Emergency Operational Costs Reimbursement
Program, and $1,125,643,814 to 56 State agencies participating in the School Programs Emergency Operational Costs
Reimbursement Program. Overall, FNS approved 113 individual State agency implementation plans in support of this
effort and ultimately provided nearly $1.5 billion in financial relief to local child nutrition program operators.
Supply Chain Assistance Funds
To assist school districts experiencing supply chain disruptions, in 2022, FNS announced and began allocating close to
$2.5 billion in relief funding to state agencies, made available through the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) and
authorized under the CCC Charter Act [15 USC 714
]. These resources are refer
red to as Supply Chain Assistance (SCA)
funds. State agencies are distributing the SCA funds to eligible SFAs to be used exclusively to purchase unprocessed or
minimally processed domestic food products (also referred to as commodities) to help SFAs deal with challenges, such as
unanticipated cancellation of food and supply contracts, reduced availability of certain foods, unexpected substitution of
certain products, unpredictable increases in food and supply prices, and other obstacles related to pricing and/or
availability that have been reported to or identified by state agencies administering the Child Nutrition Programs. As these
challenges are both extensive and widespread, the SCA funds provide a rapid and direct response by providing supplied
commodities to affected school districts.
2024 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE
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Child Nu
trition Programs Activities and Initiatives
Team Nutrition
Program Mission: The Team Nutrition initiative supports the Child Nutrition Programs by: 1) providing job skills
training and technical assistance to food service staff who prepare meals for the programs; 2) developing nutrition
education resources that help children learn about agriculture and become self-sufficient in making informed food
choices; and 3) providing the programs with resources to support healthy school and childcare environments. The Team
Nutrition initiative helps States and local program operators apply meal pattern requirements to their school and childcare
menus, while accommodating local and regional food preferences and optimizing the use of USDA Foods as well as
locally produced foods. The turnover among food service and childcare staff remains high, so there is a continuous need
for job skills training which also contributes to staff meeting the professional standards requirements.
Grants:
In 2022, FNS awarded $7 million in Team Nutrition Training Grants (TNTG) for School Nutrition Professional
Readiness and Retention to State agencies that administer the NSLP. Eight states will use these grants to help build and
retain a strong school nutrition workforce and implement transitional meal pattern standards during the upcoming year.
The focus of the 2022 TNTG is to support states in building and retaining a strong school nutrition workforce that is
empowered to provide nutritious meals that meet meal pattern requirements and weekly dietary specifications for SY
2022-2023 and 2023-2024.
Team Nutrition Materials and Training Tools for Schools: In 2022, FNS released the updated A Guide to Smart Snacks
in School publication, which was viewed 35,810 times. In addition, FNS began releasing a series of Crediting Tip Sheets.
Fruit and vegetable tip sheets were released in 2022 (a tip sheet on meats/meat alternates, one on milk, and three on whole
grains were/will be released in 2023). Views for the two tip sheets is as follows: fruits (7,723 views) and vegetables
(5,010 views). Other publications released in 2022 include Best Practices for Reducing Added Sugars at School Breakfast
(3,176 web views), an updated Crediting Handbook for the Child and Adult Care Food Program (28,288 views), and an
updated Recipe Standardization Guide for School Nutrition Programs (with ICN) (6,810 views). Team Nutrition also
responded to over 1,000 emails from program operators and the public about Team Nutrition materials, technical
assistance for program operations, and training opportunities.
Team Nutrition kicked off Back to School promotions with several new resources for school meal operators that were
released between July and September 2022. Resources include an updated Back to School webpage; posters and stickers
to support taste-testing events and promote school meals; a photo gallery of school meals trays that support the Final Rule
with Comments; a web quiz and infographic to promote Local School Wellness Policies (LWP); revised training
materials that reflect meal pattern requirements and regulations for SY 2022-2024, and more. The webpage has had 6,876
views.
Team Nutrition also provided over 400 online resources and 196 different printed publications to States, schools and
CACFP operators in 2022. The most downloaded Team Nutrition publications for school audiences were A Guide to
Smart Snacks in Schools (10,135 downloads), Guide to Professional Standards for School Nutrition Programs (6,099
downloads), and Crediting Fruits in the Child Nutrition Tip Sheet (5,562 downloads). Over 200,000 printed training and
nutrition education materials were requested by and distributed to State agencies, schools, school districts, and CACFP
operators during 2022. The most requested printed resources and training tools include the Stronger with School Meals
Buttons (9,013 copies) Discover New Food Grains (8,385 copies), and the Stronger with School Meals Activity Booklet
(8,257 copies).
Food Buying Guide: In 2018, Team Nutrition made USDA history by releasing the first-ever FNS public-facing mobile
application, the Food Buying Guide (FBG) mobile app. The app assists program operators and food manufacturers in
purchasing the right quantity of food for their meal’s programs, comparing foods, and determining the specific
contribution each food item makes towards Child Nutrition Program meal pattern requirements. This mobile app, together
with the web-based Interactive Food Buying Guide (98,570 users with 261,380 sessions and 979,264 page views in
2022), have provided child nutrition program operators with invaluable information – at their fingertips – related to food
purchasing and utilizing food yield information for menu planning. In 2022, Team Nutrition made 15
enhancements/updates to the Food Buying Guide mobile app tool and web based interactive tool and released a Food
Buying Guide Brochure that has been accessed more than 3,463 times. A highly requested new feature was added, per
user feedback, to the Food Buying Guide for Child Nutrition Programs (FBG) digital tools. The new feature allows users
to view the meal pattern requirements per meal component for a selected Program (NSLP, SBP, Preschool, CACFP, and
SFSP) and age/grade group while using the FBG Calculator. This helpful feature allows easy access to meal pattern
guidance to assist in creating shopping lists. In addition to the scheduled enhancements, other new features include the
ability to search for food items based on the selected meal Program and when using the Recipe Analysis Workbook and
2024 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE
35-34
FBG Calcu
lator. Team Nutrition also collaborated with the Agricultural Research Service to implement the second phase
of the Food Yield Study that will result in over forty food items being added to the Food Buying Guide. In response to a
request, sorghum products were added to the Food Buying Guide. Team Nutrition collaborated with the ICN to develop
two new Food Buying Guide Training Modules for Exhibit A and the Food Buying Guide Calculator. These modules will
join the first three modules completed in 2021 and will be housed on the ICN website.
Child Nutrition Database (CNDB) and USDA Approved Nutrient Analysis Software:
In 2022, Team Nutrition released
the Child Nutrition Database, Release 25, with over 10,000 food items, in multiple formats. The CNDB is a required part
of the nutrient analysis software approved by USDA for use in the NSLP and SBP; the CNDB includes food product
nutrient data collected for 19 different nutrients. The two web pages listing the USDA approved software for 1) Nutrient
Analysis and 2) Certification of Compliance were viewed 19,409 and 5,048 times, respectively. In May 2022, the FNS
Nutrition and Technical Assistance Branch (NTAB) released the updated technical assistance resource Nutrient Analysis
Protocols: How to Analyze Menus for USDA’s School Meals Programs (NAP Manual). This major revision of the NAP
Manual focuses on performing a nutrient analysis using a software program. The website was viewed 5,234 times. There
are currently 23 USDA approved nutrient analysis software programs.
Trainings and Webinars: Collectively in 2022, Team Nutrition staff directly provided 29 professional development
opportunities, leading to approximately 19,000 CN Program operators trained; this includes 16 staff-conducted webinars
(13 English and 3 Spanish) that had almost 15,750 views including both live and recorded.
Recipes and Cooking Videos: Team Nutrition has a vast collection of 314 recipes (274 English, 40 Spanish) featuring
delicious, kid-approved recipes that incorporate whole grains and vegetables (dark-green, red/orange, and beans/peas
vegetables subgroups). These recipes have been standardized to ensure consistent yields – and include information on
how the recipe credits toward the meal pattern requirements for NSLP/SBP; these tasty recipes have the potential to
increase student acceptance of school meals and therefore improve student health. In April 2022, an additional 20 new
recipes were released that focused on reimbursable snacks. These 40 recipes are designed to assist program operators with
serving nutritious and appealing meals and snacks that meet meal pattern requirements and minimum serving amounts for
at least one meal component. Each recipe is available in four versions for different age groups. In May 2022, Team
Nutrition, in collaboration with ICN, launched the Spanish-language version of the of the Child Nutrition Recipe Box
(CNRB) to ensure that this go-to resource for USDA standardized recipes for CN Programs offers Spanish translations of
recipes. The English version of the CNRB continued to grow in 2022, gaining 41,572 new users with 308,499 unique
page views and 5,160 CN professionals creating accounts to save and organize their favorite recipes. As of July 2022,
there are 962 recipes in the CNRB. Team Nutrition released 60 new recipes in English during 2022, and seven new
recipes in Spanish.
Websites: Team Nutrition maintains a website that includes 400 online resources and access to 196 printed publications in
a Resource Library, which received over 2.1 million-page views in 2022. Team Nutrition published over 115 Spanish-
language webpages in 2022, thereby increasing access for Child Nutrition Program stakeholders who prefer to access
materials in Spanish. Team Nutrition also maintains a Professional Standards Training Database -with over 550 free or
low-cost trainings available to help school nutrition professionals boost their essential job-related skills and knowledge
related to program operations, program administration, nutrition, and communications and marketing. In 2022, 53
trainings, including 7 in Spanish, were added. In addition, Team Nutrition facilitates sharing of State-developed menu
planning and culinary training resources and best practices through the Child Nutrition Sharing Site (CNSS) (hosted by
ICN); in 2022, 55 resources were vetted and added to the CNSS.
Team Nutrition Network for Schools: In 2022, 309 new schools were added to the Team Nutrition Network for Schools,
for a total of 52,980 Team Nutrition Schools. Schools can join the Network to affirm their commitment to helping
students make healthier food choices and be more physically active, and in turn they will have the opportunity to
collaborate with other Team Nutrition Schools, be the first to hear about new nutrition education and training materials
developed under the Team Nutrition initiative and receive special nutrition education and promotion materials.
Institute for Child Nutrition (ICN) Training:
The ICN provides training on the use of Team Nutrition materials to local
program operators at State agency and Child Nutrition Program association meetings. In addition, trainings and hands-on
technical assistance have equipped program operators with essential job skills such as increasing program participation,
menu planning, procurement of goods and services, financial management, leadership, and culinary skills. Current
training efforts emphasize the implementation of the meal patterns, tailored technical assistance to enhance school food
operations, as well as school program management for school nutrition program directors.
2024 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE
35-35
In 2022, the IC
N conducted 322 virtual instructor-led trainings (VILT), reaching 6,287 Child Nutrition program operators
and stakeholders and 161 face-to-face trainings, reaching 2,994 Child Nutrition program operators and stakeholders. In
addition, ICN released an updated USDA Recipe Standardization Guide.
The Leadership Institute of Child Nutrition (LICN) provides trainings and resources on leaderships topics that are
applicable and practical for child nutrition professionals. The mission of the LICN is to educate and cultivate child
nutrition leaders by providing accurate, up-to-date, high-quality leadership resources. In 2022, the LICN released a series
of fact sheets focusing on important job skills such as effective communication and managing conflict. In addition, the
ICN conducted a monthly chat and learn session to accompany the job skills fact sheets and created online modules on
program marketing and customer experience.
The Culinary Institute of Child Nutrition (CICN) released five Culinary Quick Bites trainings (with additional lessons
becoming available in 2023). These provide culinary training to food production staff in short, single-topic training
sessions, to be delivered by a staff member that oversees food production. Also in 2022, Menus of Flavor, three four-hour
hands-on culinary trainings for frontline employees (school cooks), was released. Shaking it Up: Small Changes Lead to
Big Flavors is a collection of trainings and resources to support program operators in reducing sodium in school meals. In
2022, ICN released seven resources as part of this series (with 10 additional resources to be released in 2023) and created
7 online courses to support this effort.
Professional Standards Tracker: In 2022, as part of the ongoing enhancement to the Professional Standards Training
Tracker Tool (PSTTT), FNS staff oversaw nine releases of updates and enhancements. New features included the ability
to bulk upload training records, record trainings earlier than the previous school year, and Director-user capability to
reactivate employee profiles. Two additional job titles were created in response to users that do not have required annual
training hours and therefore, do not want profiles to list required training hours. The PSTTT is designed to assist school
nutrition professionals in keeping track of their annual required training hours. PSTTT updates included the addition of
reward badges to motivate school nutrition professionals and make the process of completing annual training
requirements fun. Users of the tool can earn a badge for each key area (Nutrition, Operations, Administration, and
Communication and Marketing) by completing one or more trainings under a specific key area. Users can also earn
achievement badges (Platinum, Gold, Silver, and Bronze). At the end of 2022, there were 3,441 total registered
eAuthenticated users of the PSTTT.
Newsletters: Team Nutrition also manages electronic newsletters and communications, which feature best practices and
Team Nutrition resources available to Child Nutrition Programs. In 2022, Team Nutrition released a total of 58 electronic
newsletters/communications, which included 47 promotional announcements of resources available via GovDelivery
(with each announcement reaching over 150,000 GovDelivery subscribers), as well as ten Team Nutrition newsletters that
communicated the availability of resources for Child Nutrition Program operators and administrators and two School
Meals Grab n’ Go Quick Tips e-newsletters.
Child Nutrition Programs Integrity
Ensuring the integrity of the school meal programs by minimizing improper payments and other errors is a key priority
for FNS. As stewards of the Federal funds that support these programs, the Agency has a responsibility to maintain the
public’s trust while guaranteeing that program benefits are available to the eligible households who rely on them. FNS’
efforts to enhance program integrity in the school meal programs fall under three categories: research, process
improvements, and monitoring/compliance.
Research
FNS released the Access, Participation, Eligibility, and Certification Study III (APEC-III) in 2021; a rigorous
examination of program error in certifying children for free or reduced-price breakfast and lunch meal benefits and errors
in the process of identifying and claiming meals for Federal reimbursement. The APEC III findings are informing
integrity work on the school meals program through 2025.
Looking ahead, FNS awarded a contract for the next Access, Participation, Eligibility, and Certification Study (APEC-IV)
in 2020. APEC-IV builds on the methodologies employed by APEC-III, and will provide updated, nationally
representative estimates of program errors and improper payments in the school meal programs. Data collection is
expected to begin in late fall 2023.
2024 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE
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Process
Improvements
In 2020, FNS and 18F
1
completed the development of the Data Validation Service (DVS), a series of over 100 edit
checks designed to improve the quality of data collected on the School Food Authority (SFA) Verification Collection
Report (FNS-742). The FNS-742 reports on the verification process for households certified for free and reduced-price
school meals. The FNS-742 provides FNS with SFA-level records and is important for both internal and external
analyses, including analyses designed to identify program integrity risks. The dataset also regularly informs technical
assistance requests from Congress.
The DVS improves on the existing FNS Food Program Reporting System in that it works directly with the State systems
SFAs use for data entry, allowing for real-time edit checks. The DVS enhances customer service to States and SFAs by
streamlining the data collection process and reducing burden associated with correcting errors. The DVS also directly
improves the quality of the FNS-742 dataset, which informs policymaking, guidance, and program integrity efforts. The
DVS was adopted by an additional two states for a total of 6 states, and we are continuing outreach to the vendor
community to encourage them to add the FNS-742 data validation service to their data collection systems.
Monitoring and Compliance
FNS and State agencies conduct reviews to assess the operation of the school meal programs, evaluate the accuracy of
local meal service data, and provide training and technical assistance to help ensure programs are operated in line with
Federal requirements. Funds allocated for these reviews support the identification of errors that result in improper claims
and the development of corrective action plans, which assist SFAs in identifying needed program improvements.
Ultimately, corrective action plans result in more accurate and efficient distribution of program benefits to eligible
children.
As required by statute, FNS developed a unified accountability system for State agency oversight of the school meal
programs, referred to as the Administrative Review. Through the Administrative Review, State agencies conduct
comprehensive evaluations of SFAs participating in NSLP, SBP, and other Federal meal programs. The Administrative
Review provides for a robust review of program operations. FNS provides forms, instructions, and guidance to State
agencies to standardize the review process. In response to COVID-19 related measures, FNS also provided an opportunity
for states to request oversight waivers to efficiently plan and conduct evaluations during a challenging time.
Regulations require State agencies to review student certification, benefit issuance, reimbursement rates, and counting and
claiming in SFAs. If State agencies identify any errors in these areas, State agencies must issue fiscal action and recover
Federal funds that have been paid erroneously to SFAs. When State agencies find meal pattern and nutritional quality
errors, State agencies must also recover Federal funds for meals served that do not meet the meal patterns. Regulations
also allow State agencies to recover Federal funds or withhold payments for other areas of noncompliance in program
operation. The federally required Administrative Review, which State Agencies complete for each SFA every three years
2
generates valuable information at the State and Federal levels, which informs technical assistance and the development of
initiatives to improve integrity across the programs.
FNS provides technical assistance on Program regulations and guidance to State agencies in a variety of formats such as
the development of guidance and handbooks, fact sheets, webinars, conference calls, and in person trainings and
presentations. FNS also provides technical assistance through the review process, during assisted Administrative Review,
and during management evaluations.
Through competitive grants to States administering the Child Nutrition Programs, FNS provides funding for States
implementing technology improvements that demonstrate an ability to decrease administrative and operational errors and
improve program integrity. Since 2011, FNS has convened a workgroup made up for State agencies and FNS
representatives to assist in identifying State agency technical assistance needs related to technology systems and software
used to operate and manage the Child Nutrition Programs. Based on identified needs from this workgroup, FNS holds a
national training event for State agencies administering the Child Nutrition Programs which aims to build State agency
capacity in project management, system and software procurement and contract management, system development
1
FNS collaborated closely with 18F, a General Services Administration office tasked with improving the business of government through technology-
based solutions to make the Data Validation Service freely available to States on the Cloud.
2
7 CFR 210.18(c) requires Administrative Reviews every three years; however, FNS has approved many State agencies to implement a review cycle
longer than three years.
2024 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE
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lifecycl
e management, and other aspects of system and software development and maintenance to support State program
and technical staff in improving Child Nutrition Program access and integrity.
Non-Competitive Technology Innovation Grants: In 2021, FNS offered the Non-Competitive Technology Innovation
Grant (nTIG) to all eligible State agencies and territories for the purposes of developing, improving, and maintaining
automated information technology systems used to operate and manage all CN Programs. These funds were offered in
lieu of the competitive CN Technology Innovation Grant, which were previously administered by FNS in 2017 and 2019.
In 2021, 54 States and territories (69 State agencies) were administering the CN Programs, and therefore eligible to
receive this funding. Each State was offered $925,926. In States where more than one eligible agency administers the CN
Programs, the funding was divided among those agencies based on the same distribution percentages used in the State
Administrative Expense funding formula. FNS awarded a total of 50 State agencies $37,063,217 in grant funding on
September 24, 2021. In 2022, State agencies continued to develop their system projects and expend their 2021 grant
awards.
Direct Certification
Direct certification is the process of the school and State matching data from other means-tested programs, such as SNAP,
Medicaid, TANF, and others, to automatically certify students as eligible for free or reduced-price school meals, without
the need for families to submit applications. Direct certification is a key error-reduction strategy for school meal
programs. By eliminating applications, direct certification not only reduces program errors, but also reduces burden on
families and schools. As established in statute, State agencies administering SNAP and those administering the school
nutrition programs must directly certify at least 95 percent of eligible children. States that do not reach and maintain the
direct certification benchmarks are required to develop and implement continuous improvement plans to ensure that
eligible children are directly certified for school meals.
To support states’ direct certification efforts, the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and
Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010 (P.L. 111-80) provided funding for grants to State agencies that administer
the NSLP. Since 2011, FNS has awarded 55 Direct Certification grants to States to support direct certification process
improvements totaling approximately $25 million.
For SY 2018-2019, 40 of the 52 State agencies achieved direct certification rates at or above the 95-percent performance
target, a noteworthy increase of 12 States meeting the benchmark compared to SY 2015-2016. The National SNAP direct
certification rate increased to 98 percent, from 92 percent reported in SY 2015-2016. FNS is continuing robust technical
assistance efforts with State agencies to help them improve their direct certification performance. In 2022, the technical
assistance team conducted five State agency site visits. For 2023, it is expected that the number of States visited will
increase as States have returned to full in-person activities.
Direct Certification with Medicaid Demonstration Projects
Section 9(b)(15) of the NSLA authorizes FNS to conduct demonstration projects in selected States and LEAs to evaluate
the effectiveness of using Medicaid data to directly certify students for school meals. The original demonstrations
launched in SY 2016-2017 were implemented in seven states: California, Florida, Illinois, Kentucky, Massachusetts, New
York, and Pennsylvania. A rigorous evaluation provided evidence that direct certification using Medicaid data has the
potential for reducing error and increasing efficiency in school meals administration.
Based on these findings, using the demonstration project authority in Section 18(c) of the NSLA, USDA decided to
examine the potential additional efficiencies of directly certifying students for both free and reduced-price meals. Eight
additional States began demonstrations approved in SY 2017-2018. An evaluation examining the impact of direct
certification with Medicaid on key program outcomes released the third year of findings in March 2022.
Previous evaluations for Year 1 and Year 2 found that the demonstrations resulted in a small increase in the number and
percentage of students certified for free and reduced-price meals. The Year 3 evaluation found that more than one-third of
all eligible students directly certified to receive free and reduced-price school meals, did so pursuant to this
demonstration. The eligible students would not have been directly certified otherwise, although it is likely that some
students would have been certified through the application process. The study also found State administrative costs
decreased over the course of the demonstration, and only three States reported administrative costs for DCM-F/RP above
$5,000 in SY 2019-2020.
Special Provision Options
In an effort to reduce paperwork and other administrative burdens at the local level, Congress has incorporated into
Section 11(a)(1) of the NSLA (42 USC 1759a) alternative provisions to the traditional requirements for annual
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determ
inations of eligibility for free and reduced-price school meals and daily meal counts by type. These alternatives are
commonly referred to as Provision 1, Provision 2, Provision 3, and the Community Eligibility Provision. Congressionally
authorized Special Provisions have been an option for LEAs since 1980. Provisions 1, 2, 3, and the Community Eligibility
Provision (CEP) were enacted to decrease the administrative and household burden resulting from completing and
processing school meal applications for districts and schools with high portions of students eligible for free and reduced
priced meals.
Provisions 1, 2, and 3
Provision 1 reduces application burdens by allowing eligibility to be certified for a 2-year period for each child eligible
for free meals in schools where at least 80 percent of the children enrolled are eligible for free or reduced-price meals. To
elect Provision 1, a school must notify their State agency of their intent to elect before meal service. This option reduces
annual notification of program availability and certification of children eligible for free meals to once every two years. All
other households must be provided a meal application to apply for meal benefits each school year. There is no
requirement to offer meals at no charge to all students. Meals are reimbursed at the free, reduced price, or paid rates based
on students’ eligibility statuses.
Provision 2 reduces application burdens and simplifies meal counting and claiming procedures by allowing schools to
establish claiming percentages and to serve all meals at no charge for a 4-year period. To elect Provision 2, a school must
notify their State agency of their intent to elect before meal service. During the first year (or base year), although meals
are served at no charge, the school makes eligibility determinations and takes daily counts of reimbursable meals by type
(free, reduced price, paid) at the point of service. These meals counts are used to establish the claiming percentages that
will be used for the following three years. During the next three years, households do not need to submit applications and
the school makes no new eligibility determinations and counts only the total number of reimbursable meals served each
day. Reimbursement during these years is determined by applying the percentages of free, reduced price, and paid meals
served during the corresponding month of the base year to the total meal count for the claiming month.
Provision 3 also reduces application burdens and simplifies meal counting and claiming procedures by allowing schools
to receive the same level of Federal cash and commodity assistance paid to them during the last year in which eligibility
determinations were made and meals were counted by type (the base year). To elect Provision 3, a school must notify
their State agency of their intent to elect before meal service. Provision 3 schools serve meals to all children in attendance
at the school at no charge for a period of four years following the base year. Households do not submit applications and
schools do not make additional eligibility determinations during the 4-year period, even though the individual children
enrolled in the school may change. Instead, reimbursement is determined by using the amount of Federal cash and
commodity assistance received in the base year with some adjustments to reflect changes in enrollment and inflation.
Schools electing Provision 2 or 3 must pay the difference between Federal reimbursement and the cost of providing all
meals at no charge. The money to pay for this difference must be from non-Federal sources. Also, Provision 2 and 3 allow
the State agency to approve 4-year extensions if the socioeconomic status of the school’s population remains stable,
declined, or has had only negligible improvement since the most recent base year.
Community Eligibility Provision (CEP)
The Community Eligibility Provision allows schools and local educational agencies (LEAs) located in low-income areas
to provide breakfast and lunch at no cost to students, without the burden of collecting household applications to determine
eligibility for free school meals. CEP is a Federal-local cost sharing option that allows eligible schools to provide meals at
no cost to all students. To be eligible for CEP, an individual school, group of schools, or school district must meet or
exceed the established identified student percentage (ISP) threshold, currently set at 40 percent, in the school year prior to
implementing CEP. The ISP is the percentage of enrolled students who are certified for free school meals without
submitting a household application, such as those directly certified through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance
Program (SNAP). For CEP, students who are certified for free meals without a household application are “identified
students.” The ISP is calculated by dividing the total number of identified students by the total number of enrolled
students. The ISP is multiplied by 1.6 (the CEP multiplier) to determine the percentage of meals reimbursed at the free
rate; remaining meals are reimbursed at the lower paid rate.
Similar to Provision 2 or 3 schools, CEP schools must pay the difference between Federal assistance and the cost of
providing all meals at no charge. The money to pay for this difference must be from non-Federal sources. To elect CEP,
LEAs must notify their State agency of their election by June 30 and provide documentation that demonstrates the
electing schools meets the ISP requirements. The ISP is verified by the State Agency prior to the start of the school year.
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Once establ
ished, the CEP claiming percentages are used for the next four years. As of June 2022, 33,300 schools serving
16.2 million students are operating CEP, about 74.3 percent of eligible schools.
CEP is a Federal-local partnership that streamlines program administration by using direct certification data from means-
tested programs with comparable eligibility to establish a school, group, or LEA-wide meal claiming percentage. Through
direct certification, schools access income data already collected and verified through other Federal assistance programs
and apply it to the school meals certification process, rather than duplicating data collection efforts. If a minimum
percentage (at least 40 percent) of students qualify for free meals without an application, such as via direct certification,
the school, group of schools, or LEA is eligible for CEP. That percentage, known as the identified student percentage, is
then used to determine the percentage of meals claimed at the free rate and the paid rate. Using an established equation
3
,
the LEA can estimate the amount of federal assistance it will receive under CEP and can estimate any non-Federal
funding that may be needed to cover operational costs. The LEA compares its estimated funding contribution to
anticipated savings through administrative cost and burden reductions. If it determines that CEP is more efficient than the
traditional NSLP administrative structure (specific to local circumstances), the LEA can choose to move to CEP. CEP
schools must pay the difference between Federal assistance and the cost of providing all meals at no charge. The money
to pay for this difference must be from non-Federal sources. To elect the Community Eligibility Provision, LEAs must
notify the state of their election by June 30 and provide documentation that demonstrates the electing schools meets the
identified student percentage requirements. This percentage of students is verified with the State Agency and approved
prior to the school year. Once established, the percentage is used for the next four years. As of June 2022, 33,300 schools
serving 16.2 million students are operating CEP, about 74.3 percent of eligible schools.
In 2022, USDA continued to provide focused technical assistance to ensure State agencies and schools participating and
interested in participating in CEP have the information and resources necessary to make informed decisions about
participation. Technical assistance includes responding to State agency questions, issuing policy guidance, and
highlighting CEP during webinars and presentations.
USDA conducted a national evaluation of CEP, collecting data in SY 2016-2017. This study examines characteristics of
participating and non-participating schools. The study also assesses how CEP impacts student participation, revenue,
attendance, and the type of breakfast program offered by the school. The study found that CEP increased student school
meal participation rates by 6.8 percent (NSLP) and 12.1 percent (SBP), compared to similar eligible LEAs that did not
adopt CEP. CEP participation also increased the level of Federal reimbursements. Participating LEAs indicated the
election of CEP resulted in multiple benefits including increased student participation, decreased financial burden on
families, elimination of unpaid meal charges, reduced administrative burden, decrease in stigma for students in need, and
increased revenue.
CHILD NUTRITION PROGRAM GRANTS
School Breakfast Expansion Grants
In 2021, FNS awarded the School Breakfast Expansion Grant for U.S. States and the District of Columbia and the School
Breakfast Expansion Grant for U.S. Territories. The purpose of these grants is to provide funds to LEAs and qualifying
schools, not to exceed $10,000 per school year, to establish, maintain, or expand the School Breakfast Program. Four
applicants, the District of Columbia, Michigan, South Carolina, and Wisconsin, received awards for the School Breakfast
Expansion Grant for U.S. States and the District of Columbia, totaling $7,999,542. One applicant, the Northern Mariana
Islands, received an award for the School Breakfast Expansion Grant for U.S. Territories, totaling $199,920.
In 2022, FNS awarded the School Breakfast Expansion Grant for U.S. Territories, with the same purpose and funding
opportunity outlined in the previous paragraph. FNS held informational calls about the grant opportunity with eligible
Territories to answer any questions and encourage their participation. One applicant, Puerto Rico, received an award
totaling $2 million.
3
To estimate the reimbursement received under CEP, schools multiply the number of identified students by 1.6 to determine the
percent of meals reimbursed at free rate. The remaining percent of meals are reimbursed at the paid rate. Schools may also consider
factoring in estimated increases in the number of students participating in school meals. Schools must pay the difference between the
Federal assistance received and the cost of providing all meals at no cost to students.
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Health
y School Meals Incentives Initiative
In June 2022, USDA announced the $100 million Healthy Meals Incentives Initiative (HMI) as part of USDA’s Food
System Transformation investments. HMI is designed to support healthy school meals and successful implementation of
updated nutrition standards over the next several years. It includes four components: competitive sub-grants for
small/rural SFAs, a recognition program for all SFAs, two Healthy Meals Summits, and challenge grants to stimulate
innovation in the school food market. FNS is leading this initiative.
The first component of HMI builds upon the proven model of the HealthierUS Schools Challenge recognition initiative.
In addition to establishing a recognition program, this component includes grant funding to assist small and rural SFAs in
meeting nutrition standards, and two Healthy Meals Summits. Through a competitive process, USDA awarded $47
million to Action for Healthy Kids (in partnership with the Chef Ann Foundation and RMC Health) to manage the
recognition program, sub-grants, and Healthy Meals Summits. The award was announced publicly on February 3, 2023,
and work on these activities is already underway. FNS launched the second component of HMI, focusing on the school
foods marketplace in November 2022, by issuing a Request for Application (RFA) for up to four partners to help design
and implement the School Food System Transformation Challenge Sub-Grant Program, at a $50 million funding level (no
less than $12.5 million per awardee). These sub-grants will stimulate innovation in the K-12 food system to build a more
resilient food supply chain, create a fairer food system, and develop nutritious foods for schools. Applications for this
RFA were due on February 1, 2023, and FNS expects to announce the awardee(s) in March 2023.
Farm to School Program
Program Mission: USDA supports local and regional food systems as a way to improve economic, health, and learning
outcomes, and inspire youth toward careers in agriculture by connecting children and families to their food and the
farmers, ranchers, and fishers who produce it. FNS formally created the Office of Community Food Systems within FNS’
Child Nutrition Programs in 2015 to conduct ongoing Child Nutrition activities in accordance with directives in Sections
9(j) and 18(g) of the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act, as amended, to increase access to local foods through
the Child Nutrition Programs, and to strengthen local and regional food systems that support community health and well-
being, along with economic opportunities for producers. The office reorganized and expanded to the Community Food
Systems Division (CFSD) In 2022.
CFSD extends its focus on local foods and agricultural education beyond the NSLP and works to incorporate farm to
school activities in all Child Nutrition Programs including the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) and Child and
Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). The integration of farm to school principles in Child Nutrition Programs encourages
local control and provides flexibility to implement a variety of activities that leverage nutrition program operations to
support resilient food systems through strong local food supply chains. FNS accomplished this work through awarding
grants, providing technical assistance, and disseminating research related to farm to school in 2022.
Grants: The Farm to School Grant Program funds school districts and other institutions participating in Child Nutrition
Programs, as well as state and local agencies, tribal communities, agricultural producers, and non-profit organizations to
support efforts that increase local foods served through the Child Nutrition Programs, to teach children about food and
agriculture through garden and classroom education, and develop schools' and farmers' capacities to participate in farm to
school activities. Awards ranging up to $500,000 are distributed in targeted grant categories such as: Turnkey,
Implementation, and State Agency grants. Additional funding for the Farm to School Grant Program was made available
in the 2019 through 2022 Agricultural appropriations and, as a result, FNS has significantly increased the number of grant
awards.
FY 2022 marked the tenth year of awards in the Farm to School Grant Program. Since then, FNS has awarded 1,019
projects totaling nearly $75 million and reaching all 50 states, the District of Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto
Rico, and Guam. In July 2022, FNS awarded $10 million in grants to 123 grantees.
In addition to the competitive Farm to School Grants, FNS provided a Farm to School State Formula Grant In 2022. The
formula grant authorized $60 million of funding from the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (Public Law 117-2) to State
agencies that operate the NSLP, based on the State’s NSLP participation. The one-time, non-competitive grant has a 4-
year period of performance and supports Secretary Vilsack's Food Systems Transformation initiative. The objectives of
this funding are to fund state activities that build and increase capacity of participating institutions to procure and use
local food in program meals as well as provide agricultural education opportunities for participating children.
On October 6, 2022, FNS published the 2023 Farm to School Grant Program Request for Applications (RFA). The RFA
continues the same three grant tracks as the 2022 RFA: Implementation, State Agency, and Turnkey, incorporates equity
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principl
es in the design and evaluation of proposed projects, and provides priority consideration to projects led by and
serving Black, Indigenous, and other communities of color and projects in rural areas.
Technical Assistance: FNS continues to provide direct training and technical assistance to Farm to School program
operators through conferences, webinars, virtual meetings, and through online and print technical assistance materials.
Throughout the year, FNS conducted national and local farm to school trainings at in-person and virtual meetings and
conferences on the topics of local procurement, grants, school gardens, micro purchasing, geographic preference, and
other topics related to farm to school.
In 2022, FNS entered the fourth year of its 4-year, $1.8 million cooperative agreement with the National Center for
Appropriate Technology (NCAT). Due to the pandemic, NCAT received an extension, adding a fifth year to its period of
performance, which will run through the end of 2023. The goal of this project is to develop training to help agricultural
producers build their capacity to launch or expand efforts to market to schools, increasing farm to school activity in
schools. A train-the-trainer model was developed to prepare State agencies and their representatives with the knowledge
and skills necessary to deliver the producer-focused training curriculum to agricultural producers (farmers, fishers, or
ranchers) in their states. Regional train-the-trainer workshops concluded in fall 2021. Beginning in winter 2022, State
teams began hosting State-level producer trainings to equip producers to engage in school markets. Through the end of
2022, FNS supported implementation of 22 producer trainings across the country, reaching approximately 333 producers.
In 2022, FNS entered the first year of its 3-year, $500,000 cooperative agreement with Shelburne Farms (VT) to expand
the farm to school institute model nationwide, for the creation and dissemination of information on farm to school
program development and to provide practitioner education, training, ongoing school year coaching, and technical
assistance. Four adapter teams - Nebraska, Arkansas, Connecticut, and a combined Oregon/Washington team, were
recruited and received in-person and virtual technical assistance in order to develop their own institutes. There are a total
of 11 active institutes nationwide. FNS continues to provide oversight of the cooperative agreement and will support the
recruitment of an additional four adapter States in 2023.
In the spring of 2022, CFSD hosted a four-part webinar series on best practices in farm to school. The 30-minute
Seeding
Success webinars provided technical assistance that supports stakeholders as they develop, expand, and maintain robust
farm to school programs, projects, or initiatives. Each webinar attracted over 100 attendees and recordings of the
webinars are available on the FNS website.
In September 2022, FNS hel
d a USDA Farm to School State Agency Meeting and Grantee Gathering in-person in Boston,
Massachusetts with over 250 attendees, including State agency staff, USDA Farm to School grantees, and partner
organizations, to review grant requirements, share best practices, and allow for networking.
FNS also manages a monthly electronic newsletter, The Dirt, which features best practices among grantees, and shares
additional resources to help grantees and other stakeholders advance farm to school and local procurement in Child
Nutrition Programs. The Dirt boasts a subscriber base of over 110,000.
Research: The Farm to School Census (the Census) is a periodic survey of all SFAs enrolled in the NSLP which
measures their engagement in farm to school and local procurement. In 2022, FNS continued to highlight the results of
the 2019 Farm to School Census and provided training to state agencies and other farm to school stakeholders, helping
them use the Farm to School Census results to evaluate their work and plan future strategies to increase farm to school
engagement and impact. FNS awarded the Farm to School Research Blanket Purchase Agreement for research on farm to
school initiatives, including the upcoming 2023 Farm to School Census that will begin data collection in September 2023.
FNS also distributed the third annual Farm to School Grantee Experience Survey, a tool designed to gather feedback from
farm to school grantees on the quality of service, support, and technical assistance, they received from USDA. In 2022,
91.7 percent of respondents reported overall satisfaction with the support provided by FNS as they implemented the
grants. FNS intends to use this customer feedback to make continuous improvements to the Farm to School Grant
program.
SPECIAL MILK PROGRAM
Program Mission
The Special Milk Program (SMP) has encouraged consumption of fluid milk since 1955. Any public or nonprofit private
school or childcare institution may participate in the SMP, provided it does not participate in other Federal meal
programs, such as NSLP, SBP, or CACFP. However, schools participating in the NSLP or SBP may also participate in
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the SMP
to provide milk to children in half-day pre-kindergarten and kindergarten programs where these children would
not otherwise have access to the School Meal Programs. Participating schools and childcare institutions are reimbursed
for part of the cost of milk served to children.
During the COVID-19 public health emergency, USDA waived certain SMP requirements on a State-by-State basis using
the authority provided by Section 12(l) of the National School Lunch Act [42 U.S.C. 1760(l)], as well as expanded
authority provided by FFCRA. For SY 2022-2023, USDA waived the requirements for 50 State agencies that milk be
served in group settings and allowed parents or guardians to take milk home to their children. These waivers were in line
with USDA’s commitment to explore all options to keep kids nourished during the unprecedented public health
emergency.
Facts in Brief
In 2022, the SMP saw an increase of nearly 30 percent in the total number of half pints served from 2021. This increase is
due to schools returning to pre-pandemic operations with students receiving in-class instruction.
• The number of half pints served as part of the SMP increased from 14.4 million in 2021 to 18.6 million in 2022.
Overall, the number of half pints served has decreased from 181.3 million in 1990.
• A total of 1,738 schools, residential childcare institutions, non-residential childcare institutions, and summer camps
participated in the SMP In 2022, a 14 percent increase from the 2021 level of 1,518.
• The portion of half pints served free during 2022 was about 9.3 percent, as compared to 7.4 percent in 2021.
CHILD AND ADULT CARE FOOD PROGRAM
Program Mission
The Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) provides aid to child and adult care institutions and family or group
day care homes for the provision of nutritious foods that contribute to the wellness, healthy growth, and development of
young children, and the health and wellness of older adults and chronically impaired disabled persons.
In order to participate in CACFP, independently or under a sponsoring organization, child care centers must be either
public or private nonprofit or for-profit centers in which at least 25 percent of their enrollment or licensed capacity
receive funds through Title XX of the Social Security Act or are eligible for free or reduced-price school meals. A
sponsoring organization is a public or nonprofit private organization that is entirely responsible for the administration of
the Program in any combination of childcare centers, emergency shelters, at-risk afterschool care centers, outside-school-
hours care centers, adult day care centers and day care homes. Adult day care centers that provide nonresidential adult day
care must be either public or private nonprofit or for-profit centers in which at least 25 percent of their participants are
eligible for free or reduced-price meals or receive funds through Titles XIX or Title XX of the Social Security Act. All
participating day care homes and centers must be licensed or approved according to Federal, State, or local standards.
Outside-school-hours care programs, at-risk afterschool care centers, and emergency shelters may participate in CACFP
by meeting State or local health and safety standards. Funds are made available to the States for audit expenses associated
with the administration of the CACFP.
Centers, except for at-risk afterschool care centers and emergency shelters, receive reimbursements based on a free,
reduced price, or paid meal rate for each eligible meal type they serve. CACFP facilities may serve various combinations
of breakfasts, lunches, snacks, and suppers. Centers receive applications from parents or adult participants and make
eligibility determinations based on family size and income, essentially following the same guidelines used in the NSLP.
Family or group day care homes receive reimbursement under a two-tier system intended to target program funds to
support low-income children and providers, while requiring less paperwork than would be necessary if the NSLP
guidelines were used. Under this system, a higher reimbursement rate is paid to day care homes located in areas where at
least 50 percent of the children are eligible for free or reduced-price meals or where the provider’s household size and
income meet the established income criteria for free or reduced-price meals. The higher rate of reimbursement may also
be paid to providers whose households receive SNAP benefits. All other homes receive reimbursement at a lower rate,
except where meals served to individual children who are enrolled for care in the home are determined to be eligible for
the higher rate.
The at-risk afterschool meals component of CACFP offers Federal funding to programs that operate in low-income areas
afterschool or on weekends, holidays, or vacations during the regular school year; provide an organized, regularly
scheduled activity; and serve a meal and snack to participating children and teens.
2024 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE
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Meals
and snacks served in CACFP must meet nutrition standards that have been carefully designed to incorporate a
variety of vegetables and fruit, whole grains, and healthy beverages, including low-fat and fat-free milk, and water while
minimizing added sugar and saturated fat.
FNS is committed to lowering barriers to participation in CACFP in underserved communities. To align with the
Administration’s commitment to equity and racial justice, FNS encouraged State agencies and institutions to use methods
that are based on self-identification and self-reporting, not visual observation, to collect racial and ethnic data of children
and adult participants. These mandatory data collections help FNS determine how effective CACFP is in reaching eligible
participants receiving meals. In 2022, FNS continued to develop technical assistance and best practices for alternative
data collection methods.
Facts in Brief
• In 2022, CACFP saw an increase of nearly 1 percent in total meals served from 2021. In 2022, the peak participation
attendance in CACFP was approximately 5.5 million children and adults, a decrease of approximately 1.7 percent
compared to the peak participation in 2021.
• In 2022, the average daily attendance of children was 4.4 million children, 3.9 million of which were in childcare
centers and approximately 533,000 were in family day care homes, a decrease from 4.7 million in average daily
attendance, 4.2 million of which were in centers and 549,000 were in family day care homes in 2021.
• On average, in 2022, CACFP childcare centers had 65 children in attendance each day and received about $47,311 a
year in meal reimbursement (compared to an average of 71 children and $46,764 in 2021).
• On average, a family day care homes fed approximately 7 children daily in 2022 and received slightly more than
$7,994 a year in meal reimbursement (compared to approximately 7 children and slightly more than $7,510 in 2021).
• Total meal service decreased nearly 0.5 percent from 2021 to 2022, for a total of approximately 1.8 billion meals
served in 2022.
• In 2022, approximately 82 percent of total meals served in CACFP were provided free or at a reduced price, a
decrease from 84 percent in 2021.
• In 2022, 29,038 At-Risk Child Care Center outlets provided a total of 287.7 million meals and snacks to children
(compared to the 21,574 At-Risk Child Care Centers operating in 2021 that served a total of 342.9 million meals and
snacks). This is a 34.6 percent increase in the number of operating At-Risk sites and a 16.1 percent decrease in the
number of meals and snacks served to children.
• In 2022, CACFP At-Risk Child Care Centers had an average of 107 children daily, a decrease from approximately
139 children in attendance daily during 2021.
COVID-19 Response
In 2021, FNS implemented nationwide waivers and flexibilities through June 30, 2022, to support successful reopening
and allow program operators to tailor CACFP meal services to provide the nutritious food the children and adult
participants in their care need during the COVID-19 pandemic. FNS leveraged innovative solutions to support social
distancing and keep children, adult participants, and caregivers safe, by allowing certain meal pattern flexibilities, when
necessary; serving meals outside of group settings and outside of standard times to facilitate grab-and-go, home delivery,
and other alternate service options; and enabling parents or guardians to pick up meals for children and adult participants.
FNS also waived area eligibility requirements to allow schools and afterschool care centers to operate the CACFP at-risk
afterschool care component, regardless of their location. The area eligibility waiver also allowed all day care homes to
receive a higher rate of reimbursement. From March 2021 through the end of the COVID-19 public health emergency,
emergency shelters, whose mission is serving youth in temporary housing, and afterschool care centers may receive
reimbursement for meals and snacks served to young people under age 25, through the American Rescue Plan Act of
2021 (Public Law 117-2).
In 2022, in an effort to help CACFP institutions transition smoothly back to normal operations, FNS encouraged States to
utilize operational flexibilities when congregate meal services were limited by the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, the
Keep Kids Fed Act of 2022 (Public Law 117–158) provided an additional 10 cents for each CACFP meal and snack
served and allowed all day care homes to receive the higher tier I reimbursement rate, through June 30, 2023. To further
assist CACFP institutions responding to the significant impact of a major recall of infant formula, FNS issued guidance to
clarify that FDA-approved imported formula could be included as part of a reimbursable meal in CACFP. These efforts
have helped ensure that CACFP provides children with access to the maximum meal benefits available through the Child
Nutrition Programs, while minimizing potential exposure to COVID-19.
2024 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE
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In additi
on, State agencies that administer CACFP were able to submit waiver requests of both State agency and CACFP
sponsoring organization monitoring requirements and propose an alternative plan for conducting effective Program
oversight in 2022. FNS approved 22 individual State monitoring plans. Each monitoring plan described effective
alternative oversight measures to ensure program integrity, identify any misuse of federal funds, and specified training
and technical assistance measures to assist program operators.
Team Nutrition
The Team Nutrition is a cross-cutting initiative that supports all Child Nutrition Programs by 1) providing job skills
training and technical assistance to food service staff who prepare meals for the programs; 2) developing nutrition
education resources that help children learn about agriculture and become self-sufficient in making informed food
choices; and 3) providing the programs with resources to support healthy school and childcare environments. The Team
Nutrition initiative helps States and local program operators apply meal pattern requirements to their school and childcare
menus, while accommodating local and regional food preferences and optimizing the use of USDA Foods as well as
locally produced foods. The turnover among food service and childcare staff remains high, so there is a continuous need
for job skills training which also contributes to staff meeting the professional standards requirements.
In 2022, Team Nutrition released an updated Crediting Handbook for the Child and Adult Care Food Program (28,288
website views, 14,988 downloads), released four new CACFP Meal Pattern Training Slide Decks (in both English and
Spanish) (2,218 downloads in English and 316 downloads in Spanish) and a Let’s Make a Snack: Child and Adult Care
Food Program Snack Menu Planner for Children 3 Through 18 Years of Age (8,027 views), In addition, Team Nutrition
exceeded expectations by releasing seven Spanish-language resources including three Spanish-language web quizzes (one
on infant nutrition, one on toddler nutrition, and one on milk requirements), four ready-to-go CACFP Meal Pattern
Training Slide Decks, and a publication entitled Offering Smoothies as Part of Reimbursable School Meals.
Team Nutrition provided over 400 online resources and 196 different printed publications to States, schools and CACFP
operators. The most downloaded Team Nutrition publications for the CACFP audience were The Crediting Handbook for
the Child and Adult Care Food Program (14,612 downloads), Using Ounce Equivalents for Grains in the CACFP
English Worksheet (10,667 downloads), and Feeding Infants in the CACFP (7,306 downloads). Over 200,000 printed
training and nutrition education materials were requested by and distributed to State agencies, schools, school districts,
and CACFP operators during 2022. The most requested printed resources and training tools for CACFP operators include
Feeding Infants in the CACFP (3,355 copies) and the Nibbles for Health Nutrition Newsletter for Parents of Young
Children (2,835 copies). In 2022, Team Nutrition continued its popular CACFP Halftime Webinar series by conducting
six 30-minute, interactive webinars (three each in English and Spanish), which were viewed live by 2,273 participants and
recorded webinars were viewed over 4,376 times, for a total of 6,649 views. Altogether from 2018 to 2022, Team
Nutrition has conducted a total of 35 interactive CACFP Halftime webinars in two languages that have been viewed
nearly 98,000 times, providing essential job skills training to CACFP operators on planning, preparing, and offering
healthy foods that meet the updated meal pattern requirements.
In November 2021, Team Nutrition and ICN released the CACFP iTrain Simple Lesson Plans which are 15–30 minute
trainings designed for CACFP professionals with limited time. The 20 topics covered in this project include Creating a
Breastfeeding Friendly Environment, Micro-Purchasing in the CACFP, and Record Keeping Basics for CACFP. In
addition, ICN released 10 monthly Mealtime Memos for CACFP operators. The Mealtime Memo series provides CACFP
operators with research-based best practices for planning, preparing, and/or serving nutritious, safe, and child-friendly
meals in childcare settings operating the CACFP.
Team Nutrition has a vast collection of recipes and cookbooks featuring delicious, kid-approved recipes that incorporate
whole grains and vegetables (dark-green, red/orange, and beans/peas vegetables subgroups). These recipes have been
standardized to ensure consistent yields – and include information on how the recipe credits toward the meal pattern
requirements for CACFP; these tasty recipes have the potential to increase student acceptance of school meals and
therefore improve student health. In 2022,
Team Nutrition released a total of 40 new FNS–developed USDA standardized recipes for CACFP operators on the
CNRB website. These 40 recipes are designed to assist program operators with serving nutritious and appealing meals
and snacks that meet meal pattern requirements and minimum serving amounts for at least one meal component. Each
recipe is available in four versions for different age groups. In May 2022, Team Nutrition ICN launched the Spanish-
language version of the CNRB to ensure that this go-to resource for USDA standardized recipes for Child Nutrition
Programs offers Spanish translations of recipes. The English version of the CNRB continued to grow in 2022, gaining
41,572 new users with 308,499 unique page views and 5,160 CN professionals creating accounts to save and organize
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their f
avorite recipes. As of July 2022, there were 962 recipes in the CNRB. Team Nutrition released 60 new recipes in
English during 2022, and 7 new recipes in Spanish. Additionally, in June 2022, FNS released 7 short instructional
cooking videos featuring USDA standardized recipes for CACFP operators. Three additional videos will be released in
2023.
Food Buying Guide: In 2022, Team Nutrition made 15 enhancements/updates to the Food Buying Guide mobile app tool
and web based interactive tool and released a Food Buying Guide Brochure that has been accessed more than 3,463 times.
A highly requested new feature was added, per user feedback, to the Food Buying Guide for Child Nutrition Programs
(FBG) digital tools. The new feature allows users to view the meal pattern requirements per meal component for a
selected Program (NSLP, SBP, Preschool, CACFP, and SFSP) and age/grade group while using the FBG Calculator. This
helpful feature allows easy access to meal pattern guidance to assist in creating shopping lists. In addition to the
scheduled enhancements, other new features include the ability to search for food items based on the selected meal
Program and when using the Recipe Analysis Workbook (RAW) and FBG Calculator. Team Nutrition also collaborated
with the Agricultural Research Service to implement that second phase of the Food Yield stuff, that will result in over
forty food items being added to the Food Buying Guide. In response to a request submitted to USDA, sorghum products
were added to the Food Buying Guide. Team Nutrition collaborated with the ICN to develop two new Food Buying Guide
Training Modules for Exhibit A and the Food Buying Guide Calculator. These modules will join the first three modules
completed in 2021 and will be housed at the ICN.
In 2022, 41 new organizations were added to the Team Nutrition Network for CACFP, for a total of 516 Team Nutrition
CACFP organizations. CACFP organizations can join the Network to affirm their commitment to helping program
participants make healthier food choices and be more physically active, and in turn they will have the opportunity to
collaborate with other Team Nutrition CACFP organizations, be the first to hear about new nutrition education and
training materials developed under the Team Nutrition initiative and receive special nutrition education and promotion
materials.
Integrity and Simplification
FNS is committed to working with States to ensure that sponsoring organizations, centers, and day care homes meet high
standards of program effectiveness and integrity. To that end, FNS has proposed a series of improvements to target
systemic and significant violations to further safeguard the integrity of the Child Nutrition Programs and help ensure that
taxpayer dollars are being invested as intended.
In 2022, FNS entered the fifth year of its cooperative agreement to develop and deliver a CACFP training program to
equip State agencies with the knowledge and skills necessary to train their CACFP sponsoring organizations in key areas
of CACFP program administration, operation, accounting, and financial management. The training, CACFP Operational
Resources & Education (CORE), is geared toward State agency staff who are primarily responsible for developing State
agency policy related to the CACFP and State agency staff who are primarily responsible for providing training and/or
technical assistance directly to sponsoring organizations. CACFP stakeholders continue to engage in the online training
tools developed and maintained as part of the CORE project. In addition to training, the CORE project produced several
resource guides to assist Program operators. In April of 2022, there were over 500 Program Operators that attended
CORE training in person at the National CACFP Sponsors Association conference with 70 attending virtually. Also In
2022, 780 State agency employees working in CACFP attended 9 virtual conferences on various areas of Program
management and over 1,000 additional State agency CACFP employees registered to attend the training On Demand so
that they may participate in the trainings at their own pace. The CORE training has received outstanding reviews from
Stakeholders and continues to be requested as a tool for both new and experienced Program operators.
The enhanced oversight and enforcement tools included in the final rule, Child Nutrition Program Integrity, will improve
the financial management of CACFP by increasing State resources, strengthening review timeframes, and establishing
other requirements designed to improve oversight by State agencies and sponsoring organizations. Comments on the
proposed rule were analyzed and publication of a final rule is expected in 2023.
FNS has been reviewing its CACFP Serious Deficiency (SD) process. The SD process offers a systematic way for State
agencies and sponsoring organizations to take actions to correct issues of non-compliance in the operations of their
program. The overarching goal of the SD process is to promote positive outcomes (full and permanent corrections of all
deficiencies) while enhancing program integrity. FNS began this project with a review of existing administrative
materials and publicly available policy and guidance documents, followed by a Request for Information to get public
feedback on the SD process. FNS has begun work on a new proposed regulation to update the SD process that is
anticipated to be published in 2023.
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FNS is
working to develop a new, electronic guidance resource aimed at assisting State agencies with making
determinations of serious deficiency. This resource will be interactive and allow State agency reviewers to provide
information on the number, frequency, and severity of observed non-compliance issues. In exchange, the electronic
resource will provide guidance on potential courses of action. FNS provided an early demonstration of the CACFP SD
Navigator as a concept and as preliminary categories are developed. FNS will continue to develop the Navigator to be
consistent with the forthcoming regulation.
The Erroneous Payments in Child Care Centers (EPICCS) study is the first FNS-funded research study to estimate
nationally representative rates of program error and improper payments in CACFP childcare centers. Similar to the APEC
series of studies that estimate error in the School Meal Programs, EPICCS will serve as a basis for future integrity
initiatives in CACFP throughout the coming years. The initial draft of the EPICCS study was reviewed by FNS and a
final review is pending an additional data collection, which is expected to be completed in 2023. FNS is also developing
exploratory research to identify methods to measure error in family day care homes. Preliminary results of the research
into family day care homes are expected in 2023.
SUMMER FOOD SERVICE PROGRAM
Program Mission
The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) was established to provide children with access to nutritious meals when
school is not in session. Meals meeting Federal nutrition guidelines are served at no cost to all children 18 years old and
under at approved SFSP sites in areas in which at least 50 percent of children are eligible for free or reduced-price school
meals during the school year. Local organizations sponsoring the program must be public or private nonprofit schools,
government agencies, private nonprofit organizations that meet certain criteria, or residential camps. Meal sites are
limited to two meals (which cannot include both lunch and supper) or one meal and one snack daily. However, summer
camps and sites that primarily serve migrant children may be reimbursed for up to three meals or two meals and one
snack served to every eligible child each day.
Sponsoring organizations receive reimbursement for each eligible meal served through SFSP and may receive USDA
Foods for use in their meals. Funds also are made available to conduct health inspections and to defray State and local
administrative costs.
FNS is committed to lowering barriers to participation in SFSP in underserved communities. To align with the
Administration’s commitment to equity and racial justice, FNS encouraged State agencies and institutions to use methods
that are based on self-identification and self-reporting, not visual observation, to collect racial and ethnic data of children
and adult participants. These mandatory data collections help FNS determine how effective SFSP is in reaching eligible
participants receiving meals. In 2022, FNS continued to develop technical assistance and best practices for alternative
data collection methods.
Facts in Brief
In accordance with Program statute and regulations, FNS allowed State agencies to request individual Section 12(l)
waivers to continue offsite monitoring requirements, effective through September 30, 2022, to minimize potential
exposure to COVID-19.
• During 2022, about 151 million meals were served, a 95 percent decrease from 2021 when 3.1 billion meals were
served.
• During 2022, 36,161
feeding sites provided meals to children through the SFSP. Compared to 1990, meals have
increased over 65 percent from 91.2 million.
• In 2022, approximately 52.7 percent of the meals served were lunches (56.5 percent in 2021), 37.9 percent were
breakfasts (41.8 per 2021), and the remaining 9.3 percent were suppers and supplements (1.7 percent in 2021).
COVID-19 Response: In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, FNS has provided a range of flexibilities to allow State
agencies and SFSP program operators to maintain meal service throughout the pandemic. Stakeholders expressed the
critical need for flexibility to operate the SFSP in a manner that conformed with public health guidelines and met the
changing needs of communities. When schools initially closed in spring 2020, FNS issued numerous nationwide waivers
using authority provided through the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) (PL 116-127). In June 2022,
Congress passed the Keep Kids Fed Act (PL 117-158), which extended FNS’ waiver authority through September 30,
2022, allowing FNS to extend nationwide waivers for summer 2022 operations. FNS recognizes that, due to the broad
impacts of COVID-19 and the ongoing public health emergency, State agencies and local program operators needed the
additional support and flexibility provided through these waivers to maintain continuity of Program operations and ensure
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they could m
aximize the provision of meals for children. In summer 2022, many of these waivers and flexibilities assisted
State agencies and local program operators as they transition from operations under COVID-19 nationwide waivers to
operations designed around their own unique circumstances. While the number and type of waivers utilized by State
agencies varied, 55 State agencies representing the 50 States, the District of Columbia, and 2 U.S. territories implemented
some or all of the waivers below in summer 2022.
Key SFSP flexibilities provided through nationwide waivers in summer 2022 included:
• Area Eligibility: Allowed SFSP sponsors in good standing to operate open sites in areas that have not been
determined to be area eligible.
• Area Eligibility for Closed Enrolled Sites: Allowed closed enrolled sites to establish area eligibility through the
use of community data.
• Non-congregate Feeding Waiver: Waived the congregate meal requirements, which was vital to ensure
appropriate safety measures for the purpose of providing meals and meal supplements.
• Mealtime Waiver: Waived the meal service time requirement that placed limits on the amount of time that must
elapse between the beginning of one meal and the beginning of the next, and the duration of a meal service.
• Parent/Guardian Meal Pick-Up Waiver: In keeping with the goal of providing meals while also taking
appropriate safety measures, Program operators in a State with an approved waiver allowing non-congregate
meal distribution could distribute SFSP meals to a parent or guardian to take home to their children.
• SFSP Reimbursement Rates for Summer Seamless Option (SSO): Established the payment rates for SSO meals
and snacks at the level of reimbursement paid for SFSP meals and snacks.
• Sponsor Application Deadline and Reimbursement of Meals Served Prior to Notification of Approval for
Summer 2022 Operations: Allowed SFPS sponsors to submit written applications for program participation past
the June 15 deadline. FNS also allowed reimbursement to be paid for meals served at a site before the sponsor
had received written notification of approval for participation in the program.
Separately, FNS continued to issue individual waivers through Section 12(l) of the NSLA to allow program operators to
access flexibilities on a case-by-case basis. Unlike nationwide waivers, Section 12(l) waiver authority can only be used
for individual State or eligible service providers upon their request. FNS may only approve waiver requests submitted by
States agencies that support the purpose of the program and demonstrate that the waiver will not increase overall costs;
States must provide notice and information to the public regarding the proposed waiver.
Key 12(l) waivers approved for summer 2022 included:
• First week site visits: Waived the requirement for a sponsor to visit all of its Program sites during the first week
of operations.
• Offer Versus Serve: Allowed the use of Offer Versus Serve (OVS) for non-school food authorities and allowed
all sponsors using OVS to use the Summer Food Service Program meal pattern
• Meal Service times: Waived the meal service time requirement that placed limits on the amount of time that must
elapse between the beginning of one meal and the beginning of the next, and the duration of a meal service.
• Area Eligibility for Closed Enrolled Sites: Allowed closed enrolled sites to establish area eligibility through the
use of community data.
Key 12(l) waivers approved for operating the SFSP and/or SSO during unanticipated school closured in SY 2022-2023
included:
• Non-Congregate Meal Service
• Parent and Guardian Meal Pick-Up
• Meal Service Times
• Meals at School Sites during Unanticipated School Closures
In addition, State agencies that administer SFSP had the option to submit a waiver request of both State agency and SFSP
sponsor monitoring requirements and propose an alternative plan for conducting effective Program oversight in 2022.
FNS approved 27 individual State monitoring plans. Each monitoring plan described effective alternative oversight
measures to ensure program integrity, identify any misuse of federal funds, and specified training and technical assistance
measures to assist program operators. All flexibilities for SFSP expired September 30, 2022, and FNS does not currently
have any additional planned flexibilities for monitoring requirements.
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Stream
lining Summer Final Rule
On September 19, 2022, FNS published the Final Rule: Streamlining Program Requirements and Improving Integrity in
the SFSP. The rule amends SFSP regulations to strengthen program integrity by clarifying, simplifying, and streamlining
program administration to facilitate compliance with program requirements. Through the rule, USDA codified changes to
the regulations that will streamline requirements among Child Nutrition Programs, simplify the application process,
enhance monitoring requirements, offer more clarity on existing requirements, and provide more discretion at the State
agency level to manage program operations. In addition, the rule codified FNS’ statutory waiver authority for all Child
Nutrition Programs. The rule is effective October 1, 2022. Compliance with the provisions of this rule must begin by May
1, 2023.
Integrity and Simplification
In 2021, FNS devoted resources to working with the Office of Inspector General to close Phase III of the three-phase
SFSP audit. Phase I focused on FNS controls over the SFSP, Phase II focused on four selected State agencies controls
over the SFSP, and Phase III consolidated relevant results and common control issues identified through the Phases I and
II work. The Phase III consolidated audit was issued with 15 recommendations related to improving SFSP application
processes, updating monitoring requirements, issuing additional guidance to calculate and monitor unused
reimbursement, and strengthening oversight of State agencies. In 2020, FNS reached management decision on 12 of the
15 recommendations, and in 2021, FNS reached management decision on the remaining three recommendations. FNS
also focused on implementing the Phase III audit recommendations, including updating memorandums to clarify how to
identify and calculate unused reimbursements, providing best practices on site proximity, providing best practices for
document maintenance to facilitate meal claim verification, and updating the Management Evaluation guide to ensure
reviewers verify all State agency responses.
FNS is committed to reducing barriers to program participation while maintaining program integrity. To that end, FNS
leveraged its innovative mapping applications to help connect families to meals during the COVID-19 public health
emergency. The Summer Meals Site Finder is a free, web-based application that allows children, parents, and others to
find summer meal sites quickly and easily near them during the summer months. In 2021, FNS expanded the Site Finder
to run year-round to map meal sites operating the SFSP during COVID-19 related school disruptions. This expansion
allowed States to continue updating site information to aid families in finding meal sites during the school year. Also,
through extensive technical assistance to State agencies, FNS was able to streamline the data collection process for the
Site Finder while at the same time make advances in the accuracy and timeliness of the data. The data used to populate
the site has been made publicly available for download on FNS’ website and is utilized by the National Hunger
Clearinghouse hotline and multiple text numbers, as well as other mapping services, increasing the reach and accessibility
of information. The Capacity Builder is another free, web-based application that allows users to visualize “layers” of
information for evaluation and planning purposes. It is a vital tool for empowering State agencies and local program
operators to identify key areas of need and determine the optimal locations for summer meal sites using data-driven
technology.
Since 2015, FNS has been conducting in-person visits of SFSP sites. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic emergency, FNS
did not conduct SFSP site visits in summer 2020, 2021, or 2022 but plans to continue with the visits during summer 2023.
In addition to conducting the summer site visits, FNS conducted a research study to examine how State agencies and
SFSP sponsors typically administer and provide oversight in the SFSP and identify potential sources of program error and
barriers to program integrity. The study is expected to be published in early 2023. Additionally, FNS is developing an
additional integrity study to identify improper payments following USDA’s 2018 risk assessment of the SFSP which
concluded that the program is susceptible to significant improper payments. The study was delayed due to COVID-19 but
is slated to begin in the summer of 2023 and will generate the agency’s first formal estimates of program error in
satisfaction of the requirements of the Payment Integrity Information Act of 2019 (PIIA). Notably, this study is being
designed in-house by FNS and will focus on the types of program error that result in improper payments. Due to the
relatively smaller size of the SFSP, the data collection effort for this study will take place over a period of up to five years
and ultimately result in a rolling estimate of program error.
In the 2010 Agriculture Appropriations Act (P.L. 111-80), Congress authorized demonstration projects to develop and test
alternative methods of providing access to food for children in low-income households during the summer months when
schools are not in regular session, as well as rigorous independent evaluations of each project’s effectiveness. Since
summer 2010, USDA has used this authority and funding to operate several types of demonstration projects. Current
demonstrations include the Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer for Children (Summer EBT) demonstrations and the
Summer Meals-to-You project.
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Summe
r EBT:
USDA has supported the Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer for Children (Summer EBT)
demonstration projects each year since 2011 to improve access to food for children who are hard to reach in the summer
months. Through these projects, States and Tribes provide food benefits on EBT cards, using either a food package model
or a debit card model, to eligible low-income families with school-aged children during the summer months, giving them
resources to use at approved retail food stores in their communities. For States that elect to use the food package model,
participating households are able to purchase specific types and quantities of healthy foods at WIC-authorized retailers. In
States that elect the debit card model, participating households can redeem benefits for SNAP-eligible foods at any
SNAP-authorized retailer.
Rigorous evaluations of these projects found that Summer EBT eliminated very low food security among children, the
most severe form of food insecurity, by one-third. In addition, Summer EBT was able to improve the diets of children in
low-income households during the summer. Evaluations have also illustrated the success of the Summer EBT projects
across diverse project areas.
USDA issued multi-year Summer EBT awards in 2019 and 2021 to three Indian Tribal Organizations (ITO) and five
States: The Cherokee Nation, The Chickasaw Nation, Inter Tribal Council of Arizona, Connecticut, Michigan, Missouri,
Oregon, and Wisconsin. These grantees were approved to operate for three summers each, staggered between 2019 and
2024. For 2022, the Chickasaw nation was awarded additional funds to support summer 2022 operations as their previous
grant expired after summer 2021. For summers 2021 and 2022, State grantees opted to forgo operating their projects
because they had the opportunity to offer summer Pandemic EBT benefits. The type of benefit and eligible student
populations for Summer EBT and Pandemic EBT are largely the same, so offering both benefits at the same time would
have been redundant and difficult to implement and evaluate.
Summer Meals-to-You: USDA awarded the Baylor Collaborative on Hunger and Poverty (BCHP) a 2019 award to
operate the Summer Meals-to-You demonstration project in summers 2019-2021 and provided additional funding in 2022
to support summer 2022 operations. The goal of this demonstration was to test an alternative strategy for reducing or
preventing food insecurity and hunger among low-income children in the summer months in communities where the
nutritional needs of children are not met through the SFSP or a Summer EBT model. Through this project, children
received a weekly food box delivered directly to their homes during the summer. Each box included five breakfast meals,
five snacks, and five lunch/supper meals. The project was launched in Texas in 2019 and expanded in 2020 to serve rural
areas with limited access to summer meals programs in New Mexico, and Alaska, as well as continuing to serve children
in Texas. Approximately 4,000 children received meal boxes in summers 2019 and in 2020, respectively, 5,800 children
in summer 2021, and 7,900 in 2022.
The Urban Institute is conducting a study looking at the impact on children’s nutrition, and how the project operates best.
USDA intends to report the conclusions of this study to Congress by 2023, so they have information to make decisions
about the future of Federal summer meal programs.
FRESH FRUIT AND VEGETABLE PROGRAM
Program Mission
The Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP) provides fresh fruits and vegetables to all children in participating
elementary schools located in low-income areas as snacks outside of the regular meal service. USDA provides a limited
amount of funding to States, which select schools to participate based on statutory criteria. States rank schools based on
the percentage of children eligible for free and reduced-price meals and distribute the funds to schools with the highest
percentage of students eligible for free and reduced-price meal benefits. The program includes the requirement that each
student receives between $50 and $75 worth of fresh produce over the school year.
Section 19 of the NSLA authorizes the FFVP and provides a steady source of funding through an annual transfer from the
Agricultural Marketing Service’s (AMS) Section 32 funds. Funding is allocated among States using a statutory formula
that provides base funding equally to each of the 50 States and the District of Columbia and provides additional funding
to all States operating a school lunch program (including Guam, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands) on the basis of
population. In 2022, a total of $183.5 million was awarded to all program operators. In addition, USDA:
• Provides implementation guidance and technical assistance as needed;
• Provides training to program operators as needed; and
• Developed an FFVP Handbook, which is available at
https://www.fns.usda.gov/ffvp/fresh-fruits-and-v
egetable-
program-handbook-schools, to reflect statutory authority and address questions provided by State agencies.
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COVID-19 Re
sponse
During the COVID-19 public health emergency, USDA provided many flexibilities with the FFVP. For example,
USDA allowed FFVP foods to be provided alongside other Child Nutrition Program meals and in non-congregate
settings. The USDA also waived certain FFVP requirements on a State-by-State basis using the authority provided by
Section 12(l) of the National School Lunch Act [42 U.S.C. 1760(l)]. For SY 2022-2023, USDA waived the requirement
that FFVP snacks only be served at eligible elementary schools for 52 State agencies and allowed parents or guardians to
take fresh produce home to their children in 55 State agencies. These flexibilities were in line with USDA’s commitment
to keep Americans safe and healthy during the public health emergency.
FOOD SAFETY
FNS uses its food safety education funds to develop education, instruction, and technical assistance resources to facilitate
the implementation of food safety requirements in Child Nutrition Programs and to support the food safety needs of
program operators at every level of program administration. These resources are supported by science-based food safety
research as well as continuous collaboration with food safety partners.
In 2022, FNS supported nutrition program operators through the delivery of food safety education, resources, and
training, rapid response to emerging issues including food recalls, and strengthening partnerships with food safety
partners.
FNS worked with Federal partners related to the FDA’s Closer to Zero initiative to ensure the needs of USDA’s nutrition
program operators and participants were considered in efforts to reduce exposure to heavy metals from food. FNS
participated in the second Closer to Zero public meeting in April titled “Impacts of Toxic Element Exposure and
Nutrition in the Food System,” reviewed draft guidance for arsenic and lead in juice and lead in baby food, and partnered
with FDA, NOAA, and EPA to launch an independent study through the National Academy of Science and Medicine on
the role of seafood consumption in child growth and development.
In 2022, FNS delivered 166 food safety trainings through a cooperative agreement with the ICN reaching more than 3,500
child nutrition professionals through a variety of modalities to meet program operators’ needs including virtual instructor
led training and e-learning; launched the Emergency Response Pocket Guide, and the companion Assembling Food Safety
Emergency Supply Kits poster as online and print resources in English and Spanish; delivered English and Spanish
prototypes of the Child Care Center Food Safety Kit, which completes the series of kits for CACFP program operators;
and developed and delivered five webinars for school meals stakeholders including Strategies for Managing Food
Allergies in Schools; Get Ready to Respond: Emergency Preparedness, Response, and Recovery; Food Safety in Adult
Day Care Centers; Tips and Tools for Produce Safety Training, a continuing education opportunity for Produce Safety
University graduates; and The Role of School Nutrition Directors in School Safety Efforts, in collaboration with the U.S.
Department of Education, Office of Elementary and Secondary Education, Office of Safe and Supportive Schools and its
Readiness and Emergency Management for Schools Technical Assistance Center.
FNS continued to guide the development of research-based e
ducational resources that address the importance of safe food
practices in the management of food allergies in Child Nutrition Programs. In 2022, in partnership with the ICN, FNS
released a series of evidence-based Child Care Center and Family Child Care food allergy fact sheets for CACFP
providers. These fact sheets include sesame, which will be recognized as the ninth major food allergen in January 2023.
In addition, FNS developed a series of six online food allergy training modules for Adult Day Care program operators, in
response to research to identify and evaluate food safety needs of this audience. FNS collaborated with the ICN on their
Memorandum of Understanding with Food Allergy Education and Awareness (FARE). This agreement enhances an
existing partnership and will allow the organizations to work more closely to provide relevant and timely resources on
food allergy management to child nutrition operators.
In partnership with the AMS, FNS delivered Produce Safety University (PSU) as a virtual experience while maintaining
the quality and reach of the program. The program supports nutrition security by promoting the use of fresh fruits and
vegetables in school meal programs by teaching best practices for procuring high-quality produce and ensuring food
safety from farm to fork. In 2022, five virtual multi-day trainings were delivered to approximately 150 school nutrition
professionals and State agency staff. FNS is planning to return to deliver the program to an in-person format in 2023. PSU
is far-reaching; more than 1,800 participants have graduated since 2010 and graduates have gone on to train nearly 70,000
additional people. Following graduation, 85 percent of PSU graduates reported making changes to improve receiving,
storage, preparation, or service practices.
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Center fo
r Food Safety Research
FNS advanced food safety research to inform education activities in Child Nutrition Programs through a cooperative
agreement with Kansas State University. In 2022, two studies – The Status of Crisis Management Plans in School
Nutrition Programs and Responsiveness to COVID-19 and Food Safety Practices and Beliefs of Stakeholders Involved in
Meal Distribution and Consumption in Crises Situations – were completed, and three new research projects were initiated
including a 10-year follow-up assessment of school nutrition programs’ health inspection reports, a literature review on
the effectiveness of washing treatments to reduce pathogens in fresh produce, and a study on validation of cooling
methods in school nutrition programs. In addition, Serving Up Science, a research-driven food safety immersion training
for school nutrition professionals was delivered.
FNS provided technical assistance on food safety issues to internal and external stakeholders, including guidance on
executing food safety recalls, produce safety and assessments of food safety issues. In 2022, FNS established and fostered
critical relationships with Federal partners to enable FNS to effectively respond to emerging issues and inform the
Agency’s food safety and nutrition activities. FNS provided critical leadership in its response to the infant formula recall
and shortage, worked closely with the U.S. Department of Education’s Readiness and Emergency Management in
Schools Technical Assistance Center to update and reissue their document titled Food Safety and Food Defense:
Developing a Contaminated Food Annex, enhanced relationship with the Conference for Food Protection, Food Allergen
Committee by providing substantial input on their Food Allergen Framework document for retail food establishments,
which includes schools; and represented FNS and provided subject matter expertise on a variety of Federal food safety
forums including the Healthy People 2030 Food Safety Working Group and CDC EHS-Net.
FNS closely monitored food recalls affecting FNS nutrition programs and communicated with food safety regulatory
agencies (
USDA/FSIS and HHS/FDA) as well as the USDA Foods procurement agency (AMS) to determine the impact
of food recalls on USDA Foods. In 2022, USDA Foods were not substantially impacted by food recalls FNS
communicated with FNS Regions about three commercial recalls with potential impact to FNS programs: a widespread
recall of a major brand of peanut butter, a large recall of onions, and a recall of pork products. In 2022, FNS exercised an
option year for the State Emergency Notification Service contract to support rapid notification of food safety recalls in
food distribution programs.
In 2022, FNS responded to 189 USDA Foods complaints with identified food safety concerns. Fruit and vegetable
products represented 130 of these complaints, followed by 31 meat and poultry complaints. Foreign material and
damaged packaging were the reasons for 154 of the complaints. Responding to food safety complaints about USDA
Foods directly supports the Agency’s efforts to provide safe and nutritious foods to the nation’s school children.
USDA FOODS
Eight nutrition assistance programs incorporate USDA Foods as part of the overall assistance provided to recipient
agencies. AMS and FNS work together to procure and deliver USDA Foods to these programs in the types, forms, and
quantities needed to meet planned levels of assistance. In addition to providing food to people who need it, purchases of
USDA Foods support domestic agricultural markets.
USDA Foods entitlement for the NSLP and CACFP is authorized by the NSLA in Sections 6(c) and 17(h), respectively,
and is based on a "rate per meal" concept which is adjusted each July 1 to reflect changes in the Producer Price Index for
food used in schools and institutions. Similarly, Section 13(h) of the NSLA authorizes USDA Foods for the SFSP.
Additionally, Section 6(e) of the NSLA requires that in each school year, not less than 12 percent of all Federal nutrition
assistance in the NSLP be provided in the form of USDA Foods. When available, USDA also provides bonus foods
acquired through the price support and surplus removal programs (Section 32).
For SY 2021-2022, schools, daycare centers and residential institutions were authorized to receive an average of 26.00
cents worth of USDA Foods per lunch/supper served. The rate for USDA Foods increased to 30 cents on July 1, 2022, for
SY 2022-2023.
USDA strengthens the nation’s nutrition safety net and supports American agriculture by distributing high quality, 100
percent American-grown and produced USDA Foods to schools. The distribution of USDA Foods to schools is managed
at the State level by a State distributing agency, which works with local school districts to ensure the effective use of
these foods in school meal programs. USDA offers over 200 different products to schools. These foods are low in added
sugar, sodium and fat and support the meal pattern requirements for the National School Lunch and Breakfast Programs.
In 2021, FNS continued to ensure schools had access to a wide variety of healthy foods that meet the diverse needs of
2024 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE
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school
programs. FNS added a commercial kosher certification requirement to three items available to schools, including
canned green beans, canned diced pears, and canned garbanzo beans.
As disruptions to typical school operations continued as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, FNS worked closely with
State distributing agencies and schools to support their feeding programs, ensuring sufficient access USDA Foods in SY
2022-2023 by increasing the effective per meal rate for all State agencies to 43.00 cents and providing funds to State
agencies to maintain entitlement at the previous SY 2021-2022 levels.
In response to widespread supply chain challenges and elevated food prices affecting schools, USDA provided $300
million in Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) funds to support additional food purchases through USDA Foods in
Schools in 2022. Orders were placed in the spring of 2022 and delivered from April through September 2022.
In SY 2022-2023, FNS continued to closely monitor USDA Foods inventories and orders for national processors. States
and processors also successfully used a forecasting tool, developed by FNS, to help them more effectively and efficiently
manage USDA Foods inventories. The tool helped ensure efficient inventory utilization and reduced inventory balances,
storage costs, and food losses.
USDA DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE FRESH FRUIT AND VEGETABLE PROGRAM (USDA DOD Fresh)
FNS and the Department of Defense (DoD) work together to enable school districts to use their USDA Foods entitlement
to order fresh produce through DoD’s contracting and distribution network. DoD uses its large-scale buying power to help
meet the demand for consistent, weekly deliveries of a wide variety of fresh produce to school cafeterias, central kitchens,
SFSP sponsors, and State and Tribal organizations. This program has grown steadily since its beginning in SY 1994-
1995, when eight States spent $3.2 million for produce. In 2022, 49 States, Puerto Rico, the District of Columbia, and
Guam, participated, spending over $552 million in USDA Foods entitlement funds on fresh fruits and vegetables through
this program. Additionally, 27 States used their Summer Food Service Program funds to order fresh fruits and vegetables
using the USDA DoD Fresh program. FNS continues to work with the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) to improve the
USDA DoD Fresh program, including encouraging vendors to provide local produce items when in season.
The FFAVORS web application offers participating agencies in NSLP, SFSP, and the Food Distribution Program on
Indian Reservations the ability to order and receive shipments of fresh produce to their location. In support of Farm to
School initiatives, State of Origin information is captured so customers can see where the produce is from.
Section 4202 of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (P.L. 113-79, the 2014 Farm Bill) authorized a Pilot Project for Procurement
of Unprocessed Fruits and Vegetables. States applied through a competitive process in September 2014 based on criteria
outlined in the 2014 Farm Bill. Consistent with 2014 Farm Bill requirements, California, Connecticut, Michigan, New
York, Oregon, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin were selected for participation in the pilot. Wisconsin chose to
discontinue participation in the pilot. In 2022 the remaining States allocated approximately $8.3 million in USDA Foods
entitlement funds to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables.
Web Based Supply Chain Management System (WBSCM) is the demand-driven food ordering system used by State
Agencies and their Recipient Agencies to place USDA Foods requests in support of the programs run within the State
Agency. Demand requests are reviewed by FNS and forwarded to AMS for procurement activities. FNS funds WBSCM
operational costs as part of a partnership with AMS.
CASH IN LIEU OF USDA FOODS
Section 6 of the NSLA authorizes funds to be used to provide cash in lieu of USDA Foods, in accordance with sections
16, 17(h), and 18(b) of the NSLA. The State of Kansas is permanently receiving cash payments in lieu of USDA Foods as
a result of the NSLA and Child Nutrition Act amendments of 1975. Cash is also being received by school districts that
began participating during the 1980s and early 1990s in alternative demonstration projects that provided cash or
Commodity Letters of Credit in lieu of USDA Foods. Some nonresidential childcare institutions participating in CACFP
have also elected to receive their USDA Foods entitlements in cash.
FNS provides ongoing technical assistance in many forms to State agencies, school districts, and industry. To ensure
effective use of USDA Foods in schools and improve knowledge of best practices for USDA Foods utilization, FNS
provided education sessions at national conferences, local meetings, and webinars, and circulated a quarterly USDA
Foods e-letter targeting the school foodservice population. To maintain accessibility for remote learners in 2022, FNS
continued trainings in webinar and virtual platforms to continue to engage with stakeholders and provide timely USDA
Foods resources and information. Additionally, FNS released the USDA Foods Database, a resource that provides
2024 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE
35-53
stakehol
ders with vendor-specific nutrition, allergen, and ingredient information for direct delivered USDA Foods for
Child Nutrition Programs.
STATE ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSE FUNDS
Section 7 of the CNA authorizes funds to the States for program administration and for supervision and technical
assistance in local school districts and child and adult care institutions. In 2022, $332 million was appropriated for State
Administrative Expenses (SAE). SAE funds are available to States for obligation over a 2-year period. The State agency
may carry over up to 20 percent of the initial allocation. Each fiscal year, carryover exceeding the 20 percent limit is
recovered by FNS
.
STUDIES AND EVALUATIONS
FNS published eight reports related to the Child Nutrition Programs during 2022, which are available at:
https://www.fns.usda.gov/research-analysis. These reports include:
• Added Sugars in School Meals and Competitive Foods (8/11/2022). This report responds to the Consolidated
Appropriations Act, 2021 (PL 116-260), which directs FNS to provide a report on the amount of added sugars in
school meals. As directed, this report highlights the proportion of meals and competitive foods that would meet an
added sugars standard consistent with the 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA), i.e., that no more
than 10 percent of calories from the meal or competitive food item come from added sugars. The findings in this
report are based on data from the FNS School Nutrition and Meal Cost Study (SNMCS). In SY 2014-2015, SNMCS
collected NSLP and SBP menu data from a nationally representative sample of 1,207 schools as well as competitive
foods data from a nationally representative sample of 858 schools.
• Indica
tors of Diet Quality, Nutrition, and Health for Americans by Program Participation Status, 2011-2016:
USDA NSLP Report (6/08/2022). This study, one of a series, used 2011-2016 National Health and Nutrition
Examination Survey (NHANES) data to examine the relationship between estimated program participation, diet
quality, indicators of nutrition and health, food consumption patterns, and nutrient intakes. The report provides
tabulations for all school children, all NSLP participants, income-eligible NSLP participants, income-eligible
nonparticipants, higher income NSLP participants, and higher income nonparticipants. Tabulations are provided
separately for three age groups (5-8, 9-13, and 14-18 years) and by gender. Most analyses in this report are
descriptive in nature and cannot be used to assess the impact of NSLP or infer causality.
• USDA Community Eligibility Provision Characteristics Study, School Year 2016-2017 (3/17/2022). This study
is the first comprehensive study of the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) since CEP became available
nationwide in School Year 2014-2015. The study included both an implementation and impact component. The
implementation study described the characteristics of eligible, participating, and non-participating Local Education
Agencies (LEAs) and collected information from State agencies and LEAs on challenges and barriers to CEP
participation. The impact study component assessed the impact of CEP on student participation in and Federal
reimbursements for the NSLP and School Breakfast Program (SBP).
• USDA Direct Certification with Medicaid for Free and Reduced-Price Meals (DCM-F/RP) Demonstration,
School Year 2019-2020 (3/16/2022). The demonstration of Direct Certification with Medicaid for Free and
Reduced-Price Meals (DCM-F/RP) enhances benefit coordination by allowing authorized states and school districts
to use information from Medicaid data files to identify students eligible to receive meals for free or at a reduced
price, such that eligible students can be certified for meals without the need for household applications. Fifteen states
participated in the DCM-F/RP demonstration during SY 2019-2020. This report examines outcomes related to
certification, participation, federal reimbursement, and State administrative costs in SY 2019-2020 and over the
course of the demonstration.
• Result
s of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service-Administered School Food
Authority Survey on Supply Chain Disruptions (3/04/2022). The School Food Authority (SFA) Survey on Supply
Chain Disruptions was administered by U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) from
November 8 to December 13, 2021, through a 20-minute online questionnaire. The survey was sent to all SFAs
operating Child Nutrition Programs (CNPs) to gather information on the scope of the supply chain disruptions and
challenges local program operators were facing during school year (SY) 2021-2022. FNS will use results from this
survey to inform current and future policy decisions.
• Evaluation of the Independent Review of Applications in USDA Child Nutrition Programs (12/01/2021). The
Evaluation of the Independent Review Process study examined the processes, procedures, and effectiveness of the
requirement for a second, independent review of applications for certain LEAs. The requirement, which was first
implemented in School Year (SY) 2014-2015, is intended to reduce administrative certification error in LEA
processing of household applications. LEAs that demonstrate high levels of, or a high risk for, administrative error
2024 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE
35-54
associat
ed with certification, verification, and other school meal program administrative processes are required to
conduct a second review of the eligibility determinations.
• Study of Nutrition and Activity in Childcare Settings (10/25/2021). The Study of Nutrition and Activity in
Childcare Settings (SNACS) is the first nationally representative, comprehensive assessment of the Child and Adult
Care Food Program (CACFP). Data were collected in program year (PY) 2016-2017 from CACFP providers and
participating children on (1) the wellness policies and practices of childcare providers, (2) the nutritional quality of
the meals served in CACFP, (3) CACFP meal costs and revenues, (4) the nutrient intake of infants and children in
CACFP childcare settings and outside of childcare, and 5) the observed plate waste in CACFP settings. The CACFP
providers in the study were both early care providers and before and after school care providers. Findings serve as an
important baseline for the subsequent updates to the meal pattern and nutrition standards, which were implemented in
October 2017.
• USDA Summer Meals Study (10/20/2021). The Summer Meals Study provides a comprehensive, nationally
representative assessment of the two summer meal programs operated by USDA: the Summer Food Service Program
(SFSP) and the NSLP Seamless Summer Option (SSO). It is the first national study to simultaneously examine the
facilitators and barriers to program participation among participating and nonparticipating families, sponsors, and
sites. This study examines the characteristics of participating and nonparticipating children, including
sociodemographic characteristics, household food security status, reasons for participation or nonparticipation, and
satisfaction with the meals served to children in the summer of 2018. The study also describes the operational aspects
of the programs at summer meal sites, the characteristics of their food service environments, the nutritional quality of
the meals served to children through the SFSP and SSO, and the challenges that program operators reported facing
while serving meals to program participants.
2024 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE
35-55
CHILD NUTRITION PROGRAM
Table FNS- 35. Financing for All - Fiscal Year 2022
State or Territory
Special
Milk
School
Lunch
School
Breakfast
State
Admin
Expenses
Commodities
and Cash in
Lieu
Child
and Adult
Care
Summer
Food
Service
Total
Program
Contribution
Alabama ........................
$14,003
$364,506,597
$124,109,559
$5,036,212
$39,758,124
$59,649,744
$6,737,814
$599,812,054
Alaska ...........................
-
54,414,343
15,920,953
846,494
2,341,285
6,458,727
1,252,063
81,233,866
Arizona .........................
20,757
497,061,001
138,200,460
5,360,356
33,546,178
62,738,897
23,982,972
760,910,621
Arkansas .......................
-
207,060,371
76,542,954
2,933,203
15,437,413
47,638,556
2,408,727
352,021,224
California ......................
109,525
2,314,369,380
741,305,847
37,409,872
193,588,759
595,815,073
30,747,513
3,913,345,968
Colorado .......................
79,807
286,071,052
76,756,843
2,579,529
17,089,796
45,445,321
7,899,936
435,922,283
Connecticut ...................
55,751
233,577,005
64,684,450
1,785,634
14,809,598
17,789,452
5,844,908
338,546,799
Delaware .......................
-
62,502,006
21,075,499
1,133,906
7,402,212
15,213,045
2,421,428
109,748,097
District of Columbia .....
-
61,625,927
28,740,545
765,686
4,224,175
31,004,294
1,458,510
127,819,136
Florida ..........................
957
1,249,978,204
339,829,848
18,052,296
114,441,263
299,183,869
42,064,781
2,063,551,218
Georgia .........................
11,606
821,191,177
277,308,338
10,553,621
59,041,244
123,090,396
10,446,956
1,301,643,338
Hawaii ..........................
-
77,718,349
14,055,614
959,248
1,616,610
5,424,970
747,620
100,522,412
Idaho .............................
18,324
104,640,131
26,911,866
1,030,113
6,516,799
6,954,526
3,830,629
149,902,387
Illinois ...........................
1,086,982
700,823,732
185,573,526
8,384,886
47,152,570
130,012,377
9,916,674
1,082,950,748
Indiana ..........................
63,313
473,535,738
113,870,932
5,548,755
46,918,912
46,774,464
7,827,261
694,539,375
Iowa ..............................
32,466
262,858,879
59,558,817
2,279,391
19,673,054
26,221,836
3,311,127
373,935,570
Kansas ..........................
15,053
228,873,097
64,075,602
2,027,658
7,692,220
30,343,978
8,130,774
341,158,383
Kentucky .......................
12,884
328,837,072
123,025,732
4,566,634
30,145,721
40,430,790
11,917,119
538,935,952
Louisiana ......................
-
328,505,887
108,308,518
6,603,543
33,981,084
117,321,122
6,510,288
601,230,442
Maine ............................
3,758
71,441,450
24,245,169
1,055,497
5,121,185
8,733,697
5,768,381
116,369,137
Maryland .......................
155,074
352,259,180
111,226,407
2,459,543
39,423,036
138,044,977
47,956,590
691,524,807
Massachusetts ...............
55,421
416,161,674
104,206,696
4,295,199
30,163,367
57,183,683
13,337,587
625,403,627
Michigan .......................
110,626
553,074,983
178,120,112
6,956,465
43,739,583
56,160,957
16,211,629
854,374,356
Minnesota .....................
492,552
396,338,619
109,420,842
4,205,699
29,058,297
206,318,468
8,219,356
754,053,834
Mississippi ....................
5,275
239,588,291
84,889,942
3,589,681
21,458,606
41,294,792
3,540,127
394,366,713
Missouri ........................
255,061
394,584,406
133,607,447
3,973,306
33,286,204
105,574,931
13,368,704
684,650,060
Montana ........................
9,026
59,417,042
19,837,914
667,442
4,510,019
9,908,533
2,925,136
97,275,112
Nebraska .......................
44,442
163,078,995
34,869,841
1,458,367
12,275,915
26,051,007
17,028,366
254,806,933
Nevada ..........................
19,289
158,877,170
49,705,736
1,220,824
14,404,017
11,107,145
15,055,626
250,389,808
New Hampshire ............
32,713
64,141,858
17,811,393
490,196
4,394,559
3,766,599
1,144,649
91,781,967
New Jersey ....................
89,454
609,372,393
181,858,299
6,742,615
36,529,955
76,702,946
39,209,337
950,504,999
New Mexico .................
-
140,134,759
54,858,802
2,038,912
11,570,517
29,518,985
3,154,233
241,276,207
New York .....................
234,396
1,190,163,095
380,418,326
18,068,583
78,925,860
182,175,998
144,521,935
1,994,508,194
North Carolina ..............
71,511
512,955,448
171,236,396
6,178,056
50,926,902
84,706,072
13,305,467
839,379,853
North Dakota ................
10,340
64,037,497
16,107,352
480,806
5,649,106
10,854,686
1,321,910
98,461,698
Ohio ..............................
218,058
707,843,522
213,871,675
8,557,219
60,516,209
83,779,906
11,839,832
1,086,626,422
Oklahoma .....................
8,464
247,724,296
78,334,898
4,426,264
25,910,019
64,118,357
16,821,064
437,343,361
Oregon ..........................
51,040
186,625,119
56,755,199
2,965,618
14,596,217
23,316,976
6,420,003
290,730,171
Pennsylvania .................
166,667
714,804,206
197,162,841
8,422,435
51,216,786
94,157,923
18,887,326
1,084,818,182
Rhode Island .................
18,825
58,473,329
17,307,052
625,148
3,585,839
7,234,447
1,507,604
88,752,245
South Carolina ..............
-
345,081,022
120,203,915
1,414,135
18,667,513
30,318,356
4,465,300
520,150,242
South Dakota ................
10,477
69,865,415
15,702,251
691,010
3,860,226
6,806,362
1,428,240
98,363,980
Tennessee .....................
6,077
460,136,174
159,297,299
4,773,692
34,278,679
60,277,285
6,951,338
725,720,544
Texas ............................
642
2,171,820,517
676,318,613
31,573,927
228,700,237
449,681,344
69,611,598
3,627,706,878
Utah ..............................
24,701
236,512,871
39,524,846
2,034,820
17,003,288
28,498,164
650,314
324,249,004
Vermont ........................
20,594
34,067,255
12,572,408
624,951
2,574,087
4,411,155
3,715,569
57,986,019
Virginia.........................
46,377
509,253,311
167,309,280
4,757,758
26,964,819
51,154,231
11,610,629
771,096,405
2024 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE
35-56
State or Territory
Special
Milk
School
Lunch
School
Breakfast
State
Admin
Expenses
Commodities
and Cash in
Lieu
Child
and Adult
Care
Summer
Food
Service
Total
Program
Contribution
Washington ...................
89,625
425,274,925
105,625,341
3,702,527
19,680,232
35,175,494
5,889,699
595,437,844
West Virginia ................
6,947
116,677,298
54,424,685
1,954,438
6,600,159
16,159,014
3,965,049
199,787,591
Wisconsin .....................
527,022
350,417,388
106,089,218
3,356,582
27,326,887
31,311,657
9,943,212
528,971,966
Wyoming ......................
15,728
35,286,330
9,992,565
359,248
2,306,347
4,402,333
2,089,892
54,452,443
American Samoa** .......
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
19,212,848
CNMI** ........................
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
19,399,722
Guam ............................
-
9,377,222
3,042,518
93,912
22,180
336,921
-
12,872,753
Puerto Rico ...................
-
102,416,734
18,298,005
1,518,435
12,412,079
14,278,825
2,414,150
151,338,228
Virgin Islands ...............
-
2,403,110
852,426
339,572
207,465
420,505
291,939
4,515,017
DOD/AF/USMC/Nav ...
-
27,478,630
4,556,036
-
1,103,640
-
-
33,138,306
AMS/WBSCM/Admin
Exp................................
-
-
-
-
21,696,725
-
-
21,696,725
Anticipated Adjustment
1,677,390
782,181,518
-709,773,648
78,679,081
100,656,222
1,748,026,832
277,455,109
2,278,902,504
TOTAL ........................
$5,999,000
$21,637,497,000
$5,619,744,000
$342,609,000
$1,796,700,000
$5,509,481,000
$989,484,000
$35,901,514,000
* Data based on obligations as reported September 30, 2022. Commodities are based on food orders for 2022. Totals may not add due to rounding. The
2022 figures are impacted due the COVID-19 waivers which allowed schools to serve lunches and breakfast free for all students at the Summer Food
Service Program reimbursement rates.
** The approved amounts the American Samoa Child Nutrition Program Nutrition Assistance Program and CNMI Child Nutrition Program Nutrition
Assistance Grant, respectively.
2024 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE
35-57
CHILD NUTRITION PROGRAM
Table FNS-36. Commodities to States for Entitlement and Bonus for Fiscal Year 2022
State or Territory
Entitlement
Commodity Credit
Corporation **
Bonus **
Total
Alabama ......................................................
$30,857,945
$5,082,128
$1,266,800
$37,206,873
Alaska .........................................................
2,117,978
521,186
369,399
3,008,563
Arizona .......................................................
29,968,407
-
575,436
30,543,843
Arkansas .....................................................
13,403,095
2,988,884
755,164
17,147,143
California ....................................................
156,553,542
28,422,449
3,302,015
188,278,006
Colorado .....................................................
14,328,558
3,511,585
574,051
18,414,194
Connecticut .................................................
10,738,572
2,829,712
714,365
14,282,649
Delaware ......................................................
7,362,354
886,676
492,675
8,741,705
District of Columbia ....................................
1,925,343
212,420
-
2,137,763
Florida .........................................................
94,109,391
8,194,759
289,859
102,594,009
Georgia ........................................................
52,860,522
3,125,268
503,632
56,489,422
Hawaii .........................................................
1,342,793
-
-
1,342,793
Idaho ............................................................
6,434,126
1,632,386
604,960
8,671,472
Illinois ..........................................................
42,507,478
4,874,772
532,664
47,914,914
Indiana .........................................................
34,559,566
5,113,770
-
39,673,336
Iowa .............................................................
19,428,520
2,237,244
244,286
21,910,050
Kansas*........................................................
-
-
-
-
Kentucky ......................................................
28,807,061
3,839,221
639,736
33,286,018
Louisiana .....................................................
26,164,233
5,552,268
1,113,355
32,829,856
Maine ...........................................................
6,738,068
956,016
-
7,694,084
Maryland ......................................................
33,353,333
1,760,029
130,627
35,243,989
Massachusetts ..............................................
24,283,316
1,509,007
533,048
26,325,371
Michigan ......................................................
35,415,987
4,068,418
299,497
39,783,902
Minnesota ....................................................
18,212,650
5,427,156
-
23,639,806
Mississippi ...................................................
19,949,231
3,466,809
72,349
23,488,389
Missouri .......................................................
29,132,104
5,178,765
37,328
34,348,197
Montana .......................................................
4,338,722
771,702
19,868
5,130,292
Nebraska ......................................................
12,482,096
2,287,228
19,530
14,788,854
Nevada .........................................................
13,743,252
2,223,943
148,770
16,115,965
New Hampshire ...........................................
4,157,679
748,220
279,848
5,185,747
New Jersey ...................................................
37,555,979
5,428,989
1,615,244
44,600,212
New Mexico ................................................
11,366,254
1,954,477
565,821
13,886,552
New York ....................................................
71,324,303
6,998,545
1,697,959
80,020,807
North Carolina .............................................
43,872,940
4,993,610
963,912
49,830,462
North Dakota ...............................................
4,908,145
886,719
19,868
5,814,732
Ohio .............................................................
52,008,172
-
130,357
52,138,529
Oklahoma ....................................................
21,410,698
2,176,154
-
23,586,852
Oregon .........................................................
14,521,011
2,105,159
604,879
17,231,049
Pennsylvania ................................................
44,804,916
8,276,515
2,680,745
55,762,176
Puerto Rico ..................................................
11,827,554
1,855,919
179,166
13,862,639
Rhode Island ................................................
3,373,774
734,111
566,610
4,674,495
South Carolina .............................................
15,211,225
1,075,948
171,600
16,458,773
South Dakota ...............................................
3,133,220
1,002,717
9,765
4,145,702
Tennessee ....................................................
31,255,668
2,715,820
1,048,968
35,020,456
Texas ...........................................................
201,072,455
31,447,546
1,469,204
233,989,205
Utah .............................................................
12,808,540
3,242,765
336,978
16,388,283
Vermont .......................................................
3,015,854
383,944
36,652
3,436,450
Virginia ........................................................
22,626,760
7,309,642
1,272,652
31,209,054
2024 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE
35-58
State or Territory
Entitlement
Commodity Credit
Corporation **
Bonus **
Total
Washington ..................................................
20,510,265
5,060,390
508,177
26,078,832
West Virginia ...............................................
8,088,695
1,574,427
130,209
9,793,331
Wisconsin ....................................................
23,038,331
4,797,206
575,354
28,410,891
Wyoming .....................................................
2,430,594
271,816
10,221
2,712,631
Virgin Islands ..............................................
472,463
-
-
472,463
AAFES ........................................................
2,027,048
169,216
-
2,196,264
USDA DoD Fresh ........................................
500,837,289
88,734,933
-
589,572,222
Unprocessed Fruit and Vegetable Pilot ........
9,310,149
-
-
9,310,149
AMS/WBSCM Admin Expenses .................
21,691,646
-
-
21,691,646
Undistributed ...............................................
31,062,784
-
-
31,062,784
Cash in Lieu .................................................
234,476,763
-
-
234,476,763
Anticipated Adjustment ...............................
-438,619,417
-
-
-438,619,417
TOTAL .......................................................
$1,796,700,000
$290,618,586
$28,113,603
$2,115,432,192
* Kansas receives all assistance as cash in lieu. In addition to Kansas some school districts across the U.S. also receive Cash in Lieu.
** States with a zero indicates no food orders were purchased using the specified food dollars.
Source: WBSCM sales orders and contract information
2024 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE
35-59
C
HILD NUTRITION PROGRAM
Table FNS-37. Child Nutrition Quantity and Value of Commodities for Fiscal Year 2022
Entitlement Commodities
Pounds
Value
ALASKA POLLOCK, BULK FOR PROCESSING .....................................
2,376,000
$5,401,836
ALASKA POLLOCK, BREADED STICKS, FROZEN ...............................
1,111,520
4,054,768
APPLES, CANNED, UNSWEETENED .......................................................
2,952,144
3,133,187
APPLE, FROZEN, UNSWEETENED ..........................................................
198,000
284,447
APPLES, FRESH .........................................................................................
960,498
658,032
APPLES, BULK FOR PROCESSING .........................................................
44,205,449
20,979,219
APPLESAUCE, CANNED, UNSWEETENED ............................................
14,330,511
12,420,507
APPLESAUCE, CUPS, UNSWEETENED ..................................................
26,857,467
37,325,769
APRICOTS, CANNED, EXTRA LIGHT SYRUP .......................................
332,424
373,198
APRICOTS, CUPS, FROZEN ......................................................................
1,145,760
2,035,179
BEANS, CANNED, BABY LIMA, LOW-SODIUM ...................................
69,984
52,764
BEANS, CANNED, BLACK TURTLE, LOW-SODIUM ............................
2,682,720
1,676,053
BEANS, CANNED, BLACK-EYED PEAS, LOW-SODUIUM ...................
594,864
437,815
BEANS, CANNED, GARBANZO, LOW-SODIUM....................................
1,901,232
1,080,757
BEANS, CANNED, GREAT NORTHERN, LOW-SODIUM ......................
279,936
240,108
BEANS, CANNED, GREEN, LOW-SODIUM ............................................
17,918,440
10,382,553
BEANS, CANNED, PINK, LOW-SODIUM ................................................
273,618
210,006
BEANS, CANNED, PINTO, LOW-SODIUM ..............................................
5,693,004
3,437,592
BEANS, CANNED, RED KIDNEY, LOW-SODIUM .................................
1,320,948
814,929
BEANS, CANNED, REFRIED, LOW-SODIUM .........................................
798,336
775,742
BEANS, CANNED, SMALL RED, LOW SODIUM....................................
450,765
284,284
BEANS, CANNED, VEGETARIAN, LOW-SODIUM ................................
5,959,980
3,598,682
BEANS, DRY, PINTO, BULK FOR PROCESSING ...................................
440,000
280,236
BEANS, GREEN, FROZEN, NO SALT ADDED ........................................
4,537,440
3,619,709
BEEF, BULK FOR PROCESSING ..............................................................
49,736,000
154,757,006
BEEF, CANNED ...........................................................................................
394,164
1,772,663
BEEF, CRUMBLES, WITH SOY PROTEIN, COOKED, FROZEN ...........
2,411,840
8,790,370
BEEF, FINE GROUND, 85/15, FROZEN ....................................................
15,097,520
51,995,566
BEEF, FINE GROUND, 85/15, FROZEN, LFTB OPTIONAL ....................
160,000
563,980
BEEF, PATTIES, 85/15, WITH SOY PROTEIN, FROZEN ........................
1,811,280
6,447,613
BEEF, PATTIES, 90/10, FROZEN ...............................................................
525,640
2,127,677
BEFF, PATTIES, COOKED, FROZEN ........................................................
2,261,080
10,759,527
BEEF, PATTIES, COOKED, WITH SOY PROTEIN, FROZEN .................
3,757,280
21,488,835
BEEF, PATTIES. LEAN, FROZEN .............................................................
532,000
2,369,786
BLUEBERRIES, HIGHBUSH, FROZEN, UNSWEETENED .....................
2,339,040
3,635,397
BLUEBERRIES, WILD, FROZEN, UNSWEETENED ...............................
1,887,984
3,776,761
BROCCOLI, FROZEN, NO SALT ADDED ................................................
9,797,760
17,440,198
CARROTS, CANNED, LOW-SODIUM ......................................................
1,585,056
1,179,891
CARROTS, FROZEN, NO SALT ADDED ..................................................
4,856,400
3,083,273
CATFISH, WHOLE GRAIN-RICH BREADED, FILLET STRIPS, FROZEN
207,000
1,862,220
CHEESE, AMERICAN .................................................................................
7,847,370
16,175,950
CHEESE, AMERICAN, REDUCED FAT ....................................................
5,944,230
13,651,660
CHEESE, CHEDDAR, BULK FOR PROCESSING ....................................
50,714,398
113,564,690
CHEESE, CHEDDAR, REDUCED FAT ......................................................
2,328,780
5,558,952
CHEESE, CHEDDAR ...................................................................................
3,805,620
8,918,008
2024 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE
35-60
Entitlement Commodities
Pounds
Value
CHEESE, MOZZARELLA, BULK FOR PROCESSING ............................
59,425,625
120,522,650
CHEESE, MOZZARELLA, INDIVIDUAL, LOW MOSITURE, PART SKIM
3,194,460
11,346,996
CHEESE, MOZZARELLA, LITE ................................................................
947,520
2,115,000
CHEESE, MOZZARELLA, LOW MOISTURE, PART SKIM ....................
9,054,774
19,301,046
CHEESE, PEPPER JACK .............................................................................
271,600
745,351
CHERRIES, DRIED......................................................................................
118,272
551,443
CHERRIES, FROZEN, UNSWEETENED ...................................................
207,900
451,156
CHICKEN, BREAST FILLET, COOKED, FROZEN ..................................
1,199,250
5,295,463
CHICKEN, BULK FOR PROCESSING .......................................................
168,552,000
208,038,899
CHICKEN, CUT UP, FROZEN ....................................................................
494,000
737,811
CHICKEN, DICED, COOKED, FROZEN ...................................................
6,720,000
21,323,615
CHICKEN, FAJITA STRIPS, COOKED, FROZEN ....................................
4,148,160
13,590,080
CHICKEN, OVEN ROASTED, COOKED, FROZEN .................................
3,780,000
18,249,531
CHICKEN, UNSEASONED STRIPS, COOKED, FROZEN .......................
3,461,880
16,061,008
CHICKEN, WHITE MEAT, CANNED ........................................................
391,988
1,626,748
CORN, CANNED, NO SALT ADDED ........................................................
13,413,240
9,213,458
CORN, FROZEN, NO SALT ADDED .........................................................
13,755,960
9,988,350
CRANBERRIES, DRIED, INDIVIDUAL PORTION ..................................
3,716,444
12,451,507
EGGS, BULK FOR PROCESSING ..............................................................
4,752,000
12,639,470
EGGS, COOKED PATTY, FROZEN ...........................................................
1,552,775
5,163,034
EGGS, LIQUID WHOLE, FROZEN ............................................................
1,061,220
2,024,648
FLOUR, ALL-PURPOSE, ENRICHED .......................................................
257,040
105,858
FLOUR, BULK .............................................................................................
15,555,600
5,277,372
FLOUR, WHITE WHOLE WHEAT/ENRICHED BLEND .........................
1,545,480
676,937
FLOUR, 100% WHOLE WHEAT ................................................................
1,211,200
410,566
MILK, 1%, UHT ...........................................................................................
533,998
451,415
MIXED BERRY CUP, FROZEN..................................................................
3,382,116
7,177,500
MIXED FRUIT, CANNED, EXTRA LIGHT SYRUP .................................
23,307,254
21,278,781
MIXED FRUIT, DRIED ...............................................................................
36,400
128,972
MIXED VEGETABLES, FROZEN, NO SALT ADDED .............................
2,732,400
2,395,397
OATS, ROLLED ...........................................................................................
131,040
128,641
OIL, VEGETABLE .......................................................................................
1,959,712
2,176,431
OIL, VEGETABLE, BULK FOR PROCESSING ........................................
192,000
162,749
ORANGE JUICE, INDIVIDUAL, FROZEN, UNSWEETENED ................
14,855,808
13,441,232
ORANGES, FRESH ......................................................................................
224,694
106,581
PANCAKES, WHOLE GRAIN-RICH .........................................................
1,253,070
1,505,839
PASTA, ENRICHED ....................................................................................
320,000
690,520
PASTA, WHOLE GRAIN-RICH ..................................................................
514,800
1,145,394
PEACHES, CANNED, EXTRA LIGHT SYRUP .........................................
38,323,571
35,765,772
PEACHES, CUPS, FROZEN ........................................................................
22,649,352
36,586,249
PEACHES, FROZEN ....................................................................................
142,544
232,684
PEANUT BUTTER .......................................................................................
742,665
779,946
PEANUT BUTTER, BULK FOR PROCESSING ........................................
160,000
153,048
PEANUT BUTTER, INDIVIDUAL PORTION ...........................................
498,960
1,026,445
PEANUTS, BULK FOR PROCESSING ......................................................
5,676,000
3,151,940
PEARS, CANNED, EXTRA LIGHT SYRUP ..............................................
35,583,812
33,829,922
PEAS, CANNED, LOW-SODIUM ...............................................................
1,260,840
1,011,816
2024 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE
35-61
Entitlement Commodities
Pounds
Value
PEAS, FROZEN, NO SALT ADDED ..........................................................
3,207,600
2,940,974
PEPPER/ONION BLEND, FROZEN, NO SALT ADDED ..........................
792,000
1,360,946
PORK, BULK FOR PROCESSING ..............................................................
6,523,260
10,114,303
PORK, CANNED ..........................................................................................
405,540
906,993
PORK, HAM, FROZEN ................................................................................
5,311,200
14,500,626
PORK, LEG ROAST, FROZEN ...................................................................
600,000
1,604,352
PORK, PULLED, FROZEN ..........................................................................
4,125,120
11,235,345
POTATOES, BULK FOR PROCESSING ....................................................
180,214,358
24,045,145
POTATOES, DICED, FROZEN ...................................................................
1,029,600
849,935
POTATOES OVEN FRIES, LOW-SODIUM, FROZEN ..............................
6,969,600
8,700,031
POTATO WEDGES, FAT FREE, LOW-SODIUM, FROZEN ....................
514,800
584,905
POTATO WEDGES, LOW-SODIUM, FROZEN ........................................
4,118,400
5,699,437
RAISINS, INDIVIDUAL PORTION, UNSWEETENED ............................
3,278,340
7,463,316
RICE, BROWN .............................................................................................
2,447,808
2,200,598
RICE, WHITE ...............................................................................................
504,000
363,107
SPAGHETTI SAUCE, CANNED/POUCH, LOW-SODIUM ......................
3,960,173
2,848,447
SPINACH, FROZEN, NO SALT ADDED ...................................................
456,480
416,633
STRAWBERRIES, CUPS, FROZEN ...........................................................
10,546,200
21,004,943
STRAWBERRIES, SLICED, FROZEN .......................................................
1,227,600
1,685,967
STRAWBERRIES, SLICED, FROZEN, UNSWEETENED ........................
2,217,600
4,008,072
STRAWBERRIES, WHOLE, FROZEN, UNSWEETENED ........................
435,600
769,890
SUNFLOWER SEED BUTTER ...................................................................
887,040
2,544,004
SWEET POTATOES, BULK FOR PROCESSING ......................................
9,210,481
1,726,044
SWEET POTATOES, CANNED, LIGHT SYRUP ......................................
886,464
844,302
SWEET POTATOES, CRINKLE FRIES, FROZEN, LOW-SODIUM ........
1,188,000
1,993,464
SWEET POTATOES, FROZEN, NO SALT ADDED ..................................
594,000
441,698
TOMATO PASTE, BULK FOR PROCESSING ..........................................
12,648,300
8,653,927
TOMATO PASTE, CANNED/POUCH, NO SALT ADDED ......................
683,234
678,829
TOMATO SALSA, CANNED/POUCH, LOW-SODIUM ...........................
3,030,421
2,429,386
TOMATO SAUCE, CANNED/POUCH, LOW-SODIUM ...........................
1,676,297
1,159,087
TOMATOES, CANNED, NO SALT ADDED .............................................
1,918,620
1,142,259
TORTILLAS, WHOLE GRAIN- RICH ........................................................
820,125
892,620
TURKEY HAM, FROZEN ...........................................................................
1,560,000
5,715,000
TURKEY, BULK FOR PROCESSING ........................................................
36,612,000
62,031,960
TURKEY, DELI BREAST, FROZEN ..........................................................
2,951,080
12,781,561
TURKEY, ROAST, FROZEN ......................................................................
1,621,640
6,198,996
TURKEY, TACO FILLING , COOKED, FROZEN .....................................
2,939,130
8,921,745
UNPROCESSED FRUIT AND VEGETABLE PILOT ...............................
-
9,310,149
USDA DoD FRESH PRODUCE...................................................................
-
500,837,289
YOGURT, CUP, BLUEBERRY, HIGH PROTEIN ......................................
585,960
871,196
YOGURT, CUP, STRAWBERRY, HIGH PROTEIN ..................................
692,892
1,002,843
YOGURT, CUP, VANILLA, HIGH PROTEIN............................................
509,562
779,713
YOGURT, TUB VANILLA, HIGH PROTEIN ............................................
140,010
178,301
SUBTOTAL ..................................................................................................
-
$1,979,151,004
Cash-In-Lieu of Commodities ......................................................................
-
234,476,763
AMS/WBSCM Admin Expenses ..................................................................
-
21,691,646
Anticipated Adjustments ...............................................................................
-
-438,619,413
2024 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE
35-62
Entitlement Commodities
Pounds
Value
TOTAL COMMODITY ENTITLEMENT ...............................................
1,098,701,440
$1,796,700,000
BONUS COMMODITIES
ALASKA POLLOCK, BREADED STICKS, FROZEN ...............................
2,128,000
$7,049,082
ALASKA POLLOCK, NUGGETS, FROZEN .............................................
380,000
1,332,143
ALASKA POLLOCK, FILLETS, FROZEN .................................................
342,000
1,521,528
BEANS, CANNED, GREAT NORTHERN, LOW-SODIUM ......................
2,029,536
1,198,515
CHICKEN BREAST FILLET, COOKED, FROZEN ...................................
702,000
3,088,800
CHICKEN, UNSEASONED STRIPS, COOKED, FROZEN .......................
1,209,000
5,319,600
RAISINS, INDIVIDUAL PORTION, UNSWEETENED ............................
2,134,080
6,616,182
SWEET POTATOES, CANNED, LIGHT SYRUP ......................................
2,068,416
1,987,754
TOTAL BONUS COMMODITIES ...........................................................
10,993,032
$28,113,604
ALASKA POLLOCK, BREADED STICKS, FROZEN ...............................
28,480
$103,952
APPLES, FROZEN, UNSWEETENED ........................................................
39,600
47,256
APPLES, FRESH .........................................................................................
106,722
92,003
APPLESAUCE, CANNED, UNSWEETENED ............................................
3,867,993
3,505,378
APPLESAUCE, CUPS, UNSWEETENED ..................................................
8,951,661
13,804,489
BEANS, CANNED, BLACK TURTLE, LOW-SODIUM ............................
816,480
523,639
BEANS, CANNED, BLACK-EYED PEAS, LOW-SODUIUM ...................
69,984
56,732
BEANS, CANNED, GARBANZO, LOW-SODIUM....................................
478,224
283,188
BEANS, CANNED, GREAT NORTHERN, LOW-SODIUM ......................
174,960
103,697
BEANS, CANNED, GREEN, LOW-SODIUM ............................................
39,600
32,696
BEANS, CANNED, PINK, LOW-SODIUM ................................................
251,262
184,755
BEANS, CANNED, PINTO, LOW-SODIUM ..............................................
2,495,124
1,587,533
BEANS, CANNED, RED KIDNEY, LOW-SODIUM .................................
743,580
465,908
BEANS, CANNED, SMALL RED, LOW SODIUM....................................
197,883
134,116
BEANS, CANNED, VEGETARIAN, LOW-SODIUM ................................
1,458,324
960,033
BEANS, DRY, PINTO ..................................................................................
40,320
27,972
BEEF, CANNED ...........................................................................................
145,836
665,610
BEEF, BULK FOR PROCESSING ..............................................................
252,000
734,580
BEEF, CRUMBLES, WITH SOY PROTEIN, COOKED, FROZEN ...........
2,428,160
8,726,062
BEEF, FINE GROUND, 85/15, FROZEN ....................................................
4,768,360
14,800,287
BEEF, FINE GROUND, 85/15, FROZEN, LFTB OPTIONAL ....................
160,000
491,056
BEEF, PATTIES, 85/15, WITH SOY PROTEIN, FROZEN ........................
696,720
2,357,895
BEEF, PATTIES, 90/10, FROZEN ...............................................................
348,360
1,264,074
BEFF, PATTIES, COOKED, FROZEN ........................................................
1,120,920
5,286,625
BEEF, PATTIES, COOKED, WITH SOY PROTEIN, FROZEN .................
4,070,720
22,749,256
BEEF, PATTIES. LEAN, FROZEN .............................................................
114,000
464,048
BLUEBERRIES, HIGHBUSH, FROZEN, UNSWEETENED .....................
1,185,360
1,591,499
BLUEBERRIES, WILD, FROZEN, UNSWEETENED ...............................
933,696
1,911,893
CARROTS, FROZEN, NO SALT ADDED ..................................................
158,400
101,561
CATFISH, WHOLE GRAIN-RICH BREADED, FILLET STRIPS, FROZEN
633,000
5,719,380
CHEESE, AMERICAN .................................................................................
2,013,030
4,164,652
CHEESE, AMERICAN, REDUCED FAT ....................................................
2,332,170
5,630,195
CHEESE, CHEDDAR ...................................................................................
1,340,940
3,206,917
CHEESE, CHEDDAR, BULK FOR PROCESSING ....................................
408,000
855,005
CHEESE, CHEDDAR, REDUCED FAT ......................................................
1,012,020
2,429,505
CHEESE, MOZZARELLA, BULK FOR PROCESSING ............................
452,375
823,664
2024 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE
35-63
Entitlement Commodities
Pounds
Value
CHEESE, MOZZARELLA, LITE ................................................................
463,680
986,638
CHEESE, MOZZARELLA, LOW MOISTURE, PART SKIM ....................
2,597,706
5,371,918
CHEESE, MOZZARELLA, LOW MOSITURE, PART SKIM, STRING ....
1,341,540
5,372,728
CHERRIES, DRIED......................................................................................
118,272
581,584
CHERRIES, FROZEN, UNSWEETENED ...................................................
69,300
146,157
CHICKEN BREAST FILLET, COOKED, FROZEN ...................................
867,750
4,336,147
CHICKEN, BULK FOR PROCESSING .......................................................
2,304,000
3,506,504
CHICKEN, DICED, COOKED, FROZEN ...................................................
600,000
2,189,060
CHICKEN, FAJITA STRIPS, COOKED, FROZEN ....................................
3,040,590
10,966,181
CHICKEN, OVEN ROASTED, COOKED, FROZEN .................................
144,000
699,422
CHICKEN, UNSEASONED STRIPS, COOKED, FROZEN .......................
1,798,110
8,985,546
CHICKEN, WHITE MEAT, CANNED ........................................................
58,013
240,752
CORN, FROZEN, NO SALT ADDED .........................................................
79,200
52,787
CRANBERRIES, DRIED, INDIVIDUAL PORTION ..................................
2,360,419
7,868,712
EGGS, COOKED PATTY, FROZEN ...........................................................
1,298,425
4,460,739
EGGS, LIQUID WHOLE, FROZEN ............................................................
363,300
876,118
FLOUR, ALL-PURPOSE, ENRICHED .......................................................
85,680
37,271
FLOUR, WHITE WHOLE WHEAT/ENRICHED BLEND .........................
128,880
72,819
FLOUR, 100% WHOLE WHEAT ................................................................
40,000
23,760
MILK, 1%, UHT ...........................................................................................
76,285
67,711
MIXED BERRY CUP, FROZEN..................................................................
616,284
537,843
MIXED FRUIT, DRIED ...............................................................................
218,400
784,333
OIL, VEGETABLE .......................................................................................
442,688
529,802
ORANGE JUICE, INDIVIDUAL, FROZEN, UNSWEETENED ................
1,435,008
1,440,227
PANCAKES, WHOLE GRAIN-RICH .........................................................
652,050
764,429
PEACHES, CANNED, EXTRA LIGHT SYRUP .........................................
471,276
415,836
PEACHES, CUPS, FROZEN ........................................................................
443,520
628,696
PEANUT BUTTER .......................................................................................
366,135
626,799
PEARS, CANNED, EXTRA LIGHT SYRUP ..............................................
837,558
730,441
PEAS, FROZEN, NO SALT ADDED ..........................................................
79,200
70,382
PORK, CANNED ..........................................................................................
170,460
379,870
PORK, HAM, FROZEN ................................................................................
1,608,800
4,115,882
PORK, LEG ROAST, FROZEN ...................................................................
120,000
266,888
PORK, PULLED, FROZEN ..........................................................................
2,314,880
6,089,131
RAISINS, INDIVIDUAL PORTION, UNSWEETENED ............................
1,096,524
3,227,328
RICE, BROWN .............................................................................................
240,192
236,931
RICE, WHITE ...............................................................................................
42,000
28,904
SPAGHETTI SAUCE, CANNED/POUCH, LOW-SODIUM ......................
1,651,891
1,176,080
SUNFLOWER SEED BUTTER ...................................................................
110,880
339,655
TOMATO PASTE, CANNED/POUCH, NO SALT ADDED ......................
75,915
54,319
TOMATO SALSA, CANNED/POUCH, LOW-SODIUM ...........................
718,799
620,981
TOMATO SAUCE, CANNED/POUCH, LOW-SODIUM ...........................
474,019
336,305
TOMATOES, CANNED, NO SALT ADDED .............................................
34,884
18,550
TORTILLAS, WHOLE GRAIN- RICH ........................................................
232,875
271,512
TURKEY HAM, FROZEN ...........................................................................
160,000
522,400
TURKEY, DELI BREAST, FROZEN ..........................................................
1,688,920
7,389,719
TURKEY, ROAST, FROZEN ......................................................................
778,360
3,244,204
20
24 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE
35-64
Entitlement Commodities
Pounds
Value
TURKEY, TACO FILLING, COOKED, FROZEN ......................................
1,225,080
3,914,070
USDA DoD FRESH PRODUCE...................................................................
-
88,734,933
YOGURT, CUP, BLUEBERRY, HIGH PROTEIN ......................................
88,350
151,962
YOGURT, CUP, STRAWBERRY, HIGH PROTEIN ..................................
88,380
152,014
YOGURT, TUB VANILLA, HIGH PROTEIN ............................................
51,450
88,494
TOTAL CCC COMMODITIES ................................................................
80,704,192
$290,618,585
TOTAL -- ALL COMMODITIES
Entitlement Commodities ..............................................................................
1,098,701,440
$1,796,700,000
Bonus Commodities ......................................................................................
10,993,032
28,113,604
Commodity Credit Corporation Commodities ...............................................
80,704,192
290,618,585
GRAND TOTAL- CHILD NUTRITION PROGRAMS ..........................
1,190,398,664
$2,115,432,189
NOTE: Totals may not add due to rounding.
2
024 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE
C
HILD NUTRITION PROGRAM
Table FNS-38. National School Lunch Program Schools, Enrollment, and Participation for Fiscal Year 2022
State or Territory
Number
of Schools
Enrollment
(000)
Peak Participation
(000)
Alabama .........................................................
1,455
742
534
Alaska ............................................................
414
80
54
Arizona...........................................................
1,874
670
684
Arkansas .........................................................
1,066
477
330
California .......................................................
9,550
8,539
3,170
Colorado .........................................................
1,750
828
449
Connecticut ....................................................
1,038
493
332
Delaware ........................................................
257
149
98
District of Columbia .......................................
257
97
82
Florida ............................................................
3,924
2,889
1,825
Georgia...........................................................
2,285
1,754
1,198
Hawaii ............................................................
281
170
95
Idaho ..............................................................
663
396
172
Illinois ............................................................
4,092
1,744
1,057
Indiana ...........................................................
2,085
1,031
761
Iowa ...............................................................
2,821
511
387
Kansas ............................................................
1,372
556
362
Kentucky ........................................................
1,300
981
501
Louisiana ........................................................
1,469
858
503
Maine .............................................................
593
147
110
Maryland ........................................................
1,437
1,057
522
Massachusetts ................................................
2,121
882
599
Michigan ........................................................
3,357
1,452
739
Minnesota .......................................................
106
1,241
629
Mississippi .....................................................
874
449
333
Missouri .........................................................
2,381
1,002
626
Montana .........................................................
789
156
90
Nebraska ........................................................
923
347
257
Nevada ...........................................................
683
458
227
New Hampshire..............................................
442
167
99
New Jersey .....................................................
3,565
1,287
886
New Mexico ...................................................
859
303
196
New York .......................................................
5,073
2,823
1,710
North Carolina ...............................................
2,589
1,457
881
North Dakota ..................................................
408
125
99
Ohio ...............................................................
3,552
1,753
1,138
Oklahoma .......................................................
1,845
674
429
Oregon ...........................................................
237
528
283
Pennsylvania ..................................................
2,393
1,248
1,068
Rhode Island ..................................................
336
140
87
South Carolina ...............................................
1,173
952
512
South Dakota ..................................................
404
152
111
Tennessee .......................................................
1,783
1,639
699
Texas ..............................................................
9,229
5,541
3,568
Utah ................................................................
976
657
365
Vermont .........................................................
320
445
54
Virginia ..........................................................
1,270
766
839
Washington ....................................................
2,127
1,048
589
West Virginia .................................................
689
260
181
Wisconsin .......................................................
669
528
531
Wyoming .......................................................
311
91
54
Guam ..............................................................
46
29
14
Puerto Rico.....................................................
946
290
176
Virgin Islands .................................................
27
9
4
DOD/ Army/AF/USMC/Navy .......................
73
43
28
TOTAL .........................................................
92,559
53,109
31,327
These data are based in part on preliminary data submitted by State and local agencies and are subject to change as revised reports are received. Totals
may not add due to rounding. The 2022 figures are impacted due the COVID-19 waivers which allowed schools to serve lunches and breakfast free for
all students at the Summer Food Service Program reimbursement rates.
35-65
2
024 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE
C
HILD NUTRITION PROGRAM
Table FNS-39. National School Lunch Program Lunches Served for Fiscal Year 2022
State or Territory
Paid Lunches
(000)
Reduced Price
Lunches
(000)
Free Lunches
(000)
Total
(000)
Alabama ......................................................
3,784
722
79,707
84,213
Alaska .........................................................
221
36
7,430
7,687
Arizona .......................................................
4,482
1,026
95,775
101,283
Arkansas .....................................................
1,614
613
45,458
47,686
California ....................................................
16,857
1,718
510,100
528,676
Colorado .....................................................
3,961
1,112
61,758
66,830
Connecticut .................................................
2,399
164
51,444
54,007
Delaware .....................................................
598
41
13,791
14,429
District of Columbia ...................................
190
13
12,770
12,973
Florida ........................................................
10,491
1,739
276,132
288,363
Georgia .......................................................
10,230
2,307
177,950
190,487
Hawaii ........................................................
1,385
343
14,184
15,911
Idaho ...........................................................
860
220
22,947
24,027
Illinois .........................................................
5,912
327
154,752
160,992
Indiana ........................................................
7,167
1,058
103,074
111,299
Iowa ............................................................
4,348
401
57,383
62,132
Kansas ........................................................
4,149
1,339
48,908
54,396
Kentucky .....................................................
2,021
102
72,984
75,107
Louisiana ....................................................
750
61
72,390
73,201
Maine ..........................................................
929
67
15,680
16,676
Maryland .....................................................
2,326
493
77,772
80,591
Massachusetts .............................................
2,959
100
91,932
94,991
Michigan .....................................................
3,357
308
122,689
126,354
Minnesota ...................................................
2,809
483
87,274
90,566
Mississippi ..................................................
2,190
829
52,245
55,264
Missouri ......................................................
5,672
1,046
86,142
92,859
Montana ......................................................
774
92
13,088
13,954
Nebraska .....................................................
3,258
514
35,208
38,980
Nevada ........................................................
2,239
123
34,935
37,297
New Hampshire ..........................................
652
51
14,140
14,842
New Jersey ..................................................
3,176
530
136,058
139,765
New Mexico ...............................................
1,219
96
30,378
31,694
New York ...................................................
3,588
212
266,349
270,149
North Carolina ............................................
3,679
523
113,265
117,467
North Dakota ..............................................
1,540
154
13,790
15,484
Ohio ............................................................
8,506
1,012
154,967
164,485
Oklahoma ...................................................
2,128
578
54,273
56,979
Oregon ........................................................
1,057
313
41,117
42,487
Pennsylvania ...............................................
5,591
299
158,150
164,040
Rhode Island ...............................................
387
63
12,892
13,341
South Carolina ............................................
3,290
445
75,276
79,012
South Dakota ..............................................
1,435
160
15,146
16,741
Tennessee ...................................................
6,394
1,099
98,360
105,853
Texas ..........................................................
6,128
1,037
487,272
494,436
Utah ............................................................
4,376
662
51,379
56,416
Vermont ......................................................
350
29
7,499
7,879
Virginia .......................................................
877
43
113,352
114,273
Washington .................................................
2,679
264
87,642
90,584
West Virginia ..............................................
634
11
25,873
26,519
Wisconsin ...................................................
2,357
359
77,204
79,920
Wyoming ....................................................
448
102
7,669
8,219
Guam ..........................................................
30
4
2,020
2,054
Puerto Rico .................................................
460
355
21,233
22,047
Virgin Islands .............................................
-
-
536
536
DOD Army/AF/USMC/Navy .....................
241
60
3,697
3,998
TOTAL ......................................................
169,154
25,856
4,565,439
4,760,449
These data are based in part on preliminary data submitted by State and local agencies and are subject to change as revised reports are received. Totals
may not add due to rounding. The 2022 figures are impacted due the COVID-19 waivers which allowed schools to serve lunches and breakfast free for
all students at the Summer Food Service Program reimbursement rates.
35-66
2024 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE
C
HILD NUTRITION PROGRAM
Table FNS-40. School Breakfast Program Schools, Participation and Enrollment in Fiscal Year 2022
State or Territory
Number of Schools and
Institutions
Enrollment
(000)
Peak Participation
(000)
Alabama .....................................................
1,433
737
313
Alaska ........................................................
384
70
28
Arizona ......................................................
1,817
366
333
Arkansas ....................................................
1,058
476
215
California ...................................................
8,966
7,677
1,613
Colorado ....................................................
1,589
752
208
Connecticut ................................................
951
463
161
Delaware ....................................................
258
148
59
District of Columbia ..................................
257
97
68
Florida........................................................
3,871
2,867
862
Georgia ......................................................
2,286
1,608
694
Hawaii........................................................
277
169
29
Idaho ..........................................................
640
389
80
Illinois ........................................................
3,589
1,572
474
Indiana .......................................................
1,947
1,028
365
Iowa ...........................................................
1,269
528
154
Kansas........................................................
1,309
527
166
Kentucky ....................................................
1,296
1,071
327
Louisiana ...................................................
1,409
835
288
Maine .........................................................
575
21
67
Maryland ....................................................
1,426
1,053
285
Massachusetts ............................................
1,949
828
270
Michigan ....................................................
3,161
1,392
420
Minnesota ..................................................
144
452
314
Mississippi .................................................
853
436
204
Missouri .....................................................
2,272
944
371
Montana .....................................................
745
149
53
Nebraska ....................................................
789
311
96
Nevada .......................................................
639
418
126
New Hampshire .........................................
415
160
49
New Jersey .................................................
3,622
1,286
423
New Mexico ..............................................
833
299
135
New York ..................................................
4,885
2,747
941
North Carolina ...........................................
2,562
2,928
519
North Dakota .............................................
376
120
46
Ohio ...........................................................
3,273
1,643
614
Oklahoma ..................................................
1,830
673
235
Oregon .......................................................
218
548
148
Pennsylvania ..............................................
2,299
1,204
521
Rhode Island ..............................................
330
139
44
South Carolina ...........................................
1,172
881
309
South Dakota .............................................
364
144
45
Tennessee...................................................
1,740
1,610
422
Texas .........................................................
8,599
5,510
1,913
Utah ...........................................................
934
634
109
Vermont .....................................................
317
442
35
Virginia ......................................................
1,259
763
482
Washington ................................................
2,059
1,016
259
West Virginia .............................................
669
265
149
Wisconsin ..................................................
639
307
289
Wyoming ...................................................
293
90
28
Guam .........................................................
43
29
6
Puerto Rico ................................................
938
286
50
Virgin Islands ............................................
27
9
2
TOTAL .....................................................
86,904
51,147
16,422
These data are based in part on preliminary data submitted by State and local agencies and are subject to change as revised reports are received. Totals
may not add due to rounding. The 2021 figures are impacted due the COVID-19 waivers which allowed many schools to serve non-congregate meals
through the Summer Food Service Program. Schools operating under these waivers may not be included in the total number of outlets operating the
National School Lunch Program, School Breakfast Program and/or, the Special Milk Program.
35-67
2024 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE
35-68
C
HILD NUTRITION PROGRAM
Table FNS-41. School Breakfast Program Breakfasts Served Fiscal Year 2022
State or Territory
Paid
(000)
Reduced Price
Regular
(000)
Reduced Price
Severe Need
(000)
Free
Regular
(000)
Free
Severe Need
(000)
Total
(000)
Alabama .......................................
1,643
24
340
40,504
7,117
49,628
Alaska ..........................................
81
2
13
3,513
306
3,915
Arizona.........................................
1,440
31
374
41,823
5,547
49,216
Arkansas .......................................
840
375
1
29,843
187
31,246
California .....................................
9,135
178
751
223,571
62,131
295,766
Colorado .......................................
1,079
30
486
26,518
2,735
30,847
Connecticut ..................................
695
18
36
23,224
1,822
25,796
Delaware ......................................
269
4
14
7,619
541
8,447
District of Columbia .....................
149
2
5
10,018
628
10,802
Florida ..........................................
3,129
47
511
102,844
28,466
134,997
Georgia.........................................
4,332
63
1,124
88,822
17,030
111,372
Hawaii ..........................................
262
12
86
3,727
814
4,903
Idaho ............................................
245
6
82
9,975
409
10,716
Illinois ..........................................
1,053
3
77
62,778
9,187
73,098
Indiana .........................................
1,760
66
322
38,497
5,418
46,063
Iowa .............................................
695
34
84
21,324
1,702
23,839
Kansas ..........................................
1,227
78
444
21,058
3,276
26,083
Kentucky ......................................
906
7
33
39,232
8,357
48,536
Louisiana ......................................
268
4
22
39,935
2,272
42,501
Maine ...........................................
473
6
32
9,038
310
9,859
Maryland ......................................
1,108
19
233
40,154
2,811
44,325
Massachusetts ..............................
657
12
15
36,963
3,571
41,218
Michigan ......................................
1,000
14
96
64,679
4,663
70,451
Minnesota .....................................
825
166
28
41,987
578
43,585
Mississippi ...................................
966
13
419
26,678
5,737
33,814
Missouri .......................................
1,970
71
424
47,088
4,383
53,936
Montana .......................................
249
9
31
6,807
879
7,974
Nebraska ......................................
515
33
119
12,403
984
14,055
Nevada .........................................
513
2
16
17,121
2,126
19,778
New Hampshire............................
126
4
14
6,825
118
7,087
New Jersey ...................................
666
16
182
71,190
1,874
73,930
New Mexico .................................
706
14
34
17,911
3,266
21,931
New York .....................................
881
9
67
147,076
6,122
154,155
North Carolina..............................
1,631
17
231
59,189
7,179
68,247
North Dakota ................................
357
40
24
5,955
233
6,609
Ohio .............................................
2,314
44
336
77,076
5,464
85,234
Oklahoma .....................................
878
14
263
27,999
2,200
31,354
Oregon .........................................
500
26
80
20,791
1,176
22,574
Pennsylvania ................................
1,181
15
70
71,128
5,430
77,823
Rhode Island ................................
104
2
20
6,303
398
6,826
South Carolina..............................
1,489
19
193
40,793
5,567
48,061
South Dakota ................................
213
24
27
5,754
305
6,323
Tennessee .....................................
2,924
46
531
52,042
8,154
63,698
Texas ............................................
2,718
83
450
241,579
23,397
268,227
Utah ..............................................
561
28
141
14,246
946
15,923
Vermont .......................................
188
6
11
4,747
118
5,071
Virginia ........................................
498
4
17
63,250
1,982
65,751
2
024 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE
35-69
State or Territory
Paid
(000)
Reduced Price
Regular
(000)
Reduced Price
Severe Need
(000)
Free
Regular
(000)
Free
Severe Need
(000)
Total
(000)
Washington ..................................
808
14
58
-
2,595
3,476
West Virginia ...............................
439
2
4
18,625
2,512
21,581
Wisconsin .....................................
765
32
107
39,885
1,307
42,096
Wyoming .....................................
111
7
29
3,734
121
4,002
Guam ............................................
12
-
-
687
411
1,110
Puerto Rico...................................
102
-
87
5,877
802
6,868
Virgin Islands ...............................
-
-
-
335
-
335
DOD Army/AF/USMC/Navy.......
39
14
-
1,085
-
1,138
TOTAL .........................................
57,700
1,810
9,194
2,141,827
265,665
2,476,196
These data are based in part on preliminary data submitted by State and local agencies and are subject to change as revised reports are received. Totals
may not add due to rounding. The 2021 figures are impacted due the COVID-19 waivers which allowed many schools to serve non-congregate meals
through the Summer Food Service Program.
2
024 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE
35-70
C
HILD NUTRITION PROGRAM
Table FNS-42. Child and Adult Care Food Program Participation and Meals Served in Fiscal Year 2022
State or Territory
Number
of
Centers/Homes
Participation
(000)
Paid
Center
Meals
(000)
Reduced
Price Center
Meals
(000)
Free Center
Meals
(000)
Total
Centers
(000)
Meals
Homes
(000)
Total
(000)
Alabama .......................
1,705
77
4,618
1,338
21,699
27,655
2,305
29,961
Alaska ..........................
392
7
914
134
853
1,900
631
2,531
Arizona.........................
3,054
85
5,267
1,407
19,688
26,362
6,052
32,414
Arkansas .......................
1,395
58
5,932
2,481
16,886
25,299
1,311
26,610
California .....................
20,326
760
15,253
4,560
167,470
187,283
52,935
240,219
Colorado .......................
1,662
100
4,580
585
15,484
20,649
2,749
23,397
Connecticut ..................
1,148
25
1,281
459
4,185
5,926
2,717
8,642
Delaware ......................
707
41
1,974
325
4,524
6,823
1,306
8,129
District of Columbia .....
290
52
579
130
12,495
13,204
110
13,314
Florida ..........................
7,077
344
29,170
10,311
104,668
144,149
7,436
151,585
Georgia.........................
3,299
155
16,715
3,874
43,090
63,679
4,072
67,751
Hawaii ..........................
395
10
2,482
217
1,036
3,735
434
4,169
Idaho ............................
447
12
1,511
270
1,995
3,776
599
4,376
Illinois ..........................
7,042
133
12,160
2,792
33,306
48,259
22,384
70,643
Indiana .........................
2,566
103
5,685
1,117
10,089
16,891
10,784
27,675
Iowa .............................
1,930
38
8,137
615
4,477
13,229
6,365
19,594
Kansas ..........................
2,633
42
4,933
562
4,287
9,782
8,893
18,675
Kentucky ......................
1,658
79
6,869
1,206
14,524
22,600
728
23,328
Louisiana ......................
8,456
118
2,864
860
25,755
29,479
22,850
52,329
Maine ...........................
767
12
828
168
1,336
2,332
2,469
4,800
Maryland ......................
3,262
229
3,267
249
44,674
48,190
6,404
54,594
Massachusetts ..............
3,916
75
2,781
740
14,160
17,681
10,853
28,534
Michigan ......................
4,244
79
4,528
692
12,712
17,933
11,990
29,923
Minnesota .....................
5,683
113
6,180
502
70,587
77,269
20,166
97,435
Mississippi ...................
1,501
46
3,851
1,421
15,118
20,390
1,553
21,943
Missouri .......................
2,476
173
7,825
881
37,939
46,644
4,137
50,781
Montana .......................
672
12
1,378
167
1,902
3,447
2,308
5,755
Nebraska ......................
1,877
35
5,620
476
4,955
11,051
6,181
17,232
Nevada .........................
566
21
1,020
214
3,666
4,900
306
5,206
New Hampshire............
226
8
1,380
102
1,308
2,790
222
3,012
New Jersey ...................
1,646
93
4,180
1,944
26,973
33,097
988
34,086
New Mexico .................
2,106
38
2,751
667
7,468
10,886
3,904
14,790
New York .....................
9,988
230
10,946
2,368
38,667
51,981
34,576
86,557
North Carolina .............
3,316
121
17,436
3,661
27,801
48,898
4,261
53,158
North Dakota ................
893
15
2,297
117
1,407
3,821
3,659
7,480
Ohio .............................
3,755
115
11,730
2,476
27,727
41,932
5,035
46,967
Oklahoma .....................
2,289
81
5,126
1,147
19,740
26,013
5,753
31,766
Oregon .........................
1,875
39
853
138
4,301
5,292
5,218
10,510
Pennsylvania ................
4,038
119
13,634
3,510
31,511
48,654
3,691
52,346
Rhode Island ................
344
20
908
185
2,279
3,371
497
3,868
South Carolina .............
1,130
44
3,131
821
9,559
13,511
1,700
15,211
South Dakota ................
525
12
1,991
86
1,200
3,277
1,769
5,046
Tennessee .....................
2,715
114
6,632
1,824
20,862
29,318
3,730
33,048
Texas ............................
11,880
1,236
37,730
12,744
140,780
191,253
15,930
207,184
2
024 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE
35-71
State or Territory
Number
of
Centers/Homes
Participation
(000)
Paid
Center
Meals
(000)
Reduced
Price Center
Meals
(000)
Free Center
Meals
(000)
Total
Centers
(000)
Meals
Homes
(000)
Total
(000)
Utah ..............................
1,525
33
3,007
336
5,632
8,975
6,730
15,705
Vermont .......................
403
10
619
111
925
1,655
815
2,470
Virginia ........................
3,145
121
7,085
1,090
16,895
25,069
5,843
30,912
Washington ..................
2,280
56
7,169
781
9,808
17,758
4,768
22,526
West Virginia ...............
1,163
31
2,451
306
4,935
7,691
1,504
9,195
Wisconsin .....................
2,237
54
8,192
570
7,727
16,489
4,425
20,914
Wyoming .....................
313
6
953
206
875
2,034
873
2,907
Guam ............................
23
1
196
4
108
309
-
309
Puerto Rico...................
886
16
104
49
5,922
6,075
164
6,239
Virgin Islands ...............
17
1
9
5
175
189
-
189
TOTAL .......................
149,864
5,649
318,711
74,000
1,128,143
1,520,854
337,085
1,857,940
These data are based in part on preliminary data submitted by State and local agencies and are subject to change as revised reports are received. Totals
may not add due to rounding.
2024 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE
35-72
C
HILD NUTRITION PROGRAM
Table FNS-43. Summer Food Service Program Sites, Participation and Meals Served Fiscal Year 2022
State or Territory
Number of Sites
Participation (July) (000)
Total Meals Served (000)
Alabama ................................................
517
28
1,818
Alaska ...................................................
81
3
172
Arizona .................................................
203
10
924
Arkansas ...............................................
179
10
683
California ..............................................
1,739
125
7,986
Colorado ...............................................
441
38
2,032
Connecticut ...........................................
481
30
1,376
Delaware ...............................................
284
15
706
District of Columbia .............................
205
7
401
Florida ..................................................
2,602
154
11,072
Georgia .................................................
773
47
2,834
Hawaii ..................................................
88
5
195
Idaho .....................................................
178
15
895
Illinois ...................................................
1,570
78
3,139
Indiana ..................................................
818
37
2,083
Iowa ......................................................
365
16
827
Kansas ..................................................
373
46
2,211
Kentucky...............................................
1,385
68
3,075
Louisiana ..............................................
449
21
1,330
Maine ....................................................
445
16
1,656
Maryland...............................................
1,389
133
9,559
Massachusetts .......................................
1,101
70
3,697
Michigan ...............................................
1,396
92
4,059
Minnesota .............................................
581
36
2,141
Mississippi ............................................
231
15
957
Missouri ................................................
702
34
3,419
Montana ................................................
243
11
748
Nebraska ...............................................
141
7
601
Nevada ..................................................
266
15
1,634
New Hampshire ....................................
142
11
302
New Jersey ............................................
1,150
142
10,783
New Mexico .........................................
328
-
667
New York .............................................
2,278
665
39,698
North Carolina ......................................
1,564
150
3,257
North Dakota ........................................
92
5
341
Ohio ......................................................
1,213
46
3,158
Oklahoma .............................................
499
14
974
Oregon ..................................................
659
30
1,531
Pennsylvania .........................................
1,578
71
5,327
Rhode Island .........................................
200
8
328
South Carolina ......................................
787
23
1,407
South Dakota ........................................
77
4
326
Tennessee .............................................
745
41
1,822
2
024 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE
35-73
State or Territory
Number of Sites
Participation (July) (000)
Total Meals Served (000)
Texas ....................................................
1,983
95
7,290
Utah ......................................................
87
5
160
Vermont ................................................
261
34
945
Virginia .................................................
1,086
71
3,058
Washington ...........................................
795
39
1,472
West Virginia ........................................
431
19
1,051
Wisconsin .............................................
757
46
2,610
Wyoming ..............................................
75
7
491
Puerto Rico ...........................................
48
3
602
Virgin Islands .......................................
75
2
82
TOTAL ................................................
36,136
2,712
159,918
These data are based in part on preliminary data submitted by State and local agencies and are subject to change as revised reports are received. Totals
may not add due to rounding. The 2021 figures are impacted due the COVID-19 waivers which allowed many schools to serve non-congregate meals
through the Summer Food Service Program.
2
024 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE
35-74
C
HILD NUTRITION PROGRAM
Table FNS-44. Special Milk Participating Outlets and Obligations Fiscal Year 2022
State or Territory
Schools
Institutions
Summer Camps
Total
Obligations
(000)
Alabama.................
....................................
1
-
-
1
$14
Alaska ......................................................
-
-
-
-
-
Arizona.....................................................
5
-
-
5
21
Arkansas ...................................................
-
-
-
-
-
California .................................................
36
1
4
41
110
Colorado ...................................................
27
-
-
27
80
Connecticut ..............................................
18
-
4
22
56
Delaware ..................................................
-
-
-
-
-
District of Columbia .................................
-
-
-
-
-
Florida ......................................................
1
-
-
1
1
Georgia.....................................................
1
-
-
1
12
Hawaii ......................................................
-
-
-
-
-
Idaho ........................................................
3
-
2
5
18
Illinois ......................................................
301
-
8
309
1,087
Indiana .....................................................
17
-
3
20
63
Iowa .........................................................
22
-
5
27
32
Kansas ......................................................
7
-
-
7
15
Kentucky ..................................................
-
-
-
-
13
Louisiana ..................................................
-
-
-
-
-
Maine .......................................................
2
-
-
2
4
Maryland ..................................................
33
22
5
60
155
Massachusetts ..........................................
13
4
5
22
55
Michigan ..................................................
27
-
12
39
111
Minnesota .................................................
146
56
1
203
493
Mississippi ...............................................
1
-
-
1
5
Missouri ...................................................
83
-
-
86
255
Montana ...................................................
11
-
1
12
9
Nebraska ..................................................
36
-
2
38
44
Nevada .....................................................
1
1
-
2
19
New Hampshire........................................
14
-
-
21
33
New Jersey ...............................................
21
-
-
21
89
New Mexico .............................................
-
-
-
-
-
New York .................................................
79
-
25
104
234
North Carolina .........................................
6
-
8
14
72
North Dakota ............................................
12
-
1
13
10
Ohio .........................................................
69
1
3
73
218
Oklahoma .................................................
190
-
-
190
8
Oregon .....................................................
13
-
18
31
51
Pennsylvania ............................................
23
8
12
43
167
Rhode Island ............................................
1
-
1
2
19
South Carolina .........................................
-
-
-
-
-
South Dakota ............................................
16
-
-
16
10
Tennessee .................................................
1
-
1
2
6
Texas ........................................................
1
-
-
1
1
Utah ..........................................................
8
-
7
15
25
Vermont ...................................................
1
2
2
5
21
Virginia ....................................................
10
-
-
10
46
Washington ..............................................
23
9
-
32
90
West Virginia ...........................................
3
-
-
3
7
Wisconsin .................................................
178
15
9
202
527
Wyoming .................................................
3
5
1
9
16
TOTAL ...................................................
1,464
124
150
1,738
$4,322
These data are based in part on preliminary data submitted by State and local agencies and are subject to change as revised reports are received. Totals
may not add due to rounding. The 2021 figures are impacted due the COVID-19 waivers which allowed many schools to serve non-congregate meals
through the Summer Food Service Program. Schools operating under these waivers may not be included in the total number of outlets operating the
National School Lunch Program, School Breakfast Program and/or, the Special Milk Program.
2
024 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE
35-75
C
HILD NUTRITION PROGRAM
Table FNS-45. Special Milk Half Pints Served in Fiscal Year 2022
State or Territory
Average Daily
Free Served
(000)
Average Daily
Paid Served
(000)
Total Average
Daily
(000)
Total Free
(000)
Total Paid
(000)
Total
(000)
Alabama ...................................................
-
-
-
2
59
61
Arizona.....................................................
-
1
1
11
80
90
California .................................................
-
1
1
17
247
264
Colorado ...................................................
-
1
1
19
309
328
Connecticut ..............................................
-
1
1
10
159
169
Florida ......................................................
-
-
-
-
4
4
Georgia.....................................................
-
-
-
-
50
50
Idaho ........................................................
-
-
-
-
52
52
Illinois ......................................................
5
22
26
883
3,772
4,655
Indiana .....................................................
-
1
1
29
205
234
Iowa .........................................................
-
-
-
4
86
90
Kansas ......................................................
-
-
-
4
55
59
Kentucky ..................................................
-
-
-
-
56
56
Maine .......................................................
-
-
-
1
4
4
Maryland ..................................................
-
3
3
-
547
547
Massachusetts ..........................................
-
1
1
5
154
160
Michigan ..................................................
-
1
1
71
316
387
Minnesota .................................................
-
6
6
13
1,065
1,079
Mississippi ...............................................
-
-
-
-
23
23
Missouri ...................................................
-
7
7
23
1,080
1,103
Montana ...................................................
-
-
-
4
17
22
Nebraska ..................................................
-
1
1
11
120
132
Nevada .....................................................
-
-
-
1
44
45
New Hampshire........................................
-
-
-
1
44
45
New Jersey ...............................................
-
2
2
18
384
401
New York .................................................
1
4
5
156
616
772
North Carolina .........................................
-
1
1
-
108
108
North Dakota ............................................
-
-
-
-
26
26
Ohio .........................................................
-
5
6
31
892
924
Oklahoma .................................................
-
-
-
2
27
29
Oregon .....................................................
-
1
1
4
131
134
Pennsylvania ............................................
-
1
1
26
169
195
Rhode Island ............................................
-
-
-
1
68
69
South Dakota ............................................
-
-
-
18
26
44
Tennessee .................................................
-
-
-
-
9
9
Texas ........................................................
-
-
-
-
3
3
Utah ..........................................................
-
-
-
-
84
84
Vermont ...................................................
-
-
-
-
17
17
Virginia ....................................................
-
1
1
6
199
205
Washington ..............................................
-
2
2
2
332
334
West Virginia ...........................................
-
-
-
1
30
30
Wisconsin .................................................
-
12
13
62
2,018
2,079
Wyoming .................................................
-
-
-
-
8
8
TOTAL ...................................................
8
78
85
1,437
13,694
15,130
These data are based in part on preliminary data submitted by State and local agencies and are subject to change as revised reports are received. Totals
may not add due to rounding.
2024 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE
35-76
Th
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2024 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOOD AND NUTR
ITION SERVICE
35-77
SPECIAL SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION PROGRAM FOR WOMEN, INFANTS, AND CHILDREN (WIC)
A
PPROPRIATIONS LANGUAGE
The appropriations language follows (new language underscored; deleted matter enclosed in brackets):
For necessary expenses to carry out the special supplemental nutrition program as authorized by section 17 of the 1
Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (42 U.S.C. 1786), [$6,000,000,000]$6,300,000,000, to remain available through
2
September 30, [2024]2025, Provided, That notwithstanding section 17(h)(10) of the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (42 3
U.S.C. 1786(h)(10)), not less than $90,000,000 shall be used for breastfeeding peer counselors and other related4
activities, and $14,000,000 shall be used for infrastructure: Provided further, That the Secretary shall use funds 5
made available under the healing to increase the amount of cash-value voucher for women and children participants 6
to an amount recommended by the Nation Academics of Science, Engineering and Medicine and adjusted for 7
inflation: Provided further, That none of the funds provided in this account shall be available for the purchase of 8
infant formula except in accordance with the cost containment and competitive bidding requirements specified in 9
section 17 of such Act: Provided further, That none of the funds provided shall be available for activities that are not 10
fully reimbursed by other Federal Government departments or agencies unless authorized by section 17 of such Act: 11
Provided further, That upon termination of a federally mandated vendor moratorium and subject to terms and 12
conditions established by the Secretary, the Secretary may waive the requirement at 7 CFR 246.12(g)(6) at the 13
request of a State agency. 14
L
EAD-OFF TABULAR STATEMENT
Table FNS-46. Lead-Off Tabular Statement (In dollars)
Item
Amount
Estimate, 2023 ............................................................................................................
$6,000,000,000
Change in Appropriation ............................................................................................
+300,000,000
Budget Estimate, 2024 ................................................................................................
6,300,000,000
2024 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE
35-78
PROJECT STATEMENTS
Table FNS-47. Project Statement (thousands of dollars, Full Time Equivalents)
Item
2021
Actual
FTE
2022
Actual
FTE
2023
Estimated
FTE
2024
Estimated
FTE
Inc/Dec
FTE
Inc/
Dec
Chg
Key
Discretionary Appropriations:
Grants to States (Food & NSA) .......
$5,880,000
-
$5,853,500
-
$5,842,346
-
$6,152,042
-
+$309,696
-
(1)
Infrastructure Grants ........................
13,600
-
13,600
-
13,600
-
13,600
-
-
-
Technical Assistance ........................
400
1
400
1
400
1
400
1
-
-
Program Eval & Monitoring ............
5,000
7
12,000
9
22,000
9
12,000
9
-10,000
-
(2)
Breastfeeding Peer Counselors ........
90,000
-
90,000
-
90,000
-
90,000
-
-
-
Federal Admin and Oversight ..........
11,000
33
30,500
37
31,654
73
31,958
73
+304
-
(3)
MIS/EBT Initiatives .........................
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
WIC Contingency Fund ...................
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Subtotal (Discretionary) ................
6,000,000
41
6,000,000
47
6,000,000
83
6,300,000
83
+300,000
-
Mandatory Appropriations:
UPC Database ..................................
1,000
-
1,000
-
1,000
-
1,000
-
-
-
WIC ARPA CVV Increase ..............
490,000
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
WIC ARPA Innovation Fund ...........
390,000
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Subtotal (Mandatory & Suppl) .....
881,000
-
1,000
-
1,000
-
1,000
-
-
-
Total Available ...............................
6,881,000
41
6,001,000
47
6,001,000
83
6,301,000
83
+300,000
-
Table FNS-48. Project Statement Obligations (thousands of dollars, Full Time Equivalents)
Item
2021
Actual
FTE
2022
Actual
FTE
2023
Estimated
FTE
2024
Estimated
FTE
Inc/
Dec
FTE
Inc/Dec
Discretionary Obligations:
Grants to States (Food & NSA) ...............
$5,543,000
-
$6,889,224
-
$6,285,269
-
$6,473,141
-
+$187,872
-
Infrastructure Grants ................................
11,773
-
13,070
-
13,600
-
13,600
-
-
-
Technical Assistance ................................
360
1
379
1
400
1
400
1
-
-
Breastfeeding Peer Counselors ................
89,926
-
90,073
-
90,000
-
90,000
-
-
-
Management Information Systems ..........
6,959
-
67,983
-
68,100
-
80,109
-
+12,009
-
Federal Admin. Oversight ........................
12,011
33
13,490
37
31,654
73
31,958
73
+304
-
Program Evaluation & Monitoring ..........
18,000
9
6,599
9
22,000
9
12,000
9
-10,000
-
WIC FFCRA............................................
FFCRA............................................
330,000
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Subtotal Discretionary Obligations ......
6,012,029
41
7,080,818
47
6,511,023
83
6,701,208
83
+190,185
-
Mandatory Obligations:
WIC ARPA CVV Increase ......................
490,000
-
47,000
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
WIC ARPA Innovation Fund ...................
-
-
81,509
-
200,000
-
108,491
-
-91,509
-
UPC Database ..........................................
-
-
-
-
1,000
-
1,000
-
-
-
Subtotal Mandatory Obligations ..........
490,000
-
128,509
-
201,000
-
109,491
-
-91,509
-
Total Obligations ...................................
6,502,029
41
7,209,327
47
6,712,023
83
6,810,699
83
+98,676
-
Balances Available (EOY):
WIC Programs .........................................
1,103,212
-
1,281,499
-
794,030
-
364,133
-
-429,897
-
WIC Contingency ....................................
150,000
-
150,000
-
150,000
-
150,000
-
-
-
Total Bal. Available (EOY) .....................
1,253,212
-
1,431,499
-
944,030
-
514,133
-
-429,987
-
Total Available .......................................
7,755,241
41
8,640,826
47
7,656,053
83
7,324,832
83
-331,221
-
Less:
Rescission ................................................
-1,250,000
-
-621,672
-
-315,000
-
-
-
+315,000
-
Sequestration............................................
-59
-
-57
-
-57
-
-57
-
-
-
Recoveries, Other.....................................
1,591,296
-
1,548,122
-
596,446
-
299,291
-
-297,155
-
Balances Available, SOY.........................
-1,216,478
-
-3,567,219
-
-1,937,442
-
-1,324,066
-
+613,376
-
Total Appropriation ..............................
6,880,000
41
6,000,000
47
6,000,000
83
6,300,000
83
+300,000
-
2
024 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE
35-79
J
USTIFICATION OF INCREASES AND DECREASES
The numbers of the following listing relate to values in the Change (Chg) Key column of the Project Statement,
compared to 2023 Estimated.
Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women Infants, and Children
FNS makes funds available to participating State health agencies and Indian Tribal Organizations (ITOs) that, in
turn, distribute the funds to participating local agencies. State and local agencies use WIC funds to pay the costs of
specified supplemental foods provided to WIC participants, and to pay for specified nutrition services and
administration (NSA) costs, including the cost of nutrition assessments, blood tests for anemia, nutrition education,
breastfeeding promotion and health care referrals.
The justification reflects a net increase of $300,000,000. This change includes:
1. An increase of $309,696,000 for the Grants to States programs ($5,842,346,000 available in 2023)
.
The budget request continues the long-standing bipartisan commitment to serve all participants seeking WIC
benefits. After many years of declining participation, WIC participation is now rising across all eligible
categories- women, infants, and children. WIC is projected to serve an average of 6.5 million low-income
women, infants, and children each month in 2024, up from an estimated 6.4 million in 2023. The requested
level continues the provision of enhanced Cash Value Benefits (CVBs) to ensure that all participating women
and children have access to the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine (NASEM)
recommended level of fruits and vegetables thereby improving health outcomes as well as program retention. In
addition, the program projects an increase in the food package cost that is being driven by food inflation.
Table FNS-49. Program Performance Data thousands of dollars
Program Performance Data
2021
Actual
2022
Actual
2023
Estimated
Increase or
Decrease
2024
Estimated
6,240
6,256
6,400
100
6,500
$35.58
$47,72
$50.59
$2.34
$53.03
$26.63
$27.16
$28.80
$1.01
$29.81
Average Participation Per Month (in thousands).........
Average Food Cost Per Person Per Month Average...
Admin. Cost Per Person Per Month.............................
Total Benefit Costs.......................................................
$62.21
$74.88
$79.49
$3.35
$82.84
2. A decrease of $10,000,000 f
or the Program Evaluation & Monitoring programs ($12,000,000 and 9 FTEs
available in 2023).
This decrease returns funding for program evaluation and monitoring to the traditional level. Two million of
this funding will be used to study the competitive bidding system for infant formula in the WIC program.
Through this study, USDA will assess both the process and effectiveness of the competitive bidding system.
The study will also examine how competitive bidding affects access to infant formula, as well as WIC benefits
and services.
3.
An increase of $304,000 for the Federal Admin and Oversight program ($31,654,000 and 60 FTEs requested in
the 2023 President’s Budget).
An increase of $304,000 in Federal Admin and Oversight reflects inflation for pay and employee costs.
2
024 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE
35-80
G
EOGRAPHIC BREAKDOWN OF OBLIGATIONS AND FTE
Table FNS-57. Geographic Breakdown (thousands of dollars, FTEs)
State/Territory/Country
2021
Actual
FTE
2022
Actual
FTE
2023
Estimated
FTE
2024
Estimated
FTE
California .....................
$288
2
$391
2
$575
4
$851
4
Colorado ......................
493
3
580
4
853
6
1,263
6
Connecticut ..................
-
-
83
1
122
1
180
1
District of Columbia .....
-
-
1,152
7
1,684
12
2,508
12
Georgia .........................
274
2
455
3
699
5
991
5
Illinois ..........................
311
2
383
2
564
4
834
4
Indiana ..........................
-
-
63
-
92
1
137
1
Massachusetts ...............
349
2
439
3
646
5
956
5
Maryland ......................
-
-
978
6
1,438
10
2,129
10
Maine ...........................
-
-
154
1
227
2
335
2
Michigan ......................
-
-
26
-
38
-
56
-
North Carolina ..............
-
-
13
-
19
-
29
-
New Jersey ...................
296
2
528
3
777
6
1,150
6
Puerto Rico ...................
-
-
80
-
118
1
175
1
Tennessee .....................
72
0
141
1
207
2
307
2
Texas ............................
452
3
577
4
849
6
1,258
6
Virginia ........................
18,036
25
16,987
10
17,787
18
18,987
18
Total, Available ..........
20,571
41
23,030
47
26,695
83
32,146
83
CLASSIFICATION BY OBJECTS
Table FNS-58. Classification by Objects (thousands of dollars)
Item No.
Item
2021
Actual
2022
Actual
2023
Estimated
2024
Estimated
Personnel Compensation:
Washington D.C. ..................................................
$1,734
$2,131
$3,918
$4,116
Personnel Compensation, Field.............................
2,600
3,197
5,877
6,174
11
Total personnel compensation ..............................
4,334
5,238
9,795
10,290
12
Personal benefits ...................................................
1,858
2,283
4,198
4,410
13.0
Benefits for former personnel ...............................
-
-
-
-
Total, personnel comp. and benefits .....................
6,192
7,611
13,993
14,700
Other Objects:
21.0
Travel and transportation of persons .....................
97
70
135
200
22.0
Transportation of things ........................................
2
2
3
4
25.2
Other services from non-Federal sources ..............
13,574
12,014
13,574
14,000
26.0
Supplies and materials ..........................................
605
239
400
600
41.0
Grants, subsidies, and contributions......................
6,481,559
7,189,391
6,683,918
6,781,195
Total, Other Objects ...........................................
6,495,837
7,201,716
6,698,030
6,795,999
99.9
Total, new obligations .........................................
6,502,029
7,209,327
6,712,023
6,810,699
2
024 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE
35-81
STATUS OF PROGRAMS
Program Mission
The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) provides nutritious
supplemental foods, nutrition education, breastfeeding promotion and support, and health care referrals at no cost to
low-income pregnant, postpartum, and breast-feeding women, to infants, and to children up to their fifth birthday, who
are determined by health professionals to be at nutritional risk. “Low-income” is defined as at or below 185 percent of
the U.S. Poverty Income Guidelines. For the period of July 1, 2022, to June 30, 2023, this represented $51,338 for a
family of four. WIC also promotes breastfeeding as the feeding method of choice for infants, provides substance abuse
education, and promotes immunization and other aspects of healthy living.
FNS makes funds available to participating State and U.S. Territory health agencies and Indian Tribal Organizations (ITOs)
that, in turn, distribute the funds to participating local agencies. State and local agencies use WIC funds to pay for specified
nutrition services and administration (NSA) costs, including the cost of nutrition assessments, blood tests for anemia,
nutrition education, breastfeeding promotion, and health care referrals.
Table FNS-59. Program Participation and Costs (thousands of dollars)
Average Monthly Participation (In
Thousands)
2019 2020 2021 2022
Women ...................................................................
1,515.00
1,446.00
1,379.00
1,399.00
Infants ....................................................................
1,610.10
1,551.00
1,464.00
1,428.00
Children <5 ............................................................
3,273.00
3,250.00
3,397.00
3,429.00
Total .......................................................................
6,398.00
6,247.00
6,240.00
6,256.00
Change from Prior Year ..........................................
-6.80%
-2.40%
0.00%
0.30%
Food Cost Total (Million $) ....................................
$3,136
$2,865
$2,767
$3,573
Avg./Person/Month .................................................
$40.85
$38.22
$36.97
$47.60
Change in Per Person Food Cost .............................
0.10%
-6.40%
-0.03%
28.70%
Per Person Per Month Total (Food/Admin.) Cost ...
$66.41
$64.86
$63.36
$74.38
Source: Program Information Reports, December 5, 2022, National Data Bank, KD21 US 2018. Updates may be received in future reporting
periods.
WIC FOOD PACKAGE
The WIC food packages provide supplemental foods designed to meet the special nutritional needs of low-income
pregnant, breastfeeding, non-breastfeeding postpartum women, infants and children up to five years of age who are at
nutritional risk. WIC supplemental foods currently include infant cereal, baby foods, iron-fortified adult cereal, fruits
and vegetables through a cash value benefit (CVB), vitamin C-rich fruit or vegetable juice, eggs, milk, cheese, yogurt,
soy-based beverages, tofu, peanut butter, dried and canned beans/peas, canned fish, whole wheat bread and other
whole-grain options. For infants of women who do not fully breastfeed, WIC provides iron-fortified infant formula.
Specialized infant formulas and medical foods may also be provided if medically indicated. Due to increased
nutritional needs of breastfeeding women, WIC mothers who decide to breastfeed are eligible to receive WIC benefits
for a longer period of time and receive a larger food package than non-breastfeeding postpartum women.
In 2022, FNS successfully implemented an increase in the WIC Cash-Value Voucher/Benefit (CVV/B) for fruit and
vegetable purchases to $24 for child participants, $43 for pregnant and postpartum participants and $47 for fully and
partially breastfeeding participants, pursuant to the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration,
and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2022 (PL 117-103) and prior 2022 continuing resolutions. The CVV/B
increase aligned with recommendations from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine
(NASEM), adjusted for inflation.
To align the WIC food packages with the latest nutrition science in support of nutrition security, in November 2022,
FNS published rulemaking to propose changes to the WIC food packages based on recommendations in the NASEM’s
2017 scientific
report entitled Revi
ew of WIC Food Packages: Improving Balance and Choice. Final Report. and the
Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2020 – 2025. The rule will propose changes that are strongly rooted in the latest
nutrition science and are best positioned to improve nutrition security, while also taking into account cultural
preferences and WIC State agency operational and implementation considerations.
2
024 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE
Nutrition Education
Nutrition education,
including breastfeeding promotion and support, is an integral part of the WIC benefit package.
Statute requires that one-sixth of the amounts State agencies spend for NSA must go for nutrition education and
breastfeeding promotion. Program regulations require State agencies to offer at least two nutrition education contacts
for each participant during each six-month certification period, or quarterly for participants certified for a period
longer than six months.
Nutrition education is provided through individual or group counseling sessions. In addition, participants receive
resources designed to help participants achieve a positive change in dietary and physical activity habits and improve
health status. Participants also are counseled on the importance of WIC foods in preventing and overcoming specific
nutrition risk conditions identified during the nutrition risk assessment. For pregnant and postpartum women, special
emphasis is given to appropriate infant feeding practices, prenatal nutrition, and breastfeeding support and promotion.
Program legislation requires clinics to provide information on drug and other harmful substance abuse to all pregnant,
postpartum, and breastfeeding women, and to parents or caregivers of infants and children.
Program regulations also require clinics to promote breastfeeding to all pregnant women, unless medically
contraindicated, and WIC supports breastfeeding by providing comprehensive, up-to-date and culturally appropriate
breastfeeding information and counseling. WIC Program staff offer support, anticipatory guidance, and
encouragement to new mothers and the benefits of breastfeeding are explained to participants in the nutrition
education information provided during pregnancy.
WIC Breastfeeding Support. Learn Together. Grow Together is the Program’s national breastfeeding campaign,
which provides key messaging, original photography, graphics, videos, and posters via a mobile-friendly website,
wicbreastfeeding.fns.usda.gov. FNS continued to support a cooperative agreement with the University of Nevada
Reno to implement and evaluate the Learn Together. Grow Together national campaign via seven WIC State agencies
– Chickasaw Nation, Georgia, Massachusetts, Nevada, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and Wyoming – and disseminated
research findings at the 2022 National WIC Association Nutrition Education and Breastfeeding Promotion
Conference. The overarching goal of the three-year grant is to increase knowledge of and promote behavior change
about breastfeeding among WIC staff and participants. Implementation of the campaign includes a special focus on
social media and a Learn Together. Grow Together Buddy Program. These activities, along with a State-specific
implementation activities, aim to support WIC moms in reaching their breastfeeding goals and, importantly, helping
babies get a healthy start in life. Each WIC State agency carried out a robust social media campaign, staff training on
the campaign, and enrolled WIC mom pairs into the Buddy Program, all of which contributed to helping moms reach
their individual breastfeeding goals.
The WIC Peer Counseling Program provides mother-to-mother support and addresses the barriers to breastfeeding
that WIC mothers face. WIC State agencies continue to implement breastfeeding peer counseling as a core WIC
service. In 2022, FNS awarded nearly $90 million in grants for breastfeeding peer counseling.
In 2022, WIC Breastfeeding Bonus Awards were made to three State agencies: California, Northern Arapaho, and
Puerto Rico. The performance bonuses, totaling $100,000, recognize and award State agencies demonstrating
successful breastfeeding promotion and support efforts.
All WIC local agencies are required to implement policies and procedures to provide breastfeeding support and
assistance throughout the prenatal and postpartum period. The WIC Breastfeeding Award of Excellence recognizes
local agencies that provide exemplary breastfeeding programs and support services. In 2022, FNS awarded 85 Gold
and 12 Premiere awards to local agencies that demonstrated excellence in breastfeeding promotion and support.
FNS continues to collaborate with other Federal agencies and non-profit organizations to promote breastfeeding
surrounding the Surgeon General’s Call to Action to Support Breastfeeding (Call to Action) and the Healthy People
2030 objectives on breastfeeding.
FNS participates in a Federal Breastfeeding Workgroup, which focuses on interagency coordination of breastfeeding
support efforts. Further, FNS is a government liaison to the United States Breastfeeding Committee (USBC), a
national breastfeeding committee composed of representatives from relevant government departments, non-
governmental organizations, and health professional associations who strategically work to support breastfeeding
efforts and initiatives across the country.
35-82
2
024 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE
FNS continued to strengthen its partnership with the Maternal and Child Health Bureau (MCHB) of the Health
Resources and Services Administration through an interagency collaboration workgroup with WIC, Healthy Start
Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting (MIECHV), and Tribal MIECHV representatives. Through the
efforts of this workgroup, FNS identified areas of Federal collaboration including holding a joint webinar on
MIECHV and WIC collaborations with State sharing of successful partnerships, publishing resources on MCHB
programs on the WIC Works Resource System and drafting a joint letter from the leaders of the WIC Program and
Healthy Start Program for State Program Directors on the importance of cross-program collaboration and referrals.
FNS expanded the reach of the monthly e-newsletter of curated nutrition education content, WIC Picks, to a total of
73,699 recipients in 2022 (up 19 percent, previously 61,950 recipients in 2021) while also seeing an increase in the
average open rate of newsletter articles. The WIC Picks Newsletter features updates from not only the WIC Works
Resource System and WIC Breastfeeding Support websites, but also other agencies such as CDC and FDA, to bring
the target audiences the latest information on important topics, such as open enrollment periods for Healthcare.gov,
the child tax credit, COVID-19 and COVID-19 vaccinations, metals in baby food, and more.
Program Oversight and
Mo
nitoring
FNS works with State agency partners, including Indian Tribal Organizations (ITOs), to ensure that WIC Program
resources are being used to efficiently run the program across the country. State agency compliance with WIC policy
and program rules is verified through the WIC Management Evaluation (ME) process, which includes on-site reviews
of State and local agency operations, as well as a thorough review of State and local agency documentation. Some
items that are reviewed during the WIC ME process include: management information system (MIS) reports,
financial/banking reports, internal records, redeemed food instruments, internal/external contracts, training documents,
and participant and vendor files. Additionally, observation of clinic operations and on-site vendor visits are included
in WIC MEs. Information gathered through the ME process provides a basis for FNS to develop strategic goals to
improve service delivery and program integrity. Additionally, MEs provide an opportunity for FNS staff to target
technical assistance to State agencies since any deficiencies or areas of noncompliance that are identified during the
ME process are addressed through a corrective action process.
FNS regularly assesses its WIC ME process and makes improvements to ensure effective and efficient federal
oversight. The functional areas that are reviewed during WIC MEs include: Vendor Management; Funding and
Participation; Information Systems Management; Nutrition Services; Civil Rights; Certification, Eligibility and
Coordination; Food Delivery; Organization and Management; and Monitoring and Audits.
Each year, FNS issues a WIC ME Target Area Memorandum providing guidance to FNS Regional Offices on topics
to evaluate via MEs. Target Areas focus FNS’ oversight efforts on key areas related to WIC program integrity and
operations. Usually, the Target Area is comprised of one functional area. The current target area is Nutrition Services,
which examines how State agencies plan for and deliver nutrition services, including nutrition and breastfeeding
education.
As the COVID-19 public health emergency continued, FNS amended the WIC ME Target Area timeline guidance to
extend the Nutrition Services Target Area to ensure that Regional Offices have time to complete high quality reviews
of all 89 WIC State agencies. Additionally, FNS shifted to MEs that include virtual options that were needed during
the public health emergency to keep participants and WIC staff safe. Moving forward, FNS MEs may contain on-site
and virtual components, known as a hybrid ME. Nationwide, there have been 45 Nutrition Service MEs conducted
between 2020 and 2022. In addition to Target Area MEs, Regional Offices perform annual risk assessments to identify
State agencies that require attention via MEs, outside the targeted area. Regions also participate in WIC ME
improvement projects, which are ongoing.
Cost Containment and Vendor Management
WIC State agencies are required to implement certain cost containment strategies in order to keep food costs down
due to the discretionary nature of the WIC Program. These include using a competitive bidding process to award cost
containment contracts for infant formula or other WIC foods, authorizing competitively priced vendors and setting
price limitations, and authorizing lower cost foods. While these strategies keep food costs down, they can make
shopping for WIC foods difficult and result in lower WIC enrollment and retention rates. FNS offered grants to WIC
State agencies (see Innovation and Modernization, below), to help them determine the best strategies for authorizing
foods and training WIC participants how to shop for the correct items as an attempt to mitigate this known pain point.
35-83
2024 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOOD AND NUTRITION SER
VICE
The most successful cost containment st
rategy is competitively bid infant formula rebate contracts between State
agencies and infant formula manufacturers, as required by the Child Nutrition Act, as amended, and implementing
regulations. For 2021, total rebates received for WIC were approximately $1.6 billion, the cost of providing benefits to
an average of 1.59 million participants each month, or 25.5 percent of the estimated average monthly WIC caseload.
In response to the infant formula shortage in 2022, FNS provided flexibility to WIC State agencies on certain federal
requirements to ensure WIC participants could access the safe infant formula available in the marketplace.
State agencies use savings generated by these kinds of strategies to provide benefits to more participants within the
same total budget. This is a necessary feature of a discretionary program that seeks to serve all of those eligible to
participate.
Food Delivery Portal
The Food Delivery Portal (FDP) is a web-based system for WIC State agencies to report their vendor monitoring
efforts annually. FDP was designed to improve program oversight and integrity in all areas of WIC vendor
management, streamline the reporting process, and provide new features to help State agencies meet key regulatory
requirements. FNS successfully launched the FDP and replaced the former system, The Integrity Profile (TIP), in
2022.
WIC Prescreening Tool and WIC Online Application Discovery
The WIC Prescreening Tool is a web-based/mobile-friendly application that helps potential WIC applicants determine
if they are likely to be eligible for WIC benefits. Users complete a series of short questions to determine eligibility;
those who are likely to be WIC eligible are provided with State-specific contact information and are encouraged to
make certification appointments with their WIC local agencies. Additionally, users are provided with a printable
summary of their responses and a list of examples of the documentation that is required at an initial certification
appointment.
The WIC Prescreening Tool is accessible to all internet users via the “WIC Prescreening Tool” link on the WIC
Eligibility Requirements page. The tool is accessed approximately 1,000 times per day by users across the country.
Currently, the WIC Prescreening Tool is available in nine different languages: English, Spanish, Mandarin Chinese,
Arabic, Haitian-Creole, Korean, Russian, Somali, and Vietnamese. Metrics gathered from the tool provide data that
can be used to help inform the development of WIC initiatives and collaboration with similar programs.
In 2022, FNS entered into an agreement with 18F, the U.S. General Service Agency’s (GSA) digital and technology
consulting team, to explore whether FNS should provide an online application tool for State agency use and, if so,
how that should be provided. The GSA 18F completed online application discovery research in early December 2022
to inform future development.
State Agency Model (SAM) Project
The SAM Project was an initiative to develop model WIC management information systems (MIS) through multiple
State agency consortia. The SAM project also includes the transfer of these models to other WIC State agencies to
eliminate duplication of systems development and streamlines the MIS procurement process. The SAM Project is
consistent with FNS’ technology goal to improve WIC system functionality through the replacement of legacy
systems. For many State agencies, this step was a necessary precursor to EBT implementation.
The three SAM systems are:
Successful Partners in Reaching Innovative Technology (SPIRIT), comprised of 11 ITOs and six geographic State
agencies: Alaska, Chickasaw Nation, Choctaw Nation, Citizen Potawatomi Nation, Inter-Tribal Council (ITC) of
Oklahoma, Indian Township Passamaquoddy Reservation, Maine, Minnesota, Mississippi, Mississippi Band of
Choctaw Indians, Missouri, Montana, Muscogee Creek Nation, Osage Nation, Otoe-Missouria, Pleasant Point
Passamaquoddy Reservation, and Wichita Caddo Delaware (WCD) Enterprises; The Mountain Plains State
Consortium (MPSC), comprised of nine State agencies: Colorado, Iowa, Nebraska, Nevada, Inter Tribal Council of
Nevada (ITCN), North Dakota, Utah, Vermont, and Wyoming; and Crossroads, comprised of four State agencies:
Virginia, West Virginia, Alabama, and Rhode Island.
35-84
2
024 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE
Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT)
FNS suppo
rted State agencies to implement EBT statewide by October 1, 2020 or sought an exemption from the
statutory timeframe.
EBT systems enhance benefit delivery and improve accountability of food benefits and vendor payment systems. FNS
continues to work with individual State agencies to plan, develop, and implement WIC EBT systems. As of the end of
2022, only 4 WIC State agencies have not achieved Statewide WIC EBT. As of fall 2022, 85 WIC State agencies, are
delivering benefits to almost 96 percent of WIC participants via Statewide EBT. Seventeen State agencies (Acoma
Canoncito & Laguna (ACL), Arkansas, Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma, Eight Northern, Five Sandoval Pueblos,
Louisiana, Missouri, New Mexico, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Pueblo of Isleta, Pueblo of San Felipe, Santo Domingo Tribe,
Texas, Utah, Wyoming and Zuni Pueblo) are using smart card or chip technology and 68 State agencies (Alabama,
Alaska, American Samoa, Arizona, California, Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, Chickasaw Nation, Choctaw Nation of
Oklahoma, Citizen Potawatomi Nation, Colorado, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Connecticut,
Delaware, Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, Eastern Shoshone, Florida, Guam, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Inter-Tribal
Council of Arizona, Inter-Tribal Council of Nevada, Inter-Tribal Council of Oklahoma, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas,
Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians, Minnesota,
Montana, Muscogee (Creek) Nation, Navajo Nation, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York,
North Carolina, North Dakota, Northern Arapaho Tribe, Oklahoma, Omaha Nation, Oregon, Osage Nation, Otoe-
Missouria Tribe, Rhode Island, Rosebud Sioux Tribe, Santee Sioux Tribe, South Carolina, South Dakota, Standing
Rock Sioux, Tennessee, Three Affiliated Tribes, Ute Mountain Ute Tribe, Utah, Virgin Islands, Virginia, West
Virginia, Wichita Caddo Delaware (WCD), Vermont, Washington, Washington DC, Winnebago Tribe and
Wisconsin) have successfully implemented EBT using magnetic stripe cards, or online technology.
The remaining four (4) State agencies are actively pursuing projects to implement EBT statewide; and requested and
received conditional approvals for exemption to the statutory timeframe for implementation, pursuant to provisions of
the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010. These State agencies are: Georgia, Indian Township Passamaquoddy,
Pleasant Point Passamaquoddy, and Puerto Rico.
Through its innovation and modernization work in 2023, FNS will assess how best to assist State agencies that have
achieved Statewide EBT using offline technology but have identified the need to transition to online EBT to better
serve participants.
Nutrition Risk Assessment
Value Enhanced Nutrition Assessment (VENA): The VENA initiative was implemented in 2006 and updated in 2021
with the purpose of improving the WIC nutrition assessment process and to more closely align nutrition risk
determination with WIC nutrition interventions. In 2021, VENA Training videos were developed and made available
to WIC State agencies via USDA YouTube. In 2022, additional, targeted VENA trainings were initiated. In 2023 the
additional training will continue to be developed and provided to WIC State agencies in the later part of 2023.
Outreach, Innovation, and Modernization
American Rescue Plan Act WIC Fund
The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (P.L. 117-2, ARPA) made $390 million available through 2024, to carry out
outreach, innovation, and program modernization efforts, including appropriate waivers and flexibility, to improve
participant experiences, increase participation in and redemption of benefits in WIC and the WIC Farmers’ Market
Nutrition Program (FMNP).
In 2022, FNS developed an investment strategy built on a solid foundation of stakeholder input, targeted research, and
FNS program experience and subject matter expertise. The investment strategy with five priority areas that supports
the Administration’s commitments to improve health equity, reduce maternal mortality and morbidity, and improve
child health outcomes by focusing on projects that improve program participation and retention and reduce disparities
in program delivery.
In 2022, FNS initiated work in all five areas and obligated over $80 million of the $390 million appropriation.
35-85
2
024 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE
35-86
1. Prior
itize Outreach
FNS awarded a Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) and one initial task order to begin development of a national
WIC outreach campaign to public relations firm, Porter Novelli Public Services Inc. FNS will work with the
contractor to develop the strategic plan. Future tasks will include market research execution, brand strategy and
visual identity development, creative development and production, media and advertising, strategic partnerships
and outreach, and campaign evaluation.
FNS also awarded $20 million to the Food Research & Action Center (FRAC) for innovative outreach to existing
and potential WIC participants. FRAC will provide funds to WIC State and local agencies, community
organizations, and other nonprofits to use community-level data to test new ways of delivering WIC messaging
and conducting outreach. The grant will also expand partnerships with community-based organizations to connect
underserved populations with WIC.
2. Modernize Technology and Service Delivery
FNS partnered with the U.S. Digital Service (USDS) to conduct research and create a vision for modernizing the
WIC certification process using technology tools, including streamlining the application process, allowing
applicants and clients to submit documentation remotely, offering more virtual and text-based experiences, and
focusing more face-to-face time in the WIC clinic on providing direct client services.
To support State agencies as they work toward this vision, in September 2022, FNS awarded a total of
$23,100,000 to 66 WIC State agencies to fund projects around planning and implementation of technology
enhancements that improve the WIC participant experience.
FNS also entered into an Inter-Agency Agreement (IAA) with 18F for WIC online application discovery and,
pending discovery, development.
3. Improve the Shopping Experience
FNS awarded $9,784,204 in grants to 19 State agencies to implement projects focused on improving the WIC
shopping experience, as evidenced by increasing the redemption of WIC benefits, improving customer
satisfaction, and/or improving participant access to vendors, including for underserved communities and
individuals. 2022 projects could focus on improving the in-store experience, planning for online shopping, and
supporting online shopping pilots. FNS is planning subsequent grant opportunities for 2023-2024.
4. Expand Access to Farmers’ Markets
FNS awarded a total of $1,922,084 to 11 State agencies via three rounds of funding to FMNP State agencies. This
funding enabled programs to continue operations despite discontinuation of certain, previously necessary, paper-
based banking services. FNS is planning subsequent grant opportunities for 2023-2024.
5. Invest in and Diversify the Workforce
FNS entered into an Inter-Agency Agreement (IAA) with USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture
(NIFA). Combining the experience and expertise of FNS and NIFA, including NIFA’s partnerships with Land-
Grant Universities and Colleges, ARPA funds will be used to invest in research, education, and extension to
increase the diversity and cultural competency of the WIC workforce. This $21 million initiative will be
implemented through a series of sequential funding opportunities. The first will be announced in 2023 with the
purpose of developing a 5-year national WIC workforce strategy. Subsequent funding opportunities will be
announced during 2023 and 2024.
Throughout 2023-2024, FNS will continue to execute the WIC and FMNP modernization strategy and accelerate
where needed, while ensuring long-term sustainability of this modernization work.
WIC Online Shopping
FNS continues to support a cooperative agreement with the Gretchen Swanson Center for Nutrition (GSCN) to
develop and test models for online shopping in WIC via research and State agency pilots funded by sub-grants. In
2021, GSCN developed and released the Blueprint for WIC Online Shopping (the Blueprint). The Blueprint is a
resource for State agencies and their partners that are working towards online shopping, and suggests activities to
2
024 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE
successfully plan, implement, and maintain WIC onli
ne shopping projects. In 2022, GSCN awarded four WIC State
agencies as sub-grantees with four additional State agency partners to develop WIC online shopping projects.
Currently, the sub-grant projects are in the planning and preparation phase, and all projects are planning to go live
with testing in calendar year 2023. Best practices and lessons learned from WIC online shopping projects will be
documented in the updated versions of the Blueprint to assist future State agencies as they also begin to work toward
online shopping. Additionally, FNS is working to expand online shopping through ARPA funding. In 2022, FNS
awarded 12 grants to State agencies to work toward online ordering (primarily in the planning stage). FNS plans to
provide additional support in 2023-2024 using ARPA funding.
In March 2021, FNS stood up a Task Force on Supplemental Foods Delivery as required by the Consolidated
Appropriations Act, 2021 (P.L. 116-260, the Act). The independent Task Force complemented the work of GSCN,
studying measures to streamline how WIC benefits are redeemed to promote convenience, safety, and equitable access
to supplemental foods, including infant formula, for participants. USDA FNS received the Task Force’s report with
recommendations in September 2021.
GSCN’s and the Task Force’s efforts will inform USDA FNS’ WIC Online Ordering and Transactions - propos
ed
rule (RIN: 0584-AE85). This proposed rule will address key regulatory barriers to online ordering in the WIC
Program by making changes to the provisions that prevent online transactions and types of online capable stores from
participating in the Program. The proposed rule will also allow FNS to modernize WIC vendor regulations to reflect
current technology. FNS anticipates publication in 2023, with a public comment period.
WIC EBT MIS Delivery Assessment: Blanket Purchase Agreement Call Order
Und
er the WIC Blanket Purchase agreement, WIC established a call order to assess the ability of delivering EBT and
MIS through cloud-based computing. This effort engaged stakeholders, including WIC State agencies and the EBT
and MIS industry, to assess options and feasibility of cloud-based computing. The assessment also considers the costs
of developing such systems and potential savings in federal tax dollars with a new way of conducting WIC operations.
Through its Innovation and Modernization work, FNS is currently assessing the best path forward to modernize WIC
MIS to ensure long term viability.
Participant-Centered Service Optimization
In 2022, FNS continued participating in collaboration efforts with the U.S. Department of Health and Human
Services, specifically the Maternal and Child Health Bureau and the Office of Head Start (OHS), to improve program
coordination and service delivery to families with young children with the goal of increasing WIC participation
among children one through four years of age.
Additional partnerships with ot
her programs that serve young children,
e.g., childcare facilities, CACFP, Head Start and Early Head Start, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services
Administration, Maternal Infant and Early Child Home Visiting Program (MIECHV) and Tribal MIECHV Program,
and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will continue in 2023.
The Johns Hopkins University (JHU), through a cooperative agreement with FNS, completed the Participant
Research Innovation Laboratory for Enhancing WIC Services in 2022. As a background, in 2019, JHU competitively
awarded five WIC local agencies sub-grants to develop and implement interactive tools, technical resources, and
innovative solutions that improve customer service in WIC clinics and ultimately encourage and improve retention of
eligible children in WIC. JHU is in the process of completing the final report with the findings of these projects to be
issued in 2023. FNS continued its cooperative agreement with the Council of State Governments (CSG) to establish
the WIC Innovation Grant. The cooperative agreement establishes CSG as the lead organization to manage the sub-
grant award process and fund up to $6 million for certification enhancement projects in WIC State agencies. CSG will
support and evaluate State and local efforts to streamline and improve the customer service experience in WIC. In
March 2021, CSG awarded six sub-grants totaling $5.2 million to three State agencies and three local agencies to
carry out projects focused on improving the WIC certification process. CSG requested a no-cost extension (NCE) until
September 2023, and all subgrantees have requested their own as well due to COVID-19 constraints, extending their
project implementation dates no later than the end of the calendar year; all requests have been approved. The
Subgrantee Closeout Meeting has been set for April 2023, where subgrantees will share their final reports and
findings. FNS continues to support CSG in providing technical assistance to sub-grantees as they implement and
evaluate their projects.
In 2022, FNS continued to provide technical assistance to Tufts University for the USDA WIC Telehealth Innovations
Project. Through this cooperative agreement, Tufts will test and evaluate the use of telehealth innovations in delivery
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2024 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES
– FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE
35-88
of nutritio
n education, including breastfeeding support, to pregnant women and caregivers of young children
participating in the WIC Program. Tufts awarded seven WIC State agencies as sub-grantees (District of Columbia,
Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Wisconsin, Michigan, and Vermont) for this research through a national
competition.
State agency sub-grantees are currently completing their study design and evaluation plans in
collaboration with Tufts University and its partners.
Participant centered, efficient service delivery is also a priority of WIC innovation and modernization work, described
above.
WIC Studies and Evaluations
FNS published several reports related to WIC during 2022, which are available at https://www.fns.usda.gov/research-
analysis. These include:
WIC Report - Indicators of Diet Quality, Nutrition and Health for Americans by Program Participation Status,
2011–16. This study primarily uses 2011–2016 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data to
examine bivariate relationships between reported WIC participation and outcomes including diet quality, indicators of
nutrition and health, food consumption patterns, and nutrient intakes among 1- to 4-year-old children. Most results
presented in this report are unadjusted and descriptive only, and do not infer causality. They are intended to contribute
to the evidence base needed to inform future research and, subsequently, WIC policy and practice.
Reviewing the Evidence for Maternal Health and WIC. This report addresses actions taken by the Food and
Nutrition Service to comply with the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (PL 116-260; 134 STAT 1209 and 134
STAT 1221), which directs USDA to conduct a review of existing evidence and develop a plan to explore how
participation in WIC is associated with maternal mortality, with emphasis on the needs of disadvantaged communities
of color.
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.
WIC Participant and Program Characteristics 2020. Since 1988, FNS has produced biennial reports on WIC
participant and program characteristics (PC) for use in program monitoring and managing WIC information needs.
The PC 2020 report summarizes demographic, income and health-related characteristics and behaviors of participants
certified to receive WIC benefits in April 2020. As a response to COVID-19, the PC 2020 report also compares
participant and program characteristics between participants certified to receive benefits in April 2020 and those
certified to receive benefits in November 2020 in nine select state agencies.
Maternal and Child Health Outcomes Associated with WIC. The U.S. Department for Health and Human Services
Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality's report, “Maternal and Child Health Outcomes Associated with WIC,”
reviews evidence on whether participation in WIC is associated with nutrition and health outcomes for women and
children.
WIC Infant and Toddler Feeding Practices Study-2: Fifth Year Report. The WIC Infant and Toddler Feeding
Practices Study-2 (WIC ITFPS-2), also known as the “Feeding My Baby” study, is the only national study to capture
data on caregivers and their children over the first 5 years of the child’s life after enrollment in WIC, regardless of
their continued participation in the program. This report focuses on the dietary intake patterns, eating behaviors, and
weight status of children during the fifth year of life. The report also examines associations between WIC
participation and key diet and health-related outcomes.
WIC Vendor Management Study: 2015 EBT Pilot. The WIC Vendor Management Study: 2015 Electronic Benefits
Transfer (EBT) Pilot examined compliance with program requirements and rates of violations among WIC EBT
vendors in 2015 and tested a method to identify and measure errors that contribute to improper payments in an EBT
environment.
National and State Level Estimates of WIC Eligibility and Program Reach in 2019. This report, the latest in a series
of annual reports on WIC eligibility, presents 2019 national and state estimates of the number of people eligible for
2
024 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE
35-89
WIC bene
fits, percentage of eligible population, and the US population covered by the program, including estimates
by participant category. The report also provides estimates by region, state, U.S. territory, and race and ethnicity.
Changes in WIC Operations During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A First Look at the Impact of Federal Waivers.
This preliminary report summarizes key changes, improvements, and challenges to WIC operations as delivered under
the physical presence and remote benefit issuance waivers during the COVID-19 pandemic. These findings represent
a first, high-level look at survey data collected from state and local WIC agencies to fulfill reporting requirements for
waivers issued under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act.
2
024 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE
35-90
Table FNS- 53. Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Participation &
Program Financing
State or Territory
Average Monthly
Participation
Program Grant
2/
WOMEN
INFANTS
CHILDREN
TOTAL
(000)
Alabama ......................................
23,928
28,878
55,854
108,661
$117,721
Alaska .........................................
2,927
2,928
7,904
13,759
22,535
Arizona
1
/
....................................
28,519
31,916
80,568
141,003
146,501
Arkansas .....................................
14,271
16,761
24,976
56,008
73,589
California ....................................
193,496
175,523
567,038
936,058
1,064,011
Colorado
1
/
..................................
17,836
17,239
43,055
78,129
77,965
Connecticut .................................
9,722
11,330
24,941
45,994
48,673
Delaware .....................................
3,650
4,229
9,820
17,699
16,441
District of Columbia ...................
2,719
2,801
6,121
11,640
15,017
Florida ........................................
94,532
97,288
218,024
409,843
433,692
Georgia .......................................
42,024
47,105
102,568
191,697
220,199
Hawaii ........................................
5,558
5,254
15,043
25,855
33,291
Idaho ...........................................
6,238
6,407
16,385
29,030
27,733
Illinois .........................................
35,502
42,918
77,099
155,519
223,369
Indiana ........................................
31,888
34,006
85,556
151,449
139,596
Iowa ............................................
12,395
12,659
30,932
55,987
48,204
Kansas ........................................
9,540
10,112
24,428
44,079
47,685
Kentucky.....................................
21,783
25,814
61,071
108,667
94,544
Louisiana ....................................
23,424
26,633
34,297
84,355
121,248
Maine
1
/
.......................................
3,336
3,617
9,972
16,925
18,944
Maryland.....................................
22,898
27,321
63,945
118,783
122,026
Massachusetts .............................
39,738
22,538
70,154
115,590
93,556
Michigan .....................................
20,918
44,475
116,010
200,223
204,234
Minnesota ...................................
14,064
20,385
58,415
99,718
106,116
Mississippi
1
/
...............................
20,882
18,799
34,255
67,118
93,970
Missouri .....................................
2,799
23,322
39,462
83,666
90,555
Montana ......................................
7,227
3,029
7,996
13,824
16,675
Nebraska
1
/
..................................
11,226
7,447
20,908
35,582
36,511
Nevada
1
/ ....................................
2,492
12,102
29,248
52,576
54,156
New Hampshire ..........................
31,525
2,565
8,584
13,641
10,855
New Jersey ..................................
8,484
30,875
83,227
145,627
170,427
New Mexico
1
/
............................
83,656
8,473
17,539
34,496
48,965
New York
1
/
................................
56,292
83,782
219,546
386,984
502,882
North Carolina
1
/
.........................
2,000
57,790
144,676
258,758
215,464
North Dakota
1
/
...........................
38,097
2,223
5,994
10,218
17,586
Ohio ............................................
22,898
40,358
81,690
160,145
161,784
Oklahoma
1
/
................................
20,628
22,353
47,130
90,111
98,341
Oregon ........................................
15,334
14,249
44,601
74,184
78,038
Pennsylvania ...............................
35,677
37,909
84,642
158,228
215,525
Rhode Island ...............................
3,563
3,816
8,809
16,188
19,767
South Carolina ............................
18,707
22,120
45,265
86,092
94,347
South Dakota
1
/
...........................
2,897
3,404
8,765
15,066
23,672
Tennessee ...................................
28,569
31,046
55,184
114,799
134,249
Texas ..........................................
191,356
171,841
335,789
698,986
553,835
Utah ............................................
8,656
8,554
20,247
37,457
42,224
Vermont ......................................
2,165
1,913
7,120
11,199
14,505
Virginia .......................................
25,115
27,895
68,123
121,132
99,321
Washington .................................
25,993
24,439
71,230
121,663
147,524
West Virginia ..............................
6,769
7,991
19,211
33,972
40,297
Wisconsin ...................................
16,646
18,462
49,221
84,330
95,028
Wyoming
1
/
.................................
1,581
1,624
3,771
6,975
9,594
American Samoa .........................
691
618
2,607
3,916
7,985
Guam ..........................................
1,080
1,181
3,072
5,333
11,197
North Mariana Island ..................
497
448
1,850
2,795
5,015
Puerto Rico .................................
19,574
18,479
53,909
91,961
221,262
Virgin Islands .............................
662
636
1,335
2,633
7,013
Anticipated adjustment ...............
33,489
TOTAL .....................................
1,399,262
1,427,882
3,429,178
6,256,321
$6,888,948
1/
Includes Indian Tribal Organizations
2/
Excludes obligations for WIC Infrastructure grants, Technical Assistance, Breastfeeding Peer Counselors, EBT/MIS, and
Federal Administrative Oversight. Totals may not add due to rounding.
Note: These data are based in part on preliminary data submitted by State and
local agencies and are subject to change as revised reports are received. Totals may not
add due to rounding.
2024 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE
35-91
SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
A
PPROPRIATIONS LANGUAGE
The appropriations language follows (new language underscored; deleted matter enclosed in brackets):
For necessary expenses to carry out the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2011 et seq.), 1
[$153,867,723,000]$122,133,239,000, of which $3,000,000,000, to remain available through September 30, 2
[2025]2026, shall be placed in reserve for use only in such amounts and at such times as may become necessary to carry 3
out program operations: Provided, That funds provided herein shall be expended in accordance with section 16 of the 4
Food and Nutrition Act of 2008: Provided further, That of the funds made available under this heading, $998,000 may 5
be used to provide nutrition education services to State agencies and Federally Recognized Tribes participating in the 6
Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations: Provided further, That of the funds made available under this 7
heading, [$3,000,000]$5,000,000, to remain available until September 30, [2024]2025, shall be used to carry out section 8
4003(b) of Public Law 115-334 relating to demonstration projects for tribal organizations: Provided further, That of the 9
funds made available under this heading, $3,000,000 shall be used to carry out section 4208 of Public Law 115-334: 10
Provided further, That this appropriation shall be subject to any work registration or workfare requirements as may be 11
required by law: Provided further, That of the funds made available [for Employment and Training] under this heading 12
[shall remain available through September 30, 2024: Provided further, That funds made available under this heading 13
for]$1,794,678,000, to remain available until September 30, 2025, shall be used to carry out section 28(d)(1), section 14
4(b), [and] section 27(a) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 [shall remain available through September 30, 2024], 15
and for Employment and Training and Mandatory Other Program Costs: Provided further, That, if the Secretary 16
determines that the amount provided in the preceding proviso either does not meet or exceeds the amount needed in the 17
current fiscal year to carry out the activities described therein, the Secretary may transfer funds made available under 18
this heading to or from the appropriation within such proviso, to remain available for the same time period as the 19
appropriation to which the funds are transferred: Provided further, That none of the funds made available under this 20
heading may be obligated or expended in contravention of section 213A of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 21
U.S.C. 1183A): Provided further, That funds made available under this heading may be used to enter into contracts and22
employ staff to conduct studies, evaluations, or to conduct activities related to program integrity provided that such 23
activities are authorized by the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008: Provided further, That funds made available under this 24
heading may be used to enter into contracts and employ staff to conduct studies and evaluations related to section 27 of 25
the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 and the Emergency Food Assistance Program authorized by the Emergency Food 26
Assistance Act of 1983, as amended: For making, after June 30 of the current fiscal year, benefit payments to 27
individuals, and payments to States or other non-Federal entities, pursuant to the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 28
U.S.C. 2011 et seq.), for unanticipated costs incurred for the last three months of the fiscal year, such sums as may be29
necessary: For necessary expenses to carry out the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008, (7 U.S.C. 2011 et seq.) for the first 30
quarter of fiscal year 2025, $27,511,000,000 to remain available through September 30, 2025. 31
Change D
escription
The first change (line 9) provides funding for Healthy Fluid Milk incentive projects. This item was funded in 2023
through a General Provision.
The second change (line 12) specifies an appropriated level for certain activities and makes Mandatory Other Program
Costs funds two-year funds.
The third change (line 16) allows for adjustments within the SNAP account for reasonable and necessary expenses
associated with activities funded with two-year funds.
The fourth change (line 24) allows funds to be used for research on TEFAP and FDPIR programs.
The fifth change (line 27) provides such sums as necessary for the fourth quarter of 2024.
The sixth change (line 30) provides forward funding for the first quarter of 2025.
2
024 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE
35-92
LEAD-OFF TABULAR STATEMENT
Table FNS-54. Lead-Off Tabular Statement (In dollars)
Item
Amount
Estimate, 2023 ...............................................................................................................................
$153,867,723,000
Change in Appropriation ...............................................................................................................
- 31,734,484,000
Budget Estimate, 2024 ..................................................................................................................
122,133,239,000
2
024 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE
35-93
PROJECT STATEMENTS
Table FNS-55. Project Statement on Basis of Appropriations (thousands of dollars, FTE)
Item
2021
Actual
FTE
2022
Actual
FTE
2023
Estimate
FTE
2024
Estimate
FTE
Inc/Dec
FTE
Inc/
Dec
Chg
Key
Participant Benefits:
SNAP Benefits ....................................................
$101,803,982
-
$127,379,769
-
$104,348,000
-
$107,896,671
-
+$3,548,671
-
(1)
EA Payments .......................................................
-
-
-
-
35,779,000
-
-
-
-35,779,000
-
Subtotal, Participant Benefits ...........................
101,803,982
-
127,379,769
-
140,127,000
-
107,896,671
-
-32,230,329
-
Contingency Reserve ...........................................
3,000,000
-
3,000,000
-
3,000,000
-
3,000,000
-
-
-
State Administrative Costs ..................................
5,313,427
-
5,536,316
-
5,707,550
-
5,874,192
-
+166,642
-
(2)
Nutrition Ed. & Obesity Prevention Grant Prog. .
440,000
-
464,000
-
506,000
-
516,000
-
+10,000
-
(3)
Employment and Training:
Federal Funds 100% ............................................
123,900
-
123,900
-
123,900
-
123,900
-
-
-
Federal Funds and Participant Costs 50% ............
501,878
-
511,929
-
525,935
-
539,565
-
+13,630
-
Subtotal, Employment and Training ................
625,778
-
635,829
-
649,835
-
663,465
-
+13,630
-
(4)
Subtotal, State Administrative Funding...........
6,379,205
-
6,636,145
-
6,863,385
-
7,053,657
-
+190,272
-
Mandatory Other Program Costs:
Benefit & Retailer Redemption and Monitoring ..
55,377
120
56,745
144
73,509
170
82,735
170
+9,226
-
5(a)
Certification of SSI Recipients for SNAP ............
20,454
-
20,726
-
21,045
-
21,399
-
+354
-
5(b)
Payment Accuracy and Cooperative Services ......
72,954
97
74,645
90
77,837
120
82,812
120
+4,975
-
5(c)
Web-Based Automation of Systems ....................
7,500
2
7,689
2
7,898
4
8,150
4
+252
-
5(d)
Retailer Integrity and Trafficking ........................
22,221
57
34,796
50
35,879
68
37,450
68
+1,571
-
5(e)
Computer Support ...............................................
10,643
-
20,785
-
21,105
-
21,460
-
+355
-
5(f)
Electronic Benefit Transfer Systems ....................
17,568
39
18,788
34
19,167
51
20,704
56
+1,537
+5
5(g)
Nutrition Education and Program Information ....
29,572
49
60,555
62
65,378
122
70,455
132
+5,077
+10
5(h)
Program Evaluation and Modernization ..............
19,145
8
22,544
11
42,162
13
48,309
15
+6,147
+2
5(i)
FMMI ..................................................................
3,500
-
3,587
-
3,682
-
3,789
-
+107
-
5(j)
IT Modernization and Support .............................
20,000
-
22,494
-
23,090
-
23,762
-
+672
-
5(k)
Driving System Impro to Simplify and Improve
Enrollment Experience ........................................
-
-
-
-
-
-
100,000
-
+100,000
-
5(l)
Subtotal, Mandatory Other Program Costs
278,934
372
343,354
393
390,752
548
521,025
565
+130,273
+17
Discretionary Other Program Costs:
FDPIR Nutrition Education .................................
998
-
998
-
998
-
998
-
-
-
FDPIR Demonstration .........................................
-
-
3,000
-
3,000
-
5,000
-
+2,000
-
6(a)
Healthy Fluid Milk ..............................................
-
-
-
-
-
-
3,000
-
+3,000
-
6(b)
Healthy Fluid Milk (GP) ......................................
1,000
-
3,000
-
4,000
-
-
-
-4,000
-
6(b)
FDPIR Demonstration (GP).................................
3,000
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Subtotal, Discretionary Other Program Costs
4,998
-
6,998
-
7,998
-
8,998
-
+1,000
-
(6)
Subtotal, Other Program Costs ........................
283,932
372
350,352
393
398,750
548
530,023
565
+131,273
+17
Subtotal, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance
Program..............................................................
111,467,119
372
137,366,266
393
150,389,135
548
118,480,351
565
-31,908,784
+17
Nutrition Assistance for Puerto Rico ...................
2,037,976
-
2,501,805
-
2,815,630
-
2,962,426
-
+146,796
-
(7)
American Samoa .................................................
8,185
-
10,047
-
11,308
-
11,897
-
+589
-
(8)
FDPIR:
USDA Foods in lieu of SNAP .............................
104,976
-
63,331
2
99,150
1
96,401
1
-2,749
-
Distributing Agencies Expenses and Nut. Ed. .....
57,174
-
62,669
-
63,000
-
68,600
-
+5,600
-
Subtotal, FDPIR ................................................
162,150
-
126,000
2
162,150
1
165,001
1
+2,851
-
(9)
TEFAP Commodities
1/ .............................................................
342,000
2
399,750
2
445,500
2
468,752
2
+23,252
-
(10)
Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands
12,148
-
30,000
-
34,000
-
34,812
-
+812
-
(11)
Community Food Project .....................................
5,000
-
5,000
-
5,000
-
5,000
-
-
-
Program Access ...................................................
5,000
-
5,000
-
5,000
-
5,000
-
-
-
Subtotal, Total Regular Appropriations
114,039,578
374
140,443,868
397
153,867,723
551
122,133,239
568
-31,734,484
+17
CARES Act: FDPIR COVID Supplemental ........
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Emerg Supp (Div N): Benefits- PEBT .................
44,000,000
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Emerg Supp (Div N): PEBT Admin ....................
1,100,000
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Emerg Supp (Div N): SNAP Waiver Authority ...
3,600,000
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Emerg Supp (Div N): COVID Relief -15% .........
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Emerg Supp (Div N): SAE Mass Change ............
100,000
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Emerg Supp (Div N): Puerto Rico Supp ..............
597,600
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Emerg Supp (Div N): AmSam Supp ...................
2,400
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Emerg Supp (Div N): CNMI Supp .....................
14,000
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Emerg Supp (Div N) Online Purchasing & Tech
Imp. .....................................................................
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
American Rescue Plan: COVID Relief 15% ........
3,817,349
-
-
-
-
-
American Rescue Plan: Benefits P-EBT ..............
-
-
25,000,000
-
20,000,000
-
-
-
+20,000,000
-
2
024 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE
35-94
Item
2021
Actual
FTE
2022
Actual
FTE
2023
Estimate
FTE
2024
Estimate
FTE
Inc/Dec
FTE
Inc/
Dec
Chg
Key
American Rescue Plan: P-EBT Admin ................
-
-
700,000
-
500,000
-
-
-
-500,000
-
American Rescue Plan: SAE Mass Change .........
1,150,000
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
American Rescue Plan: Online Purch & Tech
Improvements ......................................................
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
American Rescue Plan: Puerto Rico Supp ..........
966,120
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
American Rescue Plan: AmSam Supp ................
3,880
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
American Rescue Plan: CNMI Supp ..................
30,000
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
American Rescue Plan: Extension of SNAP
Waiver Authority .................................................
-
-
3,600,000
-
3,000,000
-
-
-
-3,000,000
-
Total Approps including Supp Funding ..........
$177,085,626
374
$169,743,868
397
$177,367,723
551
$122,133,239
568
-55,234,484
+17
Sequestration .......................................................
-10,325
-12,879
-14,656
-15,681
-1,025
Total Appropriation with Sequester.................
177,075,301
374
169,730,989
397
177,353,067
551
122,117,558
568
-55,235,509
+17
1
Up to 20 percent of the funding provided for The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) for the procurement of commodities may be used for TEFAP
administrative costs.
2
024 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE
35-95
Table FNS-56. Project Statement on Basis of Obligations (thousands of dollars, FTE)
Item
2021
Actual
FTE
2022
Actual
FTE
2023
Estimated
FTE
2024
Estimated
FTE
Inc/
Dec
FTE
Inc/
Dec
Participant Benefits:
SNAP Benefits ..........................................................
$89,662,238
-
$108,614,865
-
$125,027,000
-
$107,796,671
-
-$17,230,329
-
State Option Reimbursable .......................................
69,000
-
93,273
-
100,000
-
100,000
-
-
-
Subtotal, Participant Benefits ................................
89,731,238
-
108,708,138
-
125,127,000
-
107,896,671
-
-17,230,329
-
Contingency Reserve ................................................
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
State Administrative Costs ........................................
4,651,038
-
4,869,776
-
5,707,550
-
5,874,192
-
+166,642
-
Nutrition Ed. & Obesity Prevention Grant Prog ........
434,483
-
472,258
-
506,000
-
516,000
-
+10,000
-
Employment and Training: .......................................
Federal Funds 100% .................................................
110,684
-
122,779
-
123,900
-
123,900
-
-
-
Federal Funds and Participant Costs 50% .................
439,472
-
516,325
-
525,935
-
539,565
-
+13,630
-
Subtotal, Employment and Training .....................
550,156
-
639,104
-
649,835
-
663,465
-
+13,630
-
Subtotal, State Administrative Funding ................
5,635,677
-
5,981,138
-
6,863,385
-
7,053,657
-
+190,272
-
Mandatory Other Program Costs:
Benefit & Retailer Redemption and Monitoring .......
46,613
120
42,562
144
73,509
170
82,735
170
+9,226
-
Certification of SSI Recipients for SNAP .................
19,594
-
12,532
-
21,045
-
21,399
-
+354
-
Payment Accuracy and Cooperative Services ...........
48,794
97
59,259
90
77,837
120
82,812
120
+4,975
-
Web-Based Automation of Systems ..........................
5,313
2
4,993
2
7,898
4
8,150
4
+252
-
Retailer Integrity and Trafficking ..............................
18,998
57
28,028
50
35,879
68
37,450
68
+1,571
-
Computer Support .....................................................
10,102
-
17,796
-
21,105
-
21,460
-
+355
-
Electronic Benefit Transfer Systems .........................
12,477
39
10,334
34
19,167
51
20,704
56
+1,537
+5
Nutrition Education and Program Information ..........
27,553
49
31,915
62
65,378
122
70,455
132
+5,077
+10
Program Evaluation and Modernization ....................
24,163
8
13,006
11
42,162
13
48,309
15
+6,147
+2
FMMI .......................................................................
3,295
-
3,369
-
3,682
-
3,789
-
+107
-
IT Modernization and Support ..................................
18,827
-
20,786
-
23,090
-
23,762
-
+672
-
Driving System Improvements to Simplify and
Improve the Enrollment Experience ..........................
-
-
-
-
-
-
100,000
-
+100,000
-
Subtotal, Mandatory Other Program Costs ..........
235,729
372
244,580
393
390,752
548
521,025
565
+130,273
+17
Discretionary Other Program Costs:
FDPIR Nutrition Education .......................................
991
-
850
-
998
-
998
-
-
-
Demo Projects Tribal Organizations .........................
-
-
1,500
-
3,000
-
5,000
-
+2,000
-
Healthy Milk Incentives ............................................
-
-
-
-
-
-
3,000
-
+3,000
-
Healthy Fluid Milk (GP) ...........................................
-
2,995
-
4,000
-
-
-
-4,000
-
FDPIR Demonstration (GP) ......................................
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Subtotal, Discretionary Other Program Costs ......
991
-
5,345
-
7,998
-
8,998
-
+1,000
-
Subtotal, Other Program Costs ..............................
236,720
372
249,925
393
398,750
548
530,023
565
+131,273
-
Subtotal, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance
Program ...................................................................
95,603,635
372
114,939,201
393
132,389,135
548
115,480,351
565
-16,908,784
-
Nutrition Assistance for Puerto Rico .........................
2,037,976
-
2,501,805
-
2,815,630
-
2,962,426
+146,796
-
American Samoa .......................................................
8,185
-
10,047
-
11,308
-
11,897
+589
-
FDPIR:
USDA Foods in lieu of SNAP ...................................
30,442
-
69,629
2
99,150
1
96,401
1
-2,749
-
Distributing Agencies Expenses and Nut. Ed ............
57,244
-
58,906
-
63,000
-
68,600
-
+5,600
-
Subtotal, FDPIR ......................................................
87,686
-
128,535
-
162,150
-
165,001
-
+2,851
-
TEFAP Commodities
1/
............................................
404,471
2
451,376
2
445,500
2
468,752
2
+23,252
-
Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands ......
12,148
-
30,000
-
34,000
-
34,812
-
+812
-
Community Food Project ..........................................
5,000
-
5,000
-
5,000
-
5,000
-
-
-
Program Access ........................................................
4,800
-
4,997
-
5,000
-
5,000
-
-
-
Subtotal, Total Regular Obligations ......................
98,163,901
374
118,070,961
397
135,867,723
551
119,133,239
568
-16,734,484
+17
CARES ACT: FDPIR COVID Supp .........................
54,478
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Emerg Supp (Div N): Benefits-PEBT .......................
31,228,649
-
18,886,199
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Emerg Supp (Div N): PEBT Admin ..........................
583,471
-
465,455
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Emerg Supp (Div N): SNAP Waiver Auth ................
3,584,000
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Emerg Supp (Div N): COVID Relief Benefits-15%
7,634,699
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Emerg Supp (Div N): SAE Mass Change..................
100,000
-
2,256
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Emerg Supp (Div N): Puerto Rico Supp ...................
597,600
-
108,272
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Emerg Supp (Div N): AmSam Supp ........................
2,400
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Emerg Supp (Div N): CNMI Supp ............................
14,000
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Emerg Supp (Div N) Online Purch & Tech Imp .......
-
-
2,237
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
2
024 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE
35-96
Item
2021
Actual
FTE
2022
Actual
FTE
2023
Estimated
FTE
2024
Estimated
FTE
Inc/
Dec
FTE
Inc/
Dec
American Rescue Plan: COVID Relief Benefits-15%
Benefit Bump ............................................................
3,817,349
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
American Rescue Plan: Benefits P-EBT ...................
-
-
-
-
20,000,000
-
-
-
+20,000,000
-
American Rescue Plan: Admin .................................
-
-
-
-
500,000
-
-
-
-500,000
-
American Rescue Plan: SAE Mass Change ...............
241,299
-
444,923
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
American Rescue Plan: Online Purch & Tech
Improvements ...........................................................
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
American Rescue Plan: Puerto Rico Supplemental ...
966,120
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
American Rescue Plan: AmSam Supplemental .........
-
-
3,880
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
American Rescue Plan: CNMI Supplemental............
-
-
7,500
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
American Rescue Plan: Extension of SNAP Waiver
Authority ...................................................................
-
-
3,600,000
-
3,000,000
-
-
-
-3,000,000
-
Total Obligations including Supp Funding ...........
146,987,966
374
141,591,683
397
159,367,723
551
119,133,239
568
-40,234,484
+17
Rescission .................................................................
-
-
-
-
-8,000
-
-
-
8,000
-
Recoveries ................................................................
-
-
-58,000
-
-135,000
-
-
-
135,000
-
Unobligated Balance, Start of Year ...........................
-5,000,000
-
-6,110,000
-
-6,718,000
-
-6,273,000
-
445,000
-
Unobligated Balance, End of Year ............................
6,110,000
-
6,718,000
-
6,273,000
-
6,341,638
-
68,638
-
Balance Lapsing ........................................................
29,036,010
-
27,669,427
-
18,658,688
-
3,000,000
-
-15,658,688
-
Collections from Reimbursable Obligations..............
-69,000
-
-93,000
-
-100,000
-
-100,000
-
-
-
Sequestration.............................................................
10,325
-
12,879
-
14,656
-
15,681
-
1,025
-
Total Appropriation with Sequester ......................
177,075,301
374
169,730,989
397
177,353,067
551
122,117,558
568
-55,235,509
+17
1/ Up to 20 percent of the funding provided for The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) for the procurement of commodities may be used for TEFAP
administrative costs.
JUSTIFICATION OF INCREASES AND DECREASES
The numbers and letters of the following listing relates to values in the Change (Chg) Key column of the Project
Statement, compared to 2023 Estimated. The justification reflects a net decrease of $31,734,484,000. This change
includes:
(1) A decrease o
f $32,230,329,000 for SNAP Benefits ($140,127,000,000 available in 2023).
SNAP provides eligible low-income recipients with monthly allotments of benefits to purchase food at authorized retail
stores. In response to the Nation’s ongoing recovery from the pandemic, SNAP participation is expected begin declining
in 2024. This pattern is consistent with participation trends following past economic crises. In 2024, SNAP participation
is estimated to decrease by 1.3 million participants, from a pandemic high of 43.5 million participants in 2023 to 42.2
million in 2024. The overall cost of the program is expected to decrease significantly in 2024 due to the end of
emergency allotment payments that were provided through the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA)
beginning in 2020 and ending February 2023.
(2) An increase of $166,642,000 for State Administrative Expenses (SAE) ($5,707,550,000 available in 2023).
SAE are Federal matching funds for such expenses as certification, quality control, IT systems, and fraud control. This
increase is based on estimated inflationary increases in state and local government costs.
(3) An increase of $10,000,000 for Nutrition Education and Obesity Prevention Program ($506,000,000 available in 2023).
These funds support the Nutrition Education and Obesity Prevention Grant Program, established by Section 241 of the
Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 (P.L.111-296). The funding is allocated to States through a statutory formula,
and provides 100 percent Federal funding through two-year grants, which give States flexibility to target services where
they can be most effective. This change is based on estimated inflation as provided by the Consumer Price Index for all
Urban Consumers (CPI-U) per the statute.
(4) An increase of $13,630,000 for Employment and Training ($649,835,000 available in 2023).
These matching funds provide grants to States to conduct employment and training (E&T) programs to assist SNAP
participants to prepare for and find work. States use flexible SNAP E&T funding to serve lower-skilled, vulnerable
adults who often have limited access to employment services or job training otherwise. SNAP E&T programs are
designed to promote self-sufficiency. The E&T grants allow State agencies to choose the components that make up their
particular E&T programs and meet the specific needs of their SNAP recipients, including job search and job search
2
024 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE
35-97
training; basic education or vocational training; job retention services, and other workforce opportunities. This increase
is due to estimated inflationary increases in state and local government costs, as well as increased state investment in
programs.
(5) An increase of $127,
773,000 for mandatory other program costs ($390,752,000 available in 2023).
The overall change consists of the following:
a. An increase of $9,226,000 for Benefit & Retailer Redemption and Monitoring ($73,509,000 and 170 FTEs
available in 2023).
This will provide resources to support compliance specialists, investigators, quality assurance and data mining
experts, as well as administrative reviewers. Funding for contracts will support benefit redemption activity, as
well as most of the systems development and maintenance associated with retailer management. Of the
increase, $6.6 million is requested to support the Current Law Proposal: Develop State-of-the-Art-Systems for
SNAP Retailer Management. The remainder is due to estimated inflationary costs and a 5.2 percent pay
increase.
b. An increase of $354,000 for Certification of Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Recipients for SNAP
($21,045,000 available in 2023).
These funds are used for certifying SSI recipients for SNAP and utilizing Social Security Administration
(SSA) data to ensure accurate SNAP benefit determinations. These funds are also available for data exchange
and data mining efforts related to SSA and FNS data, as well as FNS oversight and technical assistance for
State Agency SSA activities provided for SNAP certification and data analysis efforts. This increase is due to
estimated inflationary costs.
c. An increase of $4,975,000 for Payment Accuracy and Cooperative Services ($77,837,000 and 120 FTEs
available in 2023).
This line supports a wide range of activities aimed at increasing payment accuracy and promotes integrity and
efficiency in State administration of the program by promoting a State exchange of ideas and information. This
line also provides funding for the Federal Quality Control (QC) system, and computer systems designed to
provide states with greater access to SNAP integrity tools. These activities are a core part of USDA’s program
integrity investments. Additional resources are utilized to decrease fraud. The requested increase includes $2
million to support the Current Law Proposal: FNS Enterprise Risk Management Program, as well as estimated
inflationary costs and a 5.2 percent pay increase.
d. An increase of $252,000 for Web-Based Automation of Systems ($7,898,000 and 4 FTEs available in 2023).
This line provides funding for IT, automation, and technology-based process improvement resources to
improve SNAP recipient program integrity. The requested increase includes estimated inflationary costs, and a
5.2 percent pay increase.
e. An increase of $1,571,000 for Retailer Integrity and Trafficking ($35,879,000 and 68 FTEs available in 2023).
This line provides funding for a “strike force” of retailer investigators, for oversight of the more than 250,000
retailers authorized to redeem SNAP benefits, and for other activities that promote retailer integrity efforts.
The increase is due to estimated inflationary increases and a 5.2 percent pay increase.
f. An increase of $355,000 for Computer Support ($21,105,000 available in 2023).
This line supports the essential systems needed to administer SNAP, including the Federal staff required to
operate and maintain those systems. These systems include SNAP-specific systems, and FNS’ internal
computer systems that support the activities of Federal staff. The increase is due to estimated inflationary costs.
g. An increase of $1,537,000 including 5 FTEs for Electronic Benefit Transfer Systems ($19,167,000 and 51
FTEs available in 2023).
This line supports efforts associated with nationwide EBT, including staff responsible for the oversight of EBT
systems, and staff and systems associated with the collection and review of EBT data. Funds strengthen
oversight efforts promoting integrity and efficiency in State administration of SNAP by enabling States to
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024 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE
35-98
travel, interact, and exchange ideas and information. Funds are also available to support the participation of
farmers’ markets in SNAP by providing equipment and support grants to new markets and those currently
participating in the program. The requested increase includes $900,000 to support the hiring of subject matter
experts with specialized knowledge of payment system industry standards; see Current Law Proposal: Support
EBT Modernization and EBT Benefit Theft Fraud Prevention. The remaining increase is due to estimated
inflationary costs and a 5.2 percent pay increase.
h. An increase of $5,077,000 including 10 FTEs for Nutrition Education and Program Information ($65,378,000
and 104 FTEs available in 2023).
This line supports Federal costs for SNAP nutrition education initiatives, and supports national projects,
including program information and educational efforts to increase awareness of the nutrition benefits of SNAP.
The increase includes $2.5 million for two Current Law Proposals: Increase promotion of the Dietary
Guidelines for Americans in SNAP Nutrition Education and Improve Integrity and Customer Service in
TEFAP and FDPIR through increased Federal staffing. The remainder is due to estimated inflationary costs
and a 5.2 percent pay raise.
i. An increase of $6,147,000 including 2 FTEs for Program Evaluation and Modernization ($42,162,000 and 13
FTEs available in 2023).
FNS conducts a variety of studies, evaluations, and related activities that respond to the needs of policy makers
and managers and help ensure that nutrition programs achieve their goals. This line supports efforts for SNAP,
including the Federal staff needed to oversee this vital work. This request includes two Current Law Proposals:
$2.4 million for SNAP BOT Innovation Emerging Technology Grants and a one-time request for $3 million to
Fund Research on TEFAP and the FDPIR Self-Determination Demonstration Projects. The remainder is due to
estimated inflationary costs and a 5.2 percent pay raise.
j. An increase of $107,000 for the Financial Management Modernization Initiative (FMMI) ($3,682,000
available in 2023).
Financial Management Modernization Initiative (FMMI) is an on-going project to enhance financial system
transparency and reporting capabilities in advance of new OMB and Treasury initiatives to improve financial
management and reporting government wide. This transparency and advanced functionality will support
ensuring integrity in SNAP. An increase of $107,000 is due to estimated inflationary costs.
k. An increase of $672,000 for IT Modernization and Support ($23,090,000 available in 2023).
This line provides for the operations, maintenance, and enhancement costs associated with Federal systems and
equipment. The increase is due to estimated inflationary costs.
l. An increase of $100,000,000 for Driving System Improvements to Simplify and Improve the Enrollment
Experience ($0 available in 2023).
This proposal establishes new funding for competitive multi-year grants to State Agencies for compelling State
and local projects designed to drive system improvements in the SNAP client enrollment and participation
experience. See Current Law Proposal: Driving System Improvements to Simplify and Improve the Enrollment
Experience.
(6) An increase of $1,000,000 in discretionary funds ($7,998,000 ava
ilable in 2023).
a. An increase of $2,000,000 for demonstration projects for tribal organizations ($3,000,000 available in 2023).
This increase would extend and expand FDPIR Self Determination Demonstration Projects, authorized by
section 4003(b) of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, to their fully authorized level of $5 million.
Please see Current Law Proposal: Extension and Expansion of FDPIR Self Determination Demonstration
Projects.
b. A decrease of $1,000,000 for Healthy Milk Incentives ($4,000,000 available in 2023).
Section 4208 of the Agricultural Improvement Act of 2018, P.L. 115-334, provides cooperative agreements
with governmental entities or nonprofit organizations. This item was funded as a General Provision in 2023.
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024 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE
(7) An increase of $146,796,000 for Nutrition Assistance Program for Puerto Rico ($2,815,630,000 available in 2023).
Section 19(b) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (as amended by P.L. 110-246), provides a block grant to
Puerto Rico to administer NAP benefits. The change is due to the estimated increase in the Thrifty Food Plan (TFP)
used to adjust the block grant annually.
(8) An increase of $589,000 for American Samoa ($11,308,000 available in 2023).
Section 19(c) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (as amended by P.L. 110-246), provides a block grant to
American Samoa to administer SNAP benefits. The change is due to the estimated increase in the TFP used to
adjust the block grant annually.
(9) An increase of $2,851,000 for Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR) ($162,150,000 and 1
FTE available in 2023).
The Food and Nutrition Act of 2008, as amended, provides for an alternative program to SNAP for low-income
individuals living on or near qualifying Indian reservations or service areas in Oklahoma. This line provides for the
food costs and administration of this program. FDPIR participants are generally able to choose whether they
participate in SNAP or FDPIR. As SNAP benefits decline due to the end of emergency allotments, the Budget
anticipates that more eligible Tribal members will choose to participate in FDPIR. Requested funding supports the
return of participation to pre-pandemic levels.
(10) An increase of $23,252,000 for The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) ($445,500,000 and 2 FTEs
available in 2023).
Section 27(a) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 requires the Secretary to purchase USDA Foods for
distribution through The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP). The section establishes a baseline funding
level and a formula for annual adjustments based on food price inflation. The change is due to the estimated
changes in the TFP and a 5.2 percent pay increase.
(11) An increase of $812,000 for the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) ($34,000,000 available in
2023).
This increase reflects an inflationary adjustment.
Table FNS-57. Summary of 2024 Mandatory Current Law Proposals for SNAP
Proposal
Amount
(Thousands)
Develop State-of-the-Art Systems Retailer Management .......................................................................................
$6,600
FNS Enterprise Risk Management Program ...........................................................................................................
2,000
Support EBT Modernization and EBT Benefit Theft Fraud Prevention .................................................................
900
Increase promotion of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans in SNAP Nutrition Education .................................
1,000
Improve integrity and customer service in TEFAP and FDPIR through increased Federal staffing .......................
1,500
SNAP BOT Innovation Emerging Technologies Grant ..........................................................................................
2,400
Fund research on TEFAP and the FDPIR Self-Determination Demonstration Projects .........................................
3,000
Driving System Improvements to Simplify and Improve the Enrollment and Participation Experience ................
100,000
Extension and Expansion of FDPIR Self Determination Demonstration Project....................................................
2,000
Total .......................................................................................................................................................................
$119,400
CURRENT LAW
Develop State-of-the-Art Systems for SNAP Retailer Management
Advancement in options for infrastructure, platform, software, and analytics make replacement of Store Tracking and
Redemption System (STARS) and Anti-Fraud Locator Using EBT Retailer Transactions (ALERT) necessary for
improving communication with customers, efficiency of internal workflows, management of long-term costs associated
with emerging security requirements, and enhancement and maintenance of the system.
SNAP seeks to update, enhance, and streamline the STARS and ALERT system platform, architecture, and interfaces,
and enhance system security and data encryption capabilities to address evolving cyber-security threats.
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024 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE
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Advancing technologically to cloud-hosted, low/no-code applications will provide the following benefits:
• Enables the Agency to pay for infrastructure as services are consumed, rather than requiring ongoing
investment, maintenance, and replacement of capital infrastructure;
• Ensures effective compliance with content security policies through resource availability, data redundancy, and
disaster recovery;
• Allows data processing, systems integration, and security to be managed effectively by the USDA’s cloud
service provider;
• Reduces technology constraints to ensure that program policy requirements and related protocols drive
systems;
• Reduces the cost of enhancements and improves implementation timeframes when changes to program
requirements occur;
• Reduces the cycle time for deploying security patches and software updates;
• Creates rich user interfaces that can be more readily accessed via multiple device and browser types; and
• Realizes Operations and Maintenance cost savings (patching, helpdesk support, data handling) and improves
the customer experience by moving case management, along with interfacing systems, to a common platform.
Table FNS-58. Change in Funding (thousands of dollars)
Item
2024
2025
2026
2027
2028
2029
2030
2031
2032
2033
10 Year Total
Budget Authority
6,600
6,500
1,000
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
14,100
Outlays
6,600
6,500
1,000
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
14,100
CURRENT LAW
FNS Enterprise Risk Management Program
This proposal will fund FNS implementation of a comprehensive Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) program across
FNS program areas. OMB Circular No. A-123 directs Federal agencies to integrate and coordinate risk management and
strong and effective internal controls into existing business activities and as an integral part of managing an Agency.
This proposal intends to take existing risk management processes, that may operate at times as a silo within a business
area and formalize a comprehensive program across the agency. This proposal will fund resources to operate the
program, leadership training, and implementation of further integrating ERM into FNS’s strategic planning process. The
plan will include identification and implementation of risk mitigation strategies, tracking of the risk profile and similar
activities in line with industry standard risk management principles and the OMB circular.
By incorporating ERM processes, FNS will achieve the following results:
• Break down silos and build transparency by improving communication about managing risk across the
enterprise;
• Use root cause analysis to systematically and thoughtfully build risk management into work processes;
• Proactively identify and monitor risk to quickly and efficiently address issues with high impact and/or visibility
to the program;
• Improve decision making and use of resources by allowing for quick pivots and implementation of a strategic
response through advanced identification of risks and mitigation strategies;
• Increase efficiency by identifying clear focus areas for leaders, managers and staff, especially when facing
multiple demands; and
• Prioritize workload and problem-solving issues with programmatic delivery affecting access, integrity, equity,
and nutrition security using a systematic process applied across all FNS nutrition programs.
Table FNS-59. Change in Funding (thousands of dollars)
Item 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033
10 Year
Total
Budget Authority
(SNAP)
$2,000 $2,000 $1,000 $1,000 $1,000 $1,000 $1,000 $1,000 $1,000 $1,000 $12,000
Outlays
2,000
2,000
1,000
1,000
1,000
1,000
1,000
1,000
1,000
1,000
12,000
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024 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE
CURRENT LAW
Support EBT Modernization and EBT Benefit Theft Fraud Prevention
Title IV, Section 501 of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023, requires the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) to
promulgate regulations that require State agencies to implement EBT card security measures that effectively detect and
prevent theft of benefits, including through card skimming, card cloning, and other similar fraudulent methods, using
industry standards and considering feasibility.
FNS proposes to add five additional FTEs in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program to hire subject matter
experts with specialized knowledge of payment system industry standards as FNS moves away from the use of outdated
magnetic stripe technology. This includes the use of chip cards and contactless payment methods, such as near-field
communication (NFC) or quick response (QR) codes. FNS requires technical experts to assist with developing
regulations, ensuring consistency with industry standards, and testing feasibility. Additional support is expected to
further strengthen existing long-term efforts to expand SNAP online purchasing and the SNAP Mobile Payment Pilot.
Table FNS-60. Change in Funding (thousands of dollars)
Item
2024
2025
2026
2027
2028
2029
2030
2031
2032
2033
10 Year Total
Budget Authority
$900
$927
$955
$983
$1,013
$1,043
$1,075
$1,107
$1,140
$1,174
$10,317
Outlays
900
927
955
983
1,013
1,043
1,075
1,107
1,140
1,174
10,317
CURRENT LAW
Increase promotion of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans in SNAP Nutrition Education
MyPlate serves as a key consumer resource that SNAP-Ed’s state and local nutrition educators rely on to translate the
Dietary Guidelines for Americans into easy-to-use consumer content and tools. CNPP’s congressionally mandated,
newly expanded work to reevaluate the Thrifty Food Plan every five years also means there is now an expanded need
for MyPlate consumer translation of the market baskets into content grounded in the Dietary Guidelines, and innovation
to help communities most in need. The proposed funding will make it possible for SNAP participants–particularly low-
income communities and communities of color, who disproportionately suffer from diet-related chronic conditions due
to systemic iniquities–to have easy access to free, credible, consumer tested and actionable resources that are practical
and can be personalized to help them shop and eat healthfully. The work to provide these entails evolving consumer
tools, such as the consumer-tested Shop Simple with MyPlate web-based tool that uniquely provides users with
USDA’s SNAP resources all in one portable place; and identifying who or what organizations are valued as credible
voices, and working with them to help reach these communities with evidence-based strategies and resources that meet
people where they are culturally, financially, and personally.
Table FNS-61. Change in Funding (thousands of dollars)
Item 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033
10 Year
Total
Budget Authority
$1,000
$1,000
$1,000
$1,000
$1,000
$1,000
$1,000
$1,000
$1,000
$1,000
$10,000
Outlays
1,000
1,000
1,000
1,000
1,000
1,000
1,000
1,000
1,000
1,000
10,000
CURRENT LAW
Improve integrity and customer service in TEFAP and FDPIR through increased Federal staffing.
This proposal would provide an additional $1.5 million, adjusted annually for inflation, through the SNAP account to
support additional federal staff for TEFAP and FDPIR. The addition of programmatic and operational staff will result in
enhanced technical assistance, support to program stakeholders, and improve program integrity and customer service /
experience. In recent years, an influx of funding provided to both programs from a variety of sources has made the
Federal administration of the programs more complex and has increased the need for federal staff support and technical
assistance to both TEFAP State agencies and FDPIR administering agencies.
Supplemental funding provided to support the emergency feeding network in recent years includes over $2 billion in
additional food and administrative funding through the trade mitigation program, nearly $2 billion in additional food
and administrative funding for coronavirus response, $100 million in Reach and Resiliency grant funding, and $4
million annually in Farm to Food Bank funding. There were also substantial increases in the amount of Section 32
bonus and other market support foods provided to these efforts, in addition to an increase in regularly appropriated
food
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024 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE
funding for TEFAP as result of a recent re-evaluation of the Thrifty Food Plan. Supplemental funds provided to FDPIR
include $100 million in coronavirus response funding, a $4 million increase in nutrition education funding, and $3
million annually from 2020 through 2023 for implementation of the FDPIR self-determination demonstration project.
Though the volume of USDA Foods purchases and additional resources provided to these programs has increased
exponentially over the past few years, staff increases have not kept pace to support the additional oversight that these
investments and initiatives require. This proposal would add 10 FTEs across the FNS national and regional offices to
ensure that staffing mirrors the growth in both of these programs. This investment will also support alignment of work
efforts across FNS National and Regional Offices.
Table FNS-62. Change in Funding (thousands of dollars)
Item 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033
10 Year
Total
Budget
Authority
$1,500 $1,500 $1,500 $1,500 $1,500 $1,500 $1,500 $1,500 $1,500 $1,500 $15,000
Outlays
1,500
1,500
1,500
1,500
1,500
1,500
1,500
1,500
1,500
1,500
15,000
CURRENT LAW
SNAP BOT Innovation Emerging Technologies Grants
This proposal would fund a four-year competitive grant program for SNAP State agencies to develop, test, and
implement emerging technologies aimed at strengthening the delivery of customer service by improving client
communications and access, improving program efficiency, and reducing burden. The pilot would provide $2 million
each year in grants and would include a rigorous evaluation component to identify effective strategies and focus on
customer experience. If these are successful, we would consider future funding opportunities.
One emerging technology, “bots,” otherwise known as Robotic Process Automation, or RPA, can be used to complete
limited tasks in line with SNAP’s current non-merit personnel guidance. Bots have the potential to improve SNAP
application timeliness rates, reduce errors, and increase efficiency by helping clear application backlogs and reduce
repetitive tasks done by eligibility workers. Bots also have the potential to improve client access to program and case
specific information. While other Federal assistance programs such as Medicaid have supported bots in eligibility
determinations, SNAP has not yet tested this technology.
The grants will allow States to test innovations they otherwise might not be able to afford under normal administrative
funds. A rigorous evaluation, including an examination of customer service impacts, and data collection under these
grants will allow SNAP the ability to evaluate the impact of emerging technologies on client access and program
efficacy.
The proposal seeks an additional $400,0000 per year for two staff in financial management to support the new grant
program.
Table FNS-63. Change in Funding (thousands of dollars)
Item
2024
2025
2026
2027
2028
2029
2030
2031
2032
2033
10 Year Total
Budget Authority
$2,400
$2,400
$2,400
$2,400
-
-
-
-
-
-
$9,600
Outlays
2,400
2,400
2,400
2,400
-
-
-
-
-
-
9,600
CURRENT LAW
Fund research on TEFAP and the FDPIR Self-Determination Demonstration Projects
This proposal would provide one-time funding for critical studies of TEFAP and FDPIR and they role they play in
efforts to improve nutrition security.
TEFAP supports the emergency feeding network by distributing USDA-purchased, domestically grown foods for use by
emergency feeding organizations including soup kitchens, food recovery organizations, and food banks, which work to
distribute the foods directly to low-income households. Historically, TEFAP provided about $300-600 million of food
annually, but additional funding provided by through trade mitigation efforts and various COVID relief supplementals
have significantly increased TEFAP resources in recent years. This proposal would provide $2 million to support a
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024 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE
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formal research study on TEFAP States and eligible recipient agencies to better understand access, program coverage,
and service models with a nutrition security lens.
Since 2020, Congress has provided funding for demonstration projects with Indian Tribal Organizations administering
TEFAP to enter into self-determination contracts to purchase USDA Foods, as authorized by Section 4003(b) of the
2018 Farm Bill. This proposal would also provide $1 million for an evaluation of the FDPIR Self-Determination
Demonstration Projects, allowing FNS to better understand whether the stated goals of the demonstration project were
achieved. The study will consider what worked well and what could be improved in future contracts in the self-
determination and self-governance sphere. Key questions will include which foods were purchased, whether the
demonstration was associated with higher participation, if there were observed economic impacts in local Tribal
economies, links with nutrition education, how Tribes used the overall budget and lessons observed from the
contracting processes. The results will include ideas around best practices that could be applied to future demonstrations
or expansion of the program.
Table FNS-64. Change in Funding (thousands of dollars)
Item
2024
2025
2026
2027
2028
2029
2030
2031
2032
2033
10 Year Total
Budget Authority
$3,000
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
$3,000
Outlays
3,000
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
3,000
CURRENT LAW
Driving System Improvements to Simplify and Improve the Enrollment and Participation Experience
Establish funding for competitive multi-year grants to State Agencies for State and local projects to incentivize positive
changes in SNAP that are consistent with Administration priorities. SNAP would coordinate this work with the
Administration’s ongoing Facing Financial Shock work. The goals would be to fund the most compelling proposals that
focused on increased enrollment rates and reduced barriers / burden to program enrollment and re-enrollment;
streamline eligibility determinations to increase State capacity and speed benefit delivery time; and improve customer
service and client experience. The evaluation process would focus on the client experience impact of this effort.
Funds would be used to support a specified list of efforts such as:
• Automate creation of required reports: Enhance system reporting functionality so that all FNS required reports
are automatically generated and do not require additional enhancements or one-off data requests.
• Mobile Accessibility: Enhance or redevelop system interfaces to ensure user applications can be submitted via
a range of mobile devices, browsers, and network speeds. This would broaden the reach of online SNAP tools
to a user base that is frequently dependent on mobile devices for internet access.
• Plain Language Adoption: Update notices to conform to the plain language model notices in FNS’ Model
Notice Toolkit. States could also propose additional activities to revise paper and digital content to use plain
language, with the encouragement to share outputs from their user research.
• Online application connection to eligibility systems: Some States do not currently have their online
applications connected to their eligibility systems, causing workers to have to take time to re-key items from
the application into the system. States could use additional matching funds to enhance this process.
• Enhance client portals: Create or enhance client portals that allow applicants to view the status of their
application, a list of verification documents that are still outstanding, and copies of electronic notices.
Table FNS-65. Change in Funding (thousands of dollars)
Item 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033
10
Year
Total
Budget
Authority
$
100,000
$
100,000
$
100,000
$
100,000
$
100,000
$
100,000
$
100,000
$
100,000
$
100,000
$
100,000
$
1,000,000
Outlays
100,000
100,000
100,000
100,000
100,000
100,000
100,000
100,000
100,000
100,000
1,000,000
2
024 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE
35-104
CURRENT LAW
Extension and Expansion of FDPIR Self Determination Demonstration Projects
This proposal would extend and expand the FDPIR Self Determination Demonstration Project by increasing the annual
appropriation amount from $3 million to its full $5 million authorization level. Section 4003(b) of the Agriculture
Improvement Act of 2018 (Pub. L. 115-334, the 2018 Farm Bill) authorized $5 million for USDA to establish a
demonstration project for one or more Indian Tribal Organizations (ITOs) administering the Food Distribution Program
on Indian Reservations (FDPIR) to enter into self-determination contracts (i.e., 638 contracts) to purchase USDA Foods
for the FDPIR food package for their Tribe. Three million was appropriated in 2020 and 2021 for implementation of
this section with seven self-determination contracts awarded using these funds. An additional $3 million was provided
in 2022, which supported further expansion of the project, including the award of new contracts.
Continued and increased funding for the demonstration project is of utmost importance to FDPIR ITOs and other
stakeholders who view the project positively. The project addresses many local Tribal needs such as the inclusion of
preferred traditional foods, added flexibilities in delivery schedules and storage, and Tribal choice of food procurement.
The contracts that have been awarded to date also are by and large supporting Tribal producers, thus allowing ITOs to
bolster Tribal economies and increase food sovereignty with project funds. In many cases, these producers are
expanding normal agricultural, husbandry, and fishing operations to meet the needs of the demonstration project.
Increasing funding to the fully authorized amount will allow FNS to continue supporting these producers’ participation
in the project, thereby providing assurance to them that their investments were merited and that USDA considers them
to be long-term FDPIR stakeholders.
Increased funds will also support additional participation in the demonstration project by new producers and ITOs, and
cover some Federal administrative costs associated with coordinating and tracking the Tribally-procured foods.
Increasing funding for the demonstration project to the fully authorized amount would send a strong message to
stakeholders regarding FNS’ commitment to Tribal sovereignty in the program.
Table FNS-66. Change in Funding (thousands of dollars)
Item 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033
10 Year
Total
Budget Authority
$2,000
$2,000
$2,000
$2,000
$2,000
$2,000
$2,000
$2,000
$2,000
$2,000
$20,000
Outlays
2,000
2,000
2,000
2,000
2,000
2,000
2,000
2,000
2,000
2,000
20,000
2
024 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE
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GEOGRAPHIC BREAKDOWN OF OBLIGATIONS AND FTES
Table FNS-67. SNAP Geographic Breakdown of Obligations and FTE (thousands of dollars, FTE)
State/Territory/Country
2021
Actual
FTE
2022
Actual
FTE
2023
Estimated
FTE
2024
Estimated
FTE
Alabama ...........................
$590
4
$814
5
$1,075
6
$1,430
7
Arkansas ...........................
144
1
174
-
230
-
306
-
Arizona .............................
-
-
21
-
28
-
37
-
California ..........................
5,062
32
6,078
35
8,028
48
10,682
50
Colorado ...........................
3,180
20
3,067
18
4,051
24
5,390
25
Connecticut ......................
158
1
424
2
560
3
746
3
District of Columbia .........
-
-
3,171
18
4,189
25
5,573
26
Delaware ..........................
197
1
174
1
230
1
306
1
Florida ..............................
1,267
8
2,267
13
2,995
18
3,984
19
Georgia .............................
4,187
26
4,339
25
5,732
34
7,626
35
Hawaii ..............................
165
1
271
2
358
2
477
2
Iowa ..................................
-
-
153
1
202
1
269
1
Illinois ..............................
4,187
26
3,247
19
4,290
26
5,708
27
Indiana ..............................
181
1
730
4
965
6
1,283
6
Kentucky ..........................
308
2
348
2
459
3
611
3
Massachusetts ...................
2,661
17
2,642
15
3,491
21
4,644
22
Maryland ..........................
784
5
4,659
27
6,155
37
8,189
38
Maine................................
-
-
195
1
257
2
342
2
Michigan ..........................
311
2
515
3
680
4
904
4
Minnesota .........................
415
3
369
2
487
3
648
3
Missouri ............................
311
2
522
3
689
4
917
4
North Carolina ..................
461
3
709
4
937
6
1,247
6
New Hampshire ................
159
1
522
3
689
4
917
4
New Jersey .......................
4,111
26
4,617
26
6,099
37
8,115
38
Nevada ..............................
-
0
21
-
28
-
37
-
New York .........................
2,880
18
3,936
22
5,199
31
6,918
32
Ohio ..................................
773
5
702
4
928
6
1,234
6
Oklahoma .........................
309
2
355
2
468
3
623
3
Oregon ..............................
810
5
841
5
1,111
7
1,479
7
Pennsylvania.....................
1,229
8
2,858
16
3,775
23
5,023
23
Puerto Rico .......................
-
-
70
-
92
1
122
1
South Carolina ..................
482
3
702
4
928
6
1,234
6
South Dakota ....................
-
-
174
1
230
1
306
1
Tennessee .........................
171
1
174
1
230
1
306
1
Texas ................................
3,548
22
5,354
31
7,073
42
9,411
44
Utah ..................................
633
4
709
4
937
6
1,247
6
Virginia ............................
161,247
117
189,565
70
193,420
97
198,489
100
Washington ......................
148
1
702
4
928
6
1,234
6
Wisconsin .........................
519
3
730
4
965
6
1,283
6
West Virginia ...................
519
3
-
-
-
-
-
-
Wyoming ..........................
-
-
174
-
230
-
306
-
Total, Available ...................
202,107
374
247,095
397
269,418
551
299,603
568
The geographic breakdown data reports only Federal administrative costs. Non-administrative costs such as grants to states and benefits are
excluded.
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024 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE
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CLASSIFICATION BY OBJECTS
Table FNS-68. Classification by Objects (thousands of dollars)
Item No.
Item
2021
Actual
2022
Actual
2023
Estimated
2024
Estimated
Personnel Compensation:
Washington D.C. .....................................................................
$16,271
$20,250
$26,470
$28,664
Personnel Compensation, Field ...............................................
25,082
30,376
39,704
42,996
11.0
Total personnel compensation .................................................
41,353
50,626
66,174
71,660
12.0
Personal benefits ......................................................................
17,915
14,804
28,360
30,712
Total, personnel comp. and benefits ........................................
59,268
65,430
94,534
102,372
Other Objects:
21.0
Travel and transportation of persons ........................................
1,545
2,100
5,200
8,100
22.0
Transportation of things ...........................................................
165
200
250
300
23.3
Communications, utilities and misc. charges ...........................
234
250
260
275
24.0
Printing and reproductions .......................................................
678
700
750
800
25.3
Other goods and services from Federal sources .......................
81,990
81,990
81,990
81,990
26.0
Supplies and materials .............................................................
434,913
580,000
608,000
634,000
31.0
Equipment ................................................................................
907
1,000
1,100
1,200
41.0
Grants, subsidies and contributions .........................................
146,339,266
140,766,740
158,475,639
118,204,202
Total, other objects ..................................................................
146,859,698
141,432,980
159,173,189
118,930,867
Reimbursable obligations ........................................................
69,000
93,273
100,000
100,000
99.9
Total, new obligations ............................................................
146,987,966
141,591,683
159,367,723
119,133,239
2
024 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE
35-107
STATUS OF PROGRAMS
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) works to raise nutrition levels of low-income households
by ensuring access to a healthful diet through nutrition assistance and nutrition education. SNAP provides eligible
low-income recipients with monthly allotments of benefits to purchase food at authorized retail stores.
Eligibility and allotment amounts are based on household size, income, and expenses. Eligibility is also based on
assets, citizenship or legal immigration status, and other factors. Benefits are adjusted annually to reflect changes in
the June cost of the Thrifty Food Plan (a low-cost market basket of foods that meet the recommendations of the
Dietary Guidelines for Americans for a four-person reference family). The Federal Government pays the full cost of
benefits and funds approximately half of the expenses incurred by the States to administer the program.
The SNAP account also includes the Nutrition Assistance Programs for Puerto Rico (NAP), American Samoa, and
the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands; the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations
(FDPIR); and the funding for USDA Foods used in The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP).
F
ACTS IN BRIEF
Program Participation
SNAP participation for Fiscal Year (FY) 2022 averaged 41.21 million persons per month, representing
approximately a 1 percent decrease from the average monthly participation in 2021. The following table displays
data on benefit costs and participation for 2018 through 2022:
Table FNS-69. SNAP Benefit Costs and Participation
SNAP
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
Avg. Participation (Millions) .........................
40.78
35.70
39.85
41.55
41.20
Benefit Costs (Billions) ..................................
$60.9
$55.62
$74.10
$108.52
$114.49
Average/Person/Month ...................................
$124.50
$129.83
$154.94
$217.65
$231.58
% Of Population Participating ........................
12.3
10.7
11.9
12.3
12.2
Persons Unemployed (Millions) .....................
6.4
6.2
11.7
9.6
6.2
Participation Rates among Eligible People
The most recent figures from Trends in SNAP Participation Rates: Fiscal Year 2016 to Fiscal Year 2020 shows that
in 2020, 78 percent of all those who were eligible for SNAP participated in the program. This indicates that the
program is effectively serving those most in need of nutrition assistance. Beginning in 2021, FNS began issuing an
annual outreach priorities memo to encourage States to target outreach efforts to underserved communities, such as
veterans, college students, and immigrant communities and mixed status families.
Characteristics of SNAP Households
The most recent analysis of household characteristics data, examining 2020 indicates that:
• 81 percent of SNAP households included a child, an elderly (age 60 or older) person, or a person with
disabilities;
• The gross income of 81 percent of SNAP households was below the Federal poverty level;
• 36 percent of SNAP households had income at or below 50 percent of poverty;
• 54 percent of SNAP households had income at or below 75 percent of poverty;
• 41 percent of SNAP participants lived in households with earnings.
Program Integrity
Recent data demonstrates that the program integrity efforts of FNS and its State partners are yielding results and
continue to trend in the right direction. Trafficking continues to be very low. The latest trafficking rate was 1.6
percent in the period 2015 to 2017.Trafficking most typically occurs when SNAP benefits are traded for cash or are
not used for their intended purpose. In spite of holding trafficking to a low level, more work remains. In 2022, FNS
again increased efforts to prevent and identify fraud and hold bad actors accountable for misuse of the program.
FNS is responsible for monitoring retailers participating in SNAP and holding them accountable for abiding by the
rules.
Efforts to support retailer integrity included:
• Continued training of compliance staff;
• Studied authorized stores and data to determine which warrant further investigation: 22,510;
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024 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE
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• Imposed sanctions against retailers determined to have committed violations against SNAP: 2,344; and
• Disqualified retailers permanently from SNAP due to trafficking or falsifying an application: 999.
By law, SNAP State agencies are responsible for identifying and holding accountable recipients who break the rules.
FNS continued to support recipient integrity through:
• Awarding six SNAP Fraud Framework Implementation Grants totaling approximately $3.6 million to fund
innovative State projects designed to reduce recipient fraud and enhance integrity using principles from the
SNAP Fraud Framework (Texas, Wisconsin, California, District of Columbia, Illinois, and Wyoming)
• This assistance is a continuation of FNS’ efforts surrounding the SNAP Fraud Framework, a collection of
procedures, innovative ideas, and best practices that FNS issued to State agencies in May 2018.
• Awarding a contract to assess emerging trends in recipient fraud. This contract’s findings will be available
in late 2023, and FNS plans to use these findings to inform future updates to the SNAP Fraud Framework.
FNS continued development of a nationwide National Accuracy Clearinghouse (NAC). This real-time data matching
tool is intended to reduce improper payments by preventing duplicate participation across States.
• Submission of the NAC interim final rule to the Federal Register. This interim final rule, finalized in 2022,
codifies the requirements for NAC data matching by State agencies. Published on October 3, 2022.
• Development of the new NAC system is ongoing. The new NAC system will build on the success of the
NAC pilot, and it will be implemented nationwide by October 4, 2027, as required by the Agriculture
Improvement Act of 2018 (the 2018 Farm Bill).
• Incorporation of enhanced security measures to protect participant personally identifiable information (PII)
through a system design that eliminates the need to retain the most sensitive PII of SNAP participants and
applicants.
• The NAC is estimated to produce a net reduction in Federal SNAP spending of approximately $463 million
over five years, and a decrease in improper SNAP benefit payments of nearly $498 million over five years
due to detection and prevention of duplicate participation.
Participant Characteristics
The following data describes general characteristics of SNAP recipients during an average month in the fiscal year,
in terms of both individuals and households:
Table FNS-70. Characteristics of SNAP Recipients
October Characteristics of SNAP Recipients
2017
2018
2019
2020
Individuals:
Average Number (in Millions) ..............................................................
41.5
39.3
35.7
36.4
% Children ............................................................................................
43.5
43.6
43.0
42.0
% Elderly ..............................................................................................
13.1
14.2
16.0
16.2
% Disabled Nonelderly Adults .............................................................
9.5
9.5
10.0
11.8
% Female ..............................................................................................
57.2
57.4
57.4
57.3
% Nonelderly Adults Registered for Work ...........................................
28.9
28.8
28.8
25.9
Average Household Size .......................................................................
2.0
2.0
2.0
1.9
Households:
Average Number (in Millions) ..............................................................
20.6
19.7
19.7
18.7
% Receiving Maximum Benefit ............................................................
37
37
37
37
% Certified 12 Months or More ............................................................
74
75
75
77
% with Earned Income ..........................................................................
31
30
30
28
% with AFDC/TAFN Income ...............................................................
5
4
4
4
Average Gross Monthly Income ...........................................................
$837
$844
$844
$890
Average Net Monthly Income ..............................................................
$384
$383
$383
$408
% With Zero Gross Income ..................................................................
19
19
19
19
% with Zero Net Income .......................................................................
36
36
36
35
% with Gross Monthly Incomes Less than $400 ...................................
28
28
28
27
% Gross Income Below Poverty Guidelines .........................................
81
81
81
81
% Gross Income Below 50% of Poverty Guideline ..............................
38
38
38
36
Average Shelter Deduction ...................................................................
$406
$418
$418
$441
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024 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE
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October Characteristics of SNAP Recipients
2017
2018
2019
2020
Average Shelter Expense ......................................................................
$622
$635
$635
$671
% at Shelter Cap (Maximum shelter deduction) ...................................
15
14
14
13
Source: Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Quality Control Sample – Data may not match fiscal year data from other sources
General Activities
Regulations Issued in 2022
During 2022, two SNAP rulemaking actions were published in the Federal Register:
1) June 14, 2022: Final rule: Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program: Civil Rights Update to the Federal-
State Agreement. Updates SNAP civil rights assurance template language for the Federal-State agreement
and reflects existing requirements and protections established by Federal law and existing policy.
2) June 27, 2022: Proposed Rule: Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program: Revision of Civil Right Data
Collection Methods. The Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) proposed to revise Supplemental Nutrition
Assistance Program (SNAP) regulations that cover the collection and reporting of race and ethnicity data
by State agencies on persons receiving benefits from SNAP. This rule would remove regulatory language
that provides an example that State agencies might collect race and ethnicity data by observation (also
referred to as ‘‘visual observation’’) when participants do not voluntarily provide the information on the
application form.
Online Purchasing Pilot
The 2014 Farm Bill mandated a pilot to test the feasibility and implications of allowing retail food stores to accept
SNAP benefits through online transactions. The Online Purchasing Pilot is required to be secure, private, easy to
use, and provide similar support to that found for SNAP transactions in a retail store. Benefits cannot be used to pay
for fees of any type, such as delivery, service, or convenience fees. The goal is to ensure that the foundational
infrastructure necessary for running SNAP transactions online operates in a safe and secure manner.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, FNS expanded SNAP Online Purchasing to additional States and retailers.
SNAP online purchasing is currently operational in 49 States and the District of Columbia and more than 99 percent
of all households receiving SNAP now have access to online purchasing. The expansion of SNAP online purchasing
to independently owned and operated retail stores beyond those included in the original pilot continues to be a
priority for the Agency. SNAP is providing customer service and technical assistance to all interested parties and
released a request for proposals in 2022 with award scheduled for Quarter 1 in 2023 for the creation of a technical
assistance center (via a grant award to a non-profit) to increase the Agency’s capacity to provide technical assistance
tailored to the needs of small retailers. As such, FNS expects numerous additional smaller retailers to stand up
online purchasing in 2023. The pilot uses technology to improve customer service and food access, so that SNAP
participants can shop for food using the internet like all other consumers.
Grants to Improve Program Access and Eligibility Determination
FNS awarded Process and Technology Improvement Grants (PTIG) to local and State SNAP agencies and
community partners. The grants are authorized by the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008, which provides FNS the
authority to award $5 million dollars in funds each year. The 2022 PTIG awarded projects focused on support efforts
to expand enrollment of underserved populations, aid in the transition from pandemic operations and improve
disaster response operations, and modernize SNAP customer service, client communication, and administrative
processes.
For 2022, FNS awarded five grants:
• Colorado Department of Human Services – $517,961
• Dakota County Department of Employment and Economic Assistance (MN) – $623,950
• Montana Department of Health and Human Services – $1,530,000
• New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services – $675,000
• New York City Human Resources Administration (NY) – $1,649,845
2
024 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE
Treasury Offset Program
FNS continues efforts to collect debts owed to SNAP. For example, current and former recipients who are
delinquent in their repayment of SNAP over issuances are referred to the Treasury Offset Program (TOP) to initiate
collection activity. TOP is the collection mechanism by which Federal payments to individuals, such as tax refunds
and Federal salary payments, are offset to pay outstanding debts Approximately $210 million in delinquent debt was
collected through TOP in 2022, as collections returned to levels that are more consistent with those prior to the
pandemic health emergency. More than $3.3 billion has been collected through TOP (and its predecessor, the
Federal Tax Refund Offset Program) since FNS began this effort as a pilot project in 1992. These claims may not
have been collected without Federal collection programs being made available to the State agencies that manage
these debts.
SNAP Outreach
FNS strives to provide access to nutrition assistance program benefits to every eligible person who needs and seeks
assistance. State agencies administering SNAP may conduct outreach to inform low-income households about the
availability, eligibility requirements, application procedures and the benefits of SNAP.
State Outreach Plans:
States have the option of providing outreach as part of their program operations, and FNS
reimburses up to 50 percent of the allowable administrative costs for these activities. During 2022, 46 States had
approved outreach plans.
SNAP Outreach Priorities Memo:
In July 2022, FNS issued a memo outlining priority areas for Fiscal Year 2023
outreach plans. The memo encouraged States to target their outreach activities to certain underrepresented or
particularly vulnerable populations and to collaborate with organizations that are both located within and staffed by
those from underserved communities. Target groups included students, immigrant communities, mixed status
families, veterans, and older adults. The memo also encouraged States to utilize outreach to support SNAP
participants in the transition from COVID-19 federal public health emergency flexibilities to normal program
operations.
SNAP Administration Performance Improvement Initiatives
Systems Improvement Support and Technical Assistance for States:
FNS works with States throughout their
integrated eligibility system development and implementation to provide oversight and technical assistance to
mitigate system-rollout challenges and ensure customer service and integrity in SNAP administration. In surveys
conducted by FNS, States report that the technical assistance is helpful, insightful, and invaluable for ensuring
compliance with SNAP policy. Training participants also consistently report that the trainings are informative and
useful. In an effort to provide more proactive technical assistance on the front end of new system development, in
2018, USDA awarded a 5-year contract on system technical assistance. FNS continued in 2022, the final year of the
contract. Eight States received technical assistance (Alaska, Hawaii, Nebraska, Mississippi, Missouri, U.S. Virgin
Islands, West Virginia, and Wyoming). The contractor focused on strengthening FNS’ capacity to ensure that State
eligibility systems fully meet SNAP certification policy requirements, direct technical assistance to targeted States in
various phases of an eligibility system upgrade and delivered associated trainings to FNS staff.
System Implementation Monitoring for State Agencies: Failed eligibility system efforts result in high costs to State
agencies, FNS, and clients in terms of lost productivity, decreased access to benefits for eligible households, and
poor customer service. FNS provides robust oversight and technical assistance to States that implement new
eligibility systems that fail to fully meet the SNAP certification policy requirements. FNS also works closely with
States that previously received warning letters as they implement corrective actions (including the District of
Columbia, New Mexico, and Rhode Island).
SNAP Nutrition Education and Obesity Prevention Grant Program (SNAP-Ed) - Promoting Healthier Eating
Habits and Active Lifestyles
The goal of SNAP-Ed is to improve the likelihood that persons eligible for SNAP and other means tested programs
will make healthy food choices and choose physically active lifestyles consistent with the current Dietary Guidelines
for Americans. Under current regulations, State SNAP agencies provide nutrition education and obesity prevention
services to eligible individuals. States seeking Federal funding for SNAP-Ed must submit a State SNAP-Ed plan to
FNS for approval each year that outlines the State’s SNAP-Ed activities and a corresponding budget.
In 2022 SNAP-Ed funding was approximately $472 million, and in 2021, SNAP-Ed funding was approximately
$431.2 million. State allocations are determined with 50 percent based on the State’s percentage of national
baseline
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2024 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE
SNAP-Ed expenditures and 50 percent based on the State’s percentage of national SNAP participation for the 12-
month period from February 1 to January 31 prior to the start of the fiscal year.
SNAP-Ed activities must be evidence-based and provide nutrition education and obesity prevention activities
through individual and group-based strategies, comprehensive multi-level interventions, and/or community and
public health approaches. The 2022 SNAP-Ed Guidance, released in May 2022, continued policies from the
previous year and incorporated new information based on the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (2018 Farm
Bill) and the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (CAA). New in the 2022 guidance is clarification that college
students are now temporarily eligible under the exemptions created by the CAA to receive SNAP-Ed services.
SNAP-Ed Data Improvement:
To address provisions of the 2018 Farm Bill, FNS entered into a national agreement
with Kansas State University Research Foundation to utilize the National Program Evaluation and Reporting
Systems (N-PEARS) for SNAP-Ed electronic data collection and reporting. Through this agreement, N-PEARS will
be available to all State agencies beginning in 2023 for required annual planning and data reporting. N-PEARS will
improve SNAP-Ed's ability to collect, manage, and aggregate data to measure program effectiveness and
accountability at the national level through the development of online modules for the new SNAP-Ed plan
submission and annual reporting forms. In 2022, the new annual plan modules were released for optional use as
beta-test for select States. Useful feedback obtained during this phase is being incorporated into the final version of
the annual plan module.
SNAP-Ed Connection:
This online clearinghouse, required by the 2018 Farm Bill, serves as a resource center to
empower SNAP-Ed providers to excel in program delivery. It strengthens the SNAP-Ed program by providing
nutrition education and obesity prevention resources and enhancing collaboration to reduce duplication of efforts.
Providers use the SNAP-Ed Library on the website to showcase and share materials. Nutrition professionals may
receive continuing education credits from SNAP-Ed Connection webinars. Directors use the SNAP-Ed Evaluation
Framework and find evaluation tools to measure the impact of their work. SNAP-Ed educators and the public use
the Seasonal Produce Guide to learn about local and seasonal foods to make food dollars stretch. This project also
communicates important SNAP-Ed guidance, news, and success stories to SNAP-Ed staff and the public. There
were 29 new success stories added in 2022, up from 17 added in 2021.
SNAP-Ed Toolkit:
The SNAP-Ed Toolkit is a searchable on-line database of important resources that guide and
support SNAP-Ed providers and educators with the planning, implementation, evaluation, and reporting of
evidence-based SNAP-Ed programs. It includes four main components: evidence-based interventions, the SNAP-Ed
Evaluation Framework, training resources, and a clearinghouse with a SNAP-Ed publication database. The toolkit is
designed to help State SNAP-Ed administrative and implementing agencies identify both evidence-based
interventions and appropriate evaluation indicators to include in their SNAP-Ed Plans. Accomplishments for 2022
include the implementation of equity-focused webinars and learning opportunities for SNAP-Ed providers, adding
new interventions to the SNAP-Ed toolkit, and development of a clearinghouse with an annotated bibliography of
literature that supports SNAP-Ed outcomes.
SNAP-Ed Recipes:
The MyPlate Kitchen website provides recipes and resources to support building healthy and
budget-friendly meals. The website currently includes 863 SNAP-Ed recipes that are maintained and updated by
FNS. In 2022, FNS selected 419 of those recipes for Spanish translation and verification. Those translated recipes
will now be updated and included on the MyPlate Kitchen website. In 2023, the remaining 444 recipes will be
translated. In addition, FNS intends to add new culturally diverse entries to MyPlate Kitchen. Each new recipe will
be evaluated for authenticity, healthfulness, cost, and convenience.
SNAP-Ed Equity:
In alignment with Administration priorities, FNS facilitated a SNAP-Ed Toolkit equity-focused
webinar series to SNAP-Ed grantees and stakeholders that included topics on authentic community engagement,
staff recruitment, development and retention, and the needs assessment process through an equity lens. In 2023,
SNAP-Ed will review program practices and identify strategies to increase equity in SNAP-Ed implementation.
Nutrition Education Branch: In late 2022, FNS created a Nutrition Education Branch within the SNAP organization
solely dedicated to SNAP-Ed. The new branch of 5 nutritionists and a branch chief will increase capacity to
coordinate and collaborate with Federal, State and local partners, and will support the Administration’s efforts to
address nutrition security.
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2024 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE
35-112
Incen
tive Programs to Increase Healthy Food Purchases in SNAP
Encouraging SNAP families to purchase more healthy foods remains an important priority for FNS. In 2022, FNS
continued to work with program partners to provide flexibilities to help improve access to healthy food options for
SNAP families through incentive programs.
Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program (GusNIP):
The Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program
(GusNIP) program was established by the 2014 Farm Bill to incentivize the purchase of fruits and vegetables by
SNAP clients. It replaces the Food Insecurity Nutrition Incentive pilots initiated by the 2008 Farm Bill. GusNIP is
collaboratively administered by FNS and the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA). Under GusNIP, in
2022, FNS and NIFA awarded $38 million to 8 organizations in 12 States. In 2021, more than $34 million was
awarded to 39 grantees in 24 States. In addition, a total of 43 awards were made in the Produce Prescription
Program. FNS works collaboratively with NIFA and the GusNIP Technical Assistance Center to support GusNIP
grant awardees.
Retailer Incentives: The 2018 Farm Bill directs FNS to issue guidance for retailers to incentivize fruits, vegetables,
low-fat dairy, and/or whole grain products that are identified for increased consumption, consistent with the most
recent dietary recommendations. Incentives are often funded by private non-profit organizations or State
governments and follow a model in which SNAP customers receive a dollar-for-dollar match or discount at the point
of sale toward the purchase of SNAP-eligible incentive foods. In 2022, five entities were operating incentive
projects funded with private or State funds to encourage the purchase of healthy foods among SNAP families. These
are Meijer grocery stores operating nationwide, Menominee Food Co-op in Wisconsin; Seattle, Washington, with 5
neighborhood grocers; 4 Weaver Street Markets in North Carolina; and Central Texas Food Bank in Austin.
Healthy Fluid Milk Incentive Project: The 2018 Farm Bill also established a competitive grant(s) for Healthy Fluid
Milk Incentives (HFMI) projects to develop and test methods to increase the purchase and consumption of fluid milk
by SNAP households by providing an incentive for the purchase of fluid milk at the point of purchase. The Farm
Bill authorized at up to 20 million for HFMI. To date, USDA has received appropriations of $1 million in 2020, $1
million in 2021, and $3 million for award in 2022.
• In April 2022, the 2020 pilot at the four Lowe’s Supermarkets in Littlefield, Lubbock, and San Angelo,
Texas concluded project operations. The cumulative redemption rate across all four stores was two percent.
SNAP shoppers redeemed 22 coupons valued at $89 out of 1,156 issued coupons valued at $4,054 across
all four stores. FNS has since approved a no-cost extension to operate for another 12 months, beginning in
January 2023, after Lowe’s transitions to a new POS system provider. The extension will include an
additional 30 Lowe’s locations in Texas, with all participating Lowe’s locations offering an automatic 50
percent discount at the point of purchase.
• In June 2022, the 2021 pilot expansion launched at Jubilee Food Market in Waco, TX and at eight
Wakefern Food Cooperative locations under the ShopRite banner in New Jersey. The pilot expansion will
operate through May 2023.
• On September 22, 2022, USDA awarded nearly $3 million to Auburn University’s Hunger Solutions
Institute (Auburn). The project will begin operations in January 2023 and will operate through September
2025. Three incentive delivery models will be tested: 1) dollar for dollar paper coupon for any eligible
SNAP item; 2) dollar for dollar electronic coupon via the store’s loyalty card app for any eligible SNAP
item; and 3) a 50 percent discount at the point of purchase. Auburn will exponentially expand the HFMI
project to include 116 stores across four States, including 65 stores located in the Priority Zones (56
percent) and 8 stores located on Federal Indian reservations.
Alabama: 18 JMBL, Inc. Supermarkets; 1 Wrights Market
California: 77 Mother’s Nutritional Centers
Georgia: 1 Carver Market; 5 Little Giant Farmer’s Market
South Dakota: 14 Buche Foods grocery stores
2024 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE
Elderly Access
Ensuring seniors have access to nutritious food continues to be a priority for FNS. Potentially eligible seniors do not
apply for SNAP benefits at the same rate as the general SNAP population or other vulnerable populations. In 2022,
FNS continued operation of three demonstration project types to improve access to the elderly. All FNS approved
demonstration projects must maintain cost neutrality and include a rigorous evaluation component.
Combined Application Projects (CAPs) are a partnership between the Social Security Administration (SSA), FNS
and State and local agencies to streamline application procedures for individuals receiving SSI benefits. The projects
strengthen access to nutrition benefits for the elderly and people with disabilities while improving the administration
of SNAP. The combination of standardized benefits or standardized shelter deductions, reduced recertification
requirements and eliminating the need for SSI recipients to visit the local SNAP office has significantly increased
participation among the elderly and people with disabilities. In 2022, 17 States operated CAP demonstration
projects: Arizona, Florida, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, New Jersey, New
York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Virginia, and Washington.
Elderly Simplified Application Projects (ESAPs) are demonstration projects that support participation among the
elderly and disabled population by utilizing a shorter SNAP application, waiving the recertification interview,
allowing longer certification periods, and minimizing the need to provide verification. In 2022, Arizona, New York,
Ohio, Texas, and Virginia implement new ESAPs. In addition, 13 other States continued to operate ESAPs:
Alabama, Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Pennsylvania,
South Carolina, Vermont, and Washington.
Standard Medical Deductions are demonstration projects that ease verification requirements for senior and disabled
households with out-of-pocket medical expenses over $35 per month. In 2022, 23 States operated Standard Medical
Deduction projects (Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Georgia, Iowa, Idaho, Illinois, Kansas,
Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, North Dakota, New Hampshire, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South
Dakota, Texas, Virginia, Vermont, and Wyoming).
Payment Accuracy
FNS did not issue national or State SNAP payment error rates for 2021 due to incomplete data. Appropriations
legislation provided State agencies the option to suspend certain Quality Control (QC) regulatory requirements from
March 2020 until June 30, 2021, in response to the COVID-19 public health emergency. As a result of States opting
to suspend the QC regulatory requirements, FNS had only 3 months of validated data for 2021, covering July 2021
through September 2021. As of July 1, 2021, QC has resumed and FNS will issue national and State SNAP payment
error rates for 2022 on June 30, 2023.
During the suspension of certain QC regulatory requirements, FNS provided guidance to stakeholders to enable
States and regions to conduct training and technical assistance reviews throughout the suspension to improve
improper payment measurement procedures. FNS also worked closely with regional offices to conduct training on
how COVID-related certification adjustments impact the QC review and to otherwise assist regions with preparation
for restart, FNS also provided waivers permitting telephone interviews instead of face-to-face interviews for QC in
order to assist States in reaching households selected for review during continued social distancing measures.
FNS Regional Offices work directly with State agencies to assist them in developing effective corrective action
plans to reduce payment errors. Regional Offices provide technical assistance to States through data analysis, policy
interpretation, training, development and monitoring of corrective action plans, facilitating the information exchange
with and among States through annual payment accuracy conferences, and State exchange funding. Regional Offices
review and validate that States complete corrective actions as required.
Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP)
FNS’ role in D-SNAP operations include analyzing and responding to State agency requests to operate D-SNAP,
waiving applicable certification and issuance policies for ongoing SNAP households to ease program administration,
providing on-site monitoring of State operations to ensure timely and accurate delivery of benefits, and providing
operational guidance to States as needed. The D-SNAP review process allows FNS to provide individualized
technical assistance to help States most effectively serve the nutrition assistance needs of its disaster-impacted
population. In addition, FNS assists States in planning for future disasters by reviewing D-SNAP guidance and
sharing best practices through webinar and conference presentations throughout the year. FNS also requires each
State agency to submit and annually review a D-SNAP plan.
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The fo
llowing summarizes State reported disaster assistance provided in 2022:
Table FNS-71. SNAP Disaster Assistance
State Disaster
Total Households
(New cases and ongoing
HHs)
Total Issuance
(D-SNAP benefits and
supplements)
California (Jul, Aug, Sept, Oct) ................
Wildfires
44
$22,777
New Jersey (Sept) .....................................
Hurricane Ida
459
223,383
Kentucky (Dec) ........................................
Tornadoes
1,305
734,826
Arkansas (Dec) .........................................
Tornadoes
32
10,383
Colorado (Dec, Jan) ..................................
Wildfires
24
10,661
Tennessee (Dec) .......................................
Tornadoes
9
5,187
New Mexico (Apr, May, Jun, Jul) ............
Wildfires
986
446,309
Kentucky (Jul, Aug) .................................
Flooding
12,443
4,225,570
Total .........................................................
15,302
5,679,096
Employment and Training (E&T)
Background
The Food Security Act of 1985 required States to establish an E&T Program to help able-bodied SNAP recipients
find work or gain the skills, training, and experience that lead to employment. SNAP participants who are not
specifically exempted by statute are subject to work requirements as a condition of eligibility. Work requirements
include:
• Registering for work.
• Participating in a SNAP E&T program or workfare program if assigned.
• Not voluntarily quitting a job or reducing work hours to less than 30 hours per week.
In addition to the work requirements, able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDs) must comply with
additional requirements in order to receive benefits for more than three months in a 36-month period. ABAWDs in
non-waived areas must meet at least one of the following requirements:
• Work at least 20 hours a week;
• Participate for at least 20 hours a week in qualifying education or training activities; or
• Participate in workfare in order to receive benefits for more than 3 months in a 36–month period.
In 2022, States reported that approximately 10.3 million participants were subject to SNAP work requirements and
registered for work, per the FNS-583 report analysis data as of December 19, 2022. A majority of SNAP participants
are exempt from work requirements due to age, disability, caregiver responsibilities, or because they are already
working or participating in a work training program.
SNAP E&T is a Federally funded, State administered program. States use flexible E&T funding to design programs
that help SNAP recipients gain skills, education, or experience to help them obtain regular employment. States have
a great deal of flexibility in designing E&T programs that meet the needs of their participants and local economy.
States submit an annual plan to FNS that details what E&T services, called components, the State plans to offer,
including supervised job search and job search training, workfare, basic education or vocational training, and job
retention services. States also submit expenditure, quarterly participation, and annual outcome reporting measures
that reflect job entry, retention, and earnings. These national reporting measures are broken down by key
characteristics that reflect the diversity of the SNAP population. States are required to establish reporting measures
for each E&T activity designed to serve more than 100 participants.
In 2021, States served an estimated 214,000 participants through their E&T programs.
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2024 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE
Funding
: SNAP E&T is funded under four funding streams:
Table FNS-72. SNAP E&T Funding Streams
Budget Item Description
2022 Obligations
(Thousands)
100 Percent Federal Grant
Base funding for E&T administration, allocated annually
to States based on the percentage of work registrants and
ABAWDs in each State
$102,779
ABAWD 100 Percent Federal Grant
Additional grants for States that guarantee certain
activities aimed at the ABAWD population.
20,000
Federal 50 percent Administrative Grants
50 percent reimbursement for States that exceed their
100 percent Federal grant
429,850
Federal 50 percent Participation Grants
50 percent reimbursement for transportation and
childcare costs to ensure successful participation in E&T
programs. States are not allowed to use 100 percent
grants for participant reimbursement
86,475
TOTAL
$639,104
Employment and Training (E&T) Pilot Grants: The Agricultural Act of 2014 provided $200 million for up to ten
pilots. The Agricultural Act also provided funding for a rigorous, longitudinal evaluation of the ten pilots. FNS
received the final evaluation reports in 2022. Key findings include:
• Earnings increased in three pilots and employment increased in five pilots for the treatment group
compar
ed to the control group.
• An increase in employment did not mean that earnings increased.
• Pilots generally did not decrease SNAP participation or improve food security.
• The cost of pilot services outweighed benefits in most pilots.
DATA and National Partnership Grants: In 2022, FNS awarded Data and Technical Assistance Grants (DATA) to
four State SNAP agencies and community partners. SNAP E&T Data and Technical Assistance grants will support
improved, data-driven SNAP E&T programs in California, Virginia, Kentucky, and the District of Columbia.
Grantees received between $650,000 and $1 million to strengthen program data collection. The State agencies will
use data to better understand disparities in program participation in order to identify strategies for advancing equity
in their E&T programs. The total amount awarded was $3,435,105.
In 2022, FNS awarded approximately $3 million in three-year SNAP E&T National Partnership Grants to two
grantees: the Association of Community College Trustees and Strada Collaborative. These are non-profit
organizations with large networks of community colleges or community college associations with experience
providing workforce development services to people with low incomes, including SNAP participants. Both grantees
will use grant funds to support training and other technical assistance so more community colleges become third-
party SNAP E&T providers. Grantees will use the funds to develop materials, train subject matter experts, and work
with member or affiliate organizations to expand SNAP E&T.
Technical Assistance: Since 2015, FNS has operated the SNAP to Skills Project (S2S), a technical assistance effort
that provides States tools and resources to develop job-driven SNAP E&T programs. Through S2S, FNS offers
direct technical assistance to States. In 2022, S2S used a “rapid response” approach to TA, meaning States could
request TA for projects that were targeted in scope and limited in duration to 1-3 months. The participating States
were California, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, New Hampshire, and Ohio. This technical
assistance is central to FNS’ efforts to improve the quality of State SNAP E&T programs and to help SNAP
recipients move towards economic self-sufficiency.
In addition to this direct technical assistance, S2S creates new tools and resources each year for all States. All of
these resources are housed on the S2S website, https://snaptoskills.fns.usda.gov
. The website is designed to be a
“one-stop shop” for States interested in building employer-driven programs and expanding their 50/50 program. In
2023, FNS anticipates releasing new SNAP to Skills resources focused on helping States and SNAP E&T providers
offer Work Based Learning components and expand the use case management best practices.
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2024 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE
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Electro
nic Benefit Transfer Systems
Eligible SNAP households are issued a plastic benefit card, similar to a debit card, to make food purchases. In most
States, EBT cards are also used for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and other cash benefit
programs. These systems are interoperable, which means that recipients may shop at FNS-authorized food retailers
in any State.
FNS continues oversight of States as their EBT contracts end and they procure EBT services through the Request for
Proposal (RFP) process. This process includes State RFP approvals, contract approvals, as well as oversight of State
conversions from one EBT vendor’s system to a new vendor’s system. In 2022, FNS approved four RFPs, ten
contracts, and reviewed and approved 56 EBT contract amendments. The number of contract amendments remained
significantly higher in 2022 than the historical average of about 10 per year. This was due to COVID-19 public
health emergency, and the fact that every State continued to execute various amendments, change orders, or updates
to carry out Pandemic EBT benefits, Emergency Assistance, or accommodate other flexibilities in response to the
COVID-19 public health emergency.
Retailer File System (RFS): RFS is the combination of three distinct applications builds on a single platform,
providing users with the means to digitize, share, and manage electronic retailer records. The system allows users to
upload documents through a scanning application or through the Store Tracking and Redemption System (STARS),
perform document quality control tasks, and view electronic records.
Anti-fraud Locator using EBT Retailer Transactions (ALERT): During 2022, FNS released several updates to
ALERT, the system for fighting SNAP retailer fraud. The updates ensure continuity of system operations as well as
enhancements using the best-suited prevalent architectures and technologies available in the IT industry. These
updates enhance FNS’s ability to identify fraudulent activity by implementing updates to existing scans; updating
algorithms and Watch List qualifications; creating new patterns to identify suspect retailers; and data mining studies
using various statistical tools to identify suspicious behavior.
STARS: Four releases of STARS were completed in 2022. STARS is the system used by FNS to manage retailer
participation in SNAP. Several system enhancements were made in 2022 to ensure the system remains aligned with
the needs of end-users and supports financial reconciliation activities.
Studies and Evaluations
FNS published five major reports related to SNAP during 2022. The reports are available at
https://www.fns.usda.gov/research-analysis
. These include:
• Expanding Opportunities and Reducing Barriers to Work: Final Summary Report (Evaluation of SNAP
Employment & Training Pilots) presents findings drawn from the 10 pilot-specific final evaluation reports.
The pilot-specific reports and four issue briefs are also available.
• Update to Feasibility Study of Implementing USDA’s SNAP in Puerto Rico: Congress directed FNS to
update findings on administrative, operational, and program integrity changes needed to change from Nutrition
Assistance Program (NAP) to SNAP in Puerto Rico as presented in the 2010 feasibility study. The study
findings are presented in a report and an implementation plan.
• Best Practices in the SNAP Employment and Training Program: 2016–2020 is the second in a series of
reviews of effective employment and training (E&T) program components and practices focusing on SNAP
E&T and other public workforce programs in literature published from 2016 to 2020.
• Evaluation of the Implementation of Food Insecurity Nutrition Incentives (FINI): Final Report presents
the final findings from the Congressionally mandated grant program and evaluation. The report includes
information about the number of incentives issued and redeemed at FINI retailers and characteristics of the
retailers involved in the grant program.
• Indicators of Diet Quality, Nutrition, and Health for Americans by Program Participation Status, 2011–
2016: The SNAP Report uses National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data to examine the
relationship between SNAP participation and indicators of diet quality, nutrition, and health. The study
compares SNAP participants with income-eligible and higher income nonparticipants, by age and gender.
2024 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE
Community Food Projects
The Community Food Projects program is authorized under Section 25 of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008. The
Community Food Projects Competitive Grants Program supports the development of Community Food Projects
with a one-time infusion of Federal dollars to make such projects self-sustaining. While funding was set at $5
million per year in the 2008 Farm Bill, Section 4026 of the Agricultural Act of 2014 increased that amount to $9
million beginning in 2015. This grant program is administered by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture
(NIFA).
Farmers’ Markets and Direct-Marketing Farmers
In 2022, FNS continued work through a grant to a non-profit organization to increase the participation of farmers
and markets in SNAP; and thereby improve access to fresh fruits and vegetables by SNAP recipients. This grant was
awarded in 2019, with approximately $4 million provided to the grantee over 4 years. FNS’s goal is to gradually
move farmers and markets from a subsidized equipment program to a more cost-efficient application-based solution
that enables processing via smart devices that are owned by a farmer or market.
In 2021, FNS awarded a multi-year grant to a non-profit organization to support the participation of farmers online.
In 2022, an ecommerce platform was developed and tested for use by farmers to accept SNAP benefits online. This
grant will provide a subsidized ecommerce platform to assist SNAP authorized farmers in their ability to accept
online SNAP payments.
In 2022, FNS also continued working with States to provide SNAP-authorized farmers/markets with SNAP-only
equipment (i.e., equipment that can only process SNAP transactions, but not debit/credit transactions), at no cost to
the farmers/markets. Twenty-nine States asked for and received such funding in 2019 and several States extended
access to these funds for one final fiscal year in 2022.
As of September 30, 2022, the number of SNAP-authorized farmers markets and direct marketing farmers totaled
6,038. Final redemption numbers for 2022 totaled $72,801,104 which is 24 percent increase over 2021.
NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM FOR PUERTO RICO (NAP)
Program Mission
The Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1981 added a new Section 19 to the Food Stamp Act of 1977, as
amended, which replaced SNAP in Puerto Rico with a block grant, effective July 1, 1982. Section 19 of the Food
and Nutrition Act of 2008, as amended, retains the authority for the Puerto Rico nutrition assistance block grant. The
block grant requires that Puerto Rico submit and gain approval from the Secretary for a program plan each year. The
plan must assess the food and nutrition needs of the island’s neediest residents, describe the assistance needed,
describe how it would be provided to the neediest residents, describe the amount of administrative expense needed,
and meet such other requirements as the Secretary might prescribe by regulation. The Secretary is required to
provide for the review of programs for assistance under Section 19 and is allowed to provide appropriate technical
assistance for such programs. As of 2021, no benefits are provided in the form of cash.
On May 15, 2020, FNS approved the NAP Relief Comprehensive Plan Amendment and the Coronavirus Aid,
Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES) and Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) for the Puerto
Rico Nutrition Assistance Program (NAP) Plan. The June NAP Relief benefits were approved to be issued in May.
The CARES and FFCRA funding of $295 million were distributed in June and July 2020 by issuing the maximum
allotment to all households. All elderly households’ benefits were increased by an additional amount of $16 in June
and July 2020. On February 24, 2021, FNS approved the NAP Relief Comprehensive Plan for the Consolidated
Appropriations Act, 2021 (CAA) for $597 million to issue maximum household benefits in March, April, May, and
June 2021. All elderly households’ benefits will increased by an additional amount of $24. On July 28, 2021, FNA
approved Puerto Rico’s NAP (PR NAP) American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA) Plan for $966.12 million
beginning July 2021 for a 12-month period, until June 2022 to issue an additional $58 benefit allotment to all NAP
households. NAP elderly household benefit levels increased by an additional $11 over the $58 for an anticipated 12-
month period.
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024 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE
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Facts
in Brief
• On average, an estimated 1.49 million people were served monthly during 2022.
• In 2022, total benefit costs were $2.439 billion for the Regular NAP.
• Puerto Rico spent an estimated $31 million of Federal funds on administrative activities in 2022, which are
matched by an equivalent amount of State funds.
Federal Responsibilities of the Block Grant
Puerto Rico proposes its annual program plan that estimates the costs of benefits, administration, and other projects
in July for the fiscal year beginning on the following October 1. FNS must review and approve the Commonwealth’s
annual plan and monitor program operations to ensure program integrity. These monitoring activities include
reviewing financial reports of obligations and expenditures and on-site management reviews of selected program
operations. The cost of these components for 2019 through 2022 are as follows:
Table FNS-73. Nutrition Assistance for Puerto Rico Summary of Funding
2019 Actual 2020 Actual 2021 Actual 2022 Actual
Benefits Costs ...........................................
$1,889,307
$1,906,371
$1,985,094
$2,243,383
Administrative Costs ................................
29,229
28,760
31,373
28,150
Nutrition Education Program....................
45
35
35
41
Total Federal Funds ..................................
1,918,581
1,935,166
2,016,502
2,271,574
State Administrative Costs .......................
29,229
28,760
31,373
28,150
Total Program Costs .................................
1,947,810
1,963,926
2,047,875
2,495,683
NAP Relief Grant
Table FNS-74. NAP 2020 and 2021 Supplemental Relief
20/21 FFCRA
CARES
2021 ARPA
2021 NAP PEBT
2022 NAP
PEBT
Benefits Costs ...........................................
$294,051
$250,459
$725,245
$283,212
Administrative Costs ................................
2,743
50
1,777
554
Nutrition Education Program....................
-
-
-
-
Total Federal Funds ..................................
296,794
250,509
727,022
283,766
State Administrative Costs .......................
-
-
-
-
Total Program Costs .................................
296,794
250,509
727,022
283,766
Participation
From its inception, the NAP in Puerto Rico served a much higher proportion of the total population than the United
States as a whole, due to the significantly lower living standards in Puerto Rico. This continues to be the case under
the block grant program. An average of 1.49 million persons were served monthly or about 4 percent of Puerto
Rico’s total estimated population of 3.2 million participated in the program in 2022. Average monthly participation
for 2019 through 2021 actual and 2022 estimate is as follows:
Table FNS-75. Nutrition Assistance for Puerto Rico Summary of Participation
2019 Actual
2020 Actual
2021 Actual
2022 Estimate
Average Number of Person (million) .......
1.34
1.43
1.53
1.49
Average Number of Households ..............
726,387
758,367
858,345
837,655
Average Household Size (persons) ...........
1.84
1.88
1.79
1.77
Average Benefit per Household ...............
$299
$294
$292
$274
2024 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE
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NUTRITION ASSISTANCE FOR AMERICAN SAMOA
Program Mission
The American Samoa Nutrition Assistance Program (AS NAP) was authorized by Public Law 96-597 (December
24, 1980) and began on July 1, 1994. The program is now operating under the authority of the Food and Nutrition
Act of 2008, Section 19.
• A monthly average of 4,349 persons, or about 8.7 percent of American Samoa’s total estimated population
of 49,710 (based on 2020 Census) was served and issued ASNAP benefits during 2022.
• In 2022 average monthly benefits cost $737,967 or $169.69 per person. American Samoa spent $1,427,877
for administrative activities for 2022. The block granting provides for 100 percent of administrative and
benefit costs.
• In 2022, American Samoa received $8,841,384 for P-EBT and $567,067 for the administration of the
program.
o Number of students served: 12,894
o Total benefits issued: $7,393,922
o Administrative cost: $357,269.32
• The program serves the low-income elderly, blind, and disabled population.
• American Samoa utilizes printed food coupons.
For 2022, American Samoa’s block grant increased to $10.047 million. The budget consisted of the following:
• $8,310,303 for benefits
• $1,736,697 for administration
Federal Responsibilities of the Block Grant
American Samoa submits a memorandum of understanding (MOU) each fiscal year specifying how the program will
be operated, including eligibility requirements to stay within the capped block grant amount. FNS must review and
approve the annual MOU and monitor program operations to ensure program integrity. These monitoring activities
include reviewing financial reports of obligations and expenditures and on-site management reviews of selected
program operations.
NUTRITION
ASSISTANCE PROGRAM FOR THE COMMONWEALTH OF THE NORTHERN
MARIANA ISLANDS
Program Mission
The Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands’ (CNMI) nutrition assistance program began on July 2, 1982.
The program was authorized by Public Law 96-597 (December 24, 1980), which allowed USDA to extend programs
administered by the Department to CNMI and other territories.
Section 4031 of the Agricultural Act of 2014 authorizes a feasibility study on implementing SNAP (in a manner
similar to SNAP in the States) or an appropriate alternative in CNMI. In August 2016, the feasibility study was
completed and published. CNMI opted to use the additional funding appropriated under the Agricultural Act of 2014
to enhance their existing Nutrition Assistance Program (NAP), which was an authorized option. CNMI’s enhanced
NAP called E-NAP increases the income eligibility limits, increases the allotment benefits for each of the islands,
implements a new eligibility system with Electronic Benefit Transfer interface capabilities, and adjusts resources
(staffing and administrative costs) as needed.
Facts in Brief
• In 2022, CNMI’s annual NAP block grant was increased from $12.148 million to $30 million to meet
CNMI’s upward adjustments to the NAP income eligibility standards and the maximum monthly
allotments. Yearly funding is provided to the CNMI based on an approved Memorandum of Understanding
(MOU).
• Per the MOU, funds provided to the CNMI is operated based on a 24-months performance period
contingent the funds are expended consistent with the approved spending plan. Funds unobligated by the
CNMI during the initial 12 months are used in the latter 12 months for Program Benefits. Approximately,
$6.8 million was carried over from 2021 to 2022.
2024 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE
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• In 2022, CNMI was approved $30 million from the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 for nutrition
assistance program of which $7.5 million was allocated for 2022.
• In 2022, CNMI’s P-EBT plan for SY 2020-2021 for Summer Benefits was approved. CNMI was provided
P-EBT funds in total of $5,731,875 of which $5,519,676 was allocated for P-EBT summer benefits and
$212,199 for P-EBT administrative costs. Approximately, 12,005 school aged children and children in
child care were served for average summer benefits of $441 per child.
• For 2022, CNMI was operating on a total budget of $50,062,414 to implement NAP and summer benefits
for SY 2020-2021.
• In the NAP Program, an average of 4,861 households were served per month during 2022 for an average of
$3,159,063 per month or $649.82 per household.
• CNMI NAP is allowed to set the eligibility standards within the capped block grant.
• CNMI NAP utilizes food coupons.
• CNMI NAP is currently negotiating with an EBT vendor to engage in a contract with CNMI to implement
NAP EBT.
Federal Responsibilities of the Block Grant and Enhanced Funds
The CNMI submits a memorandum of understanding (MOU) each fiscal year, specifying how the program will be
operated, including eligibility requirements to stay within the capped block grant amount. FNS must review and
approve the annual MOU and monitor program and fiscal operations to ensure program integrity. These monitoring
activities include reviewing financial reports of obligations and expenditures and on-site management reviews of
selected program operations.
In addition to the MOU negotiations process, if CNMI is making changes to the approved E-NAP, a revised plan
must be submitted to FNS for review and approval.
FOOD
DISTRIBUTION PROGRAM ON INDIAN RESERVATIONS (FDPIR)
Program Mission
FDPIR is an alternative nutrition assistance program to SNAP for income-eligible households residing on Indian
reservations and income-eligible Indian tribal households in designated areas near reservations or in designated
service areas in Oklahoma. FDPIR is authorized by Section 4(b) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008, as amended,
to allow Indian Tribal Organizations (ITOs) or an agency of the State government to operate a food distribution
program for households who prefer USDA Foods to SNAP benefits. Each month, participating households receive a
food package to help them maintain a nutritionally balanced diet. Participants may select from approximately 150
products including a wide selection of fresh produce as well as offerings of traditional foods. The variety of foods
available in the FDPIR food package includes:
• Fresh, frozen, and canned fruits and vegetables, as well as dried fruits and bottled juices
• Frozen and canned beef, chicken, pork, fish, and bison
• Pasta, cereal, rice, flour, bakery mix, yellow cornmeal, blue cornmeal, and other enriched and whole grains
• Dried and canned beans and soups
• Peanut butter and peanuts
• Shell eggs and dried egg mix
• Cheese, low-fat milk, nonfat dry, and evaporated milk
• Vegetable oil and butter
Facts in Brief
Federal administrative funding is provided to ITOs and State agencies to support the administrative cost of operating
the program. Administrative funding is also provided for nutrition education related activities, which can include
individual nutrition counseling, group cooking demonstrations, nutrition classes, and the dissemination of resources,
including recipes using USDA Foods. Households may not participate in FDPIR and SNAP in the same month.
2024 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE
Table FNS-76. FDPIR Participation and Costs
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
Average Participation (in Thousands) ...................
93.0
90.2
87.2
47.9
45.2
Per Person Per Month Food Cost (Entitlement)
.... $62.02 $71.96 $73.63 $77.37 $87.02
Total FNS Food Cost (in Millions)
....................... $69.25 $76.09 $68.14 $30.44 $47.2
Note: Total Per Person Food Costs differ from commodity procurement obligations due to inventory level changes.
Self-Determination Demonstration Project: During 2022, FNS implemented the FDPIR Self-Determination
Demonstration Project authorized under the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (Pub. L 115-334, the 2018 Farm
Bill). The demonstration project allows for FNS to enter self-determination contracts with Tribes to purchase food
for distribution to their FDPIR participants in lieu of USDA purchasing the food. FNS received a total of $6 million
in 2020 and 2021 appropriations combined to carry out this demonstration project. Contracts were awarded to 8
Tribal Organizations to participate in the demonstration project with some contracts expected to last up to three
years. Participating Tribal Organizations are purchasing a variety of products including meats, fish, grains and fresh
produce. FNS also entered into a formal agreement with the Department of the Interior, Bureau of Indian Affairs
(BIA) to support and manage the contract execution of the demonstration project. BIA has longstanding experience
and expertise in self-determination and, through the partnership, assisted FNS in drafting, negotiating, managing,
and executing self-determination contracts for the selected Tribal Organizations. In 2022, FNS received an
additional $3 million to continue to support the demonstration project. During the year, FNS engaged in three Tribal
consultation meetings with Tribal leaders to receive input and feedback on project criteria and expansion. On
October 18, 2022, FNS successfully published Federal Notice 87 FR 63023, which announced a second solicitation
of proposals for new FDPIR Tribal Organizations to participate. FNS expects to award new self-determination
contracts under the solicitation by the end of 2023. A project website was launched and can be viewed at:
https://www.fns.usda.gov/fdpir/self-determination.
Food Package: FNS continues its commitment to improve the food package offered under FDPIR through the
FDPIR Food Package Review Work Group. The Work Group, consisting of National Association of Food
Distribution Programs on Indian Reservations (NAFDPIR)-appointed representatives, including nutritionists, and
FNS and Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) staff, is focusing on ways to better meet the nutritional needs and
food preferences of program participants nationwide. The Work Group seeks to enhance the food package by
exploring ways to increase the variety, flexibility and acceptability of products offered while maintaining its high
nutritional value. Since 2015, FNS and its procurement partner, the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), have
awarded contracts to deliver a selection of traditional foods including blue cornmeal, ground bison, frozen wild
salmon, catfish, traditionally harvested wild rice and walleye. The traditional foods are among the wide variety of
nutrient-dense options offered in the FDPIR Food Package, with items available from each food group (fruit,
vegetables, grains, protein foods, dairy) to support a healthy dietary pattern as recommended by the Dietary
Guidelines for Americans. In support of enhanced variety in 2022, the Work Group voted to have AMS conduct
market research on five new foods to add to the food package: frozen strawberries, low-sodium turkey deli meat,
frozen stir fry mix, olive oil, and bison stew meat.
Nutrition Education Activities: In 2022, FNS awarded $995,604 in FDPIR Nutrition Education (FDPNE) Grants to
13 grantees benefiting FDPIR participants across nine States. The grants promote the healthy foods offered in
FDPIR and align with the goals of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2020-2025. In 2020, FNS initiated work
on a two-year cooperative agreement with the Oklahoma Tribal Engagement Partners (OKTEP) to develop and
implement a nutrition paraprofessional pilot project. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and its
disproportionate impact on Tribal partners, implementation of in-person paraprofessional training was put on hold
during 2021. In 2022, OKTEP conducted one in-person training in Minnesota for 11 FDPIR local agency staff and
developed additional nutrition education turn-key resources that will be publicly made available to FDPIR programs.
FNS awarded a $1 million non-competitive cooperative agreement to OKTEP to conduct additional regional in-
person trainings for FDPIR local agency staff each year until 2025.
Beginning in 2022, administrative funds for nutrition education increased to $4 million to allow for more dedicated
funds to be disseminated to Tribal organizations for nutrition education activities. This is a 16-fold increase over the
previous annual funding level of $250,000. FDPIR administrative funds for nutrition education are separate and
distinct from the FDPNE grant awards and will be made available annually. FNS received feedback from Tribal
leaders and Tribal nutrition and health professionals on how funds should be allocated and culturally appropriate
approaches to nutrition education and technical assistance needed to empower tribes to determine and build their
35-121
2024 USDA EXPLANATOR
Y NOTES – FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE
35-122
capa
city to utilize additional funds. FNS released the funding allocation plan which provides each tribe a baseline
allocation of $17,500. Tribes can request additional funding above and beyond the baseline allocation non-
competitively as needed. FNS also released an updated guide for allowable expenses that provides Tribes more
flexibility to utilize the funds in a way that better supports their cultural needs and preferences when delivering
nutrition education.
FDPIR Automated Inventory System: In 2018, FNS began to replace the Automated Inventory System (AIS), an
old, non-web-based system used by most Indian Tribal Organizations to manage inventory and food issuance for
FDPIR. In 2022, FNS continued work on the new Integrated Food Management System (IFMS), an updated food
ordering and inventory system, which will provide enhanced security and improved business processes that support
FDPIR operations including new required features such as eligibility determination and tailgating ability.
Implementation of IFMS to additional ITOs continued during the year with a total of 78 ITOs out of 117 ITOs (or 68
percent) using the system by the end of 2022.
2024 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE
35-123
SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
Table FNS-77. Summary of Benefit Costs, Participation and State Administrative Funding 2022
State or Territory
Persons
(1,000’s)
Households
(1,000’s)
Total Value
of Benefits
Issued
($1,000’s)
Average Monthly
Benefit per
Person
State Administrative,
Nutrition Education, and
Employment & Training
Funding ($1,000’s)
Alabama .....................................
894
511
$2,688,036
$250.45
$46,429
Alaska .........................................
102
49
368,250
301.70
11,257
Arizona .......................................
865
416
2,020,148
194.68
68,110
Arkansas .....................................
328
169
697,555
177.37
40,250
California ....................................
5,397
3,385
17,958,620
277.30
1,227,258
Colorado .....................................
604
340
1,700,700
234.65
80,572
Connecticut .................................
400
240
1,218,265
253.73
75,681
Delaware.....................................
143
76
374,436
218.30
18,583
District of Columbia ...................
148
91
486,096
274.16
35,242
Florida ........................................
3,125
1,772
5,957,763
158.89
77,244
Georgia .......................................
1,735
889
5,438,102
261.18
121,867
Hawaii ........................................
191
116
966,028
421.30
22,955
Idaho ...........................................
132
67
256,367
161.76
9,651
Illinois ........................................
2,062
1,128
5,976,502
241.55
169,477
Indiana ........................................
716
356
1,809,969
210.64
61,905
Iowa ............................................
315
174
616,042
163.21
25,409
Kansas ........................................
209
104
617,021
246.25
29,237
Kentucky ....................................
624
321
1,539,921
205.60
80,759
Louisiana ....................................
962
540
2,812,908
243.76
95,382
Maine..........................................
182
110
533,079
244.58
16,660
Maryland ....................................
917
508
2,448,809
222.54
91,027
Massachusetts .............................
1,164
730
3,430,766
245.53
80,007
Michigan ....................................
1,473
823
4,439,913
251.12
147,812
Minnesota ...................................
489
277
1,718,865
293.13
79,912
Mississippi ..................................
469
263
1,128,509
200.56
29,732
Missouri ......................................
661
326
1,327,445
167.24
67,499
Montana ......................................
102
51
171,338
140.60
14,383
Nebraska .....................................
169
84
300,895
148.42
27,312
Nevada........................................
565
325
1,632,189
240.83
30,593
New Hampshire ..........................
77
41
219,841
236.42
8,864
New Jersey .................................
933
501
2,841,085
253.87
174,056
New Mexico ...............................
571
312
1,699,151
247.92
29,780
New York ...................................
3,159
1,930
10,541,572
278.05
384,271
North Carolina ............................
1,814
975
5,271,014
242.16
136,908
North Dakota ..............................
52
26
111,665
179.28
12,230
Ohio ............................................
1,883
1,148
4,812,526
212.98
125,003
Oklahoma ...................................
767
415
2,259,184
245.43
48,687
Oregon ........................................
758
455
2,272,275
249.93
161,769
Pennsylvania ...............................
2,064
1,206
5,592,614
225.79
209,013
Rhode Island ...............................
156
97
461,218
246.24
20,764
South Carolina ............................
674
359
2,038,545
252.03
28,275
South Dakota ..............................
79
38
179,833
189.40
11,257
Tennessee ...................................
947
540
2,179,233
191.67
100,058
Texas ..........................................
3,938
1,869
11,483,570
243.03
198,008
Utah ............................................
197
93
509,524
214.99
21,498
Vermont ......................................
77
46
233,012
250.83
12,110
Virginia ......................................
899
477
2,748,805
254.74
162,395
Washington .................................
935
566
2,804,453
249.88
118,223
West Virginia .............................
359
206
1,013,102
235.04
20,933
Wisconsin ...................................
738
393
2,091,427
236.05
71,255
Wyoming ....................................
38
22
89,098
193.49
9,681
Guam ..........................................
39
16
160,862
340.89
1,978
Virgin Islands .............................
24
13
98,254
335.14
3,726
Anticipated Adjustment ..............
5,123
4,382
-23,731,537
49.00
1,028,190
TOTAL ......................................
41,198
21,603
$108,614,865
$231.58
$5,981,138
NOTE: These data are based in part on preliminary data submitted by State and local agencies subject to change as revised reports are received. Totals
may not add due to rounding.
* The total benefits issued includes the FFCRA and CARES Act funding and an additional $4 billion in Contingency Reserve Funding.
2024 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE
35-124
SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
Table FNS-78. Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations Participation and Funding 2022
State or Territory
Average
Monthly
Participation
Food
Costs
1/
Admin
Funding
2/
Total
Alaska ................................................
223
$231,946
$47,260
$279,206
Arizona ...............................................
4,211
4,612,196
1,761,603
6,373,798
California ...........................................
2,078
2,014,498
3,374,604
5,389,102
Colorado .............................................
183
163,507
226,307
389,814
Idaho ..................................................
823
846,649
721,996
1,568,646
Kansas ................................................
390
387,334
109,152
496,486
Michigan ............................................
1,067
1,021,881
1,298,296
2,320,176
Minnesota ...........................................
1,061
1,203,051
1,840,340
3,043,391
Mississippi .........................................
713
645,777
356,536
1,002,313
Montana .............................................
1,915
2,055,268
3,284,284
5,339,552
Nebraska ............................................
729
681,636
508,512
1,190,148
Nevada ...............................................
710
559,882
456,963
1,016,845
New Mexico .......................................
1,415
1,266,645
1,687,366
2,954,011
New York ...........................................
157
141,153
425,986
567,139
North Carolina ....................................
521
533,409
153,223
686,632
North Dakota ......................................
3,673
3,725,911
3,269,396
6,995,307
Oklahoma ...........................................
15,848
16,981,685
10,917,654
27,899,339
Oregon ...............................................
244
283,855
705,890
989,745
South Dakota ......................................
5,836
6,596,499
4,463,411
11,059,911
Texas ..................................................
30
17,039
169,850
186,889
Utah ....................................................
193
183,204
71,615
254,819
Washington ........................................
1,544
1,475,242
2,064,226
3,539,467
Wisconsin ...........................................
1,250
1,216,866
2,027,559
3,244,425
Wyoming............................................
381
374,953
276,603
651,556
AMS/WBSCM/Comp Payment ..........
-
339,074
-
339,074
Anticipated Adjustment ......................
-
22,069,677
18,687,751
40,757,428
TOTAL..............................................
45,193
$69,628,837
$58,906,383
$128,535,219
SOURCE: FPRS FNS-152 data – Food distributed to participants in fiscal year 2022.
1/
Total value of entitlement foods. Costs do not include bonus commodities, food losses, storage and transportation for certain items (Group A fruits and vegetables,
all Group B commodities), the value of food used for nutrition education, or the Department of Defense Regional Pilot.
2/
Administrative funding represents the total of Federal outlays and unliquidated obligations.
NOTE: These data are based in part on preliminary reports submitted by State and local agencies and are subject to change as revisions are received. Totals reflect
Federal obligations and differ from State reported data.
2024 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE
35-125
SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
Table FNS-79. Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations Quantity and Value of Commodities 2022
ENTITLEMENT COMMODITIES
POUNDS
VALUE
APPLESAUCE, UNSWEETENED, CUP ...........................................................
294,840
$345,782
APRICOTS, CANNED, EXTRA LIGHT SYRUP ..............................................
182,250
239,533
BEANS, CANNED, BLACK, LOW-SODIUM ...................................................
71,145
50,888
BEANS, CANNED, GREEN, LOW-SODIUM ...................................................
401,483
303,369
BEANS, CANNED, LIGHT RED KIDNEY, LOW-SODIUM ...........................
249,008
171,498
BEANS, CANNED, PINTO, LOW-SODIUM ....................................................
142,290
106,151
BEANS, CANNED, REFRIED, LOW-SODIUM ................................................
73,440
77,143
BEANS, CANNED, VEGETARIAN, LOW-SODIUM .......................................
146,880
98,945
BEANS, DRY, PINTO, NO SALT ADDED .......................................................
241,920
179,865
BEEF, FINE GROUND, 85/15, FROZEN ...........................................................
1,466,640
5,062,765
BEEF, ROUND ROAST, FROZEN ....................................................................
800,000
4,151,252
BEEF, CANNED .................................................................................................
108,000
493,304
BEEF, STEW, CANNED.....................................................................................
360,000
763,920
BISON, GROUND, FROZEN .............................................................................
200,000
1,838,900
BLUEBERRIES, HIGHBUSH, FROZEN, UNSWEETENED ............................
280,000
599,128
BUTTER, SALTED .............................................................................................
246,240
756,326
BUTTERY SPREAD, LIGHT, ZERO GRAMS TRANS FAT ...........................
279,350
434,665
CARROTS, CANNED, LOW-SODIUM .............................................................
291,600
199,600
CARROTS, FROZEN, NO SALT ADDED ........................................................
396,000
337,986
CATFISH, FILLETS, FROZEN ..........................................................................
342,000
2,494,320
CEREAL, CORN FLAKES .................................................................................
116,640
168,665
CEREAL, CORN SQUARES ..............................................................................
75,600
175,899
CEREAL, OAT CIRCLES ...................................................................................
98,784
160,127
CEREAL, RICE CRISPS .....................................................................................
79,380
148,623
CEREAL, WHEAT BRAN FLAKES ..................................................................
87,208
128,113
CEREAL, WHEAT FARINA ..............................................................................
76,500
92,508
CEREAL, WHEAT SHREDDED ........................................................................
110,700
144,871
CHEESE, AMERICAN .......................................................................................
1,346,400
3,455,441
CHEESE, AMERICAN, REDUCED FAT ..........................................................
475,200
1,084,901
CHICKEN, BONELESS BREAST, FROZEN ....................................................
663,000
2,573,610
CHICKEN, WHITE MEAT, CANNED...............................................................
114,450
275,655
CHICKEN, WHOLE, BAGGED, FROZEN ........................................................
316,800
439,742
CORN, CANNED, CREAM STYLE, LOW-SODIUM .......................................
255,150
252,040
CORN, CANNED, NO SALT ADDED ...............................................................
892,550
705,887
CORNMEAL, BLUE ...........................................................................................
76,032
117,850
CORNMEAL, YELLOW.....................................................................................
342,720
144,324
CRACKERS, UNSALTED ..................................................................................
229,644
501,169
CRANBERRY SAUCE, CANNED .....................................................................
73,440
99,695
USDA DoD FRESH PRODUCE .........................................................................
-
7,683,401
EGG NOODLES ..................................................................................................
322,560
875,280
EGG MIX, DRIED...............................................................................................
144,000
1,535,972
FLOUR, 100% WHITE WHOLE WHEAT .........................................................
160,000
62,480
FLOUR, ALL PURPOSE, ENRICHED ..............................................................
2,056,320
801,673
FLOUR, BAKERY MIX, LOWFAT ...................................................................
280,800
422,737
FRUIT AND NUT MIX, DRIED .........................................................................
209,664
600,629
JUICE, APPLE, UNSWEETENED .....................................................................
1,075,111
791,811
JUICE, CHERRY APPLE, UNSWEETENED ....................................................
321,030
291,182
JUICE, CRANBERRY APPLE, UNSWEETENED ............................................
178,350
176,813
JUICE, GRAPE, UNSWEETENED ....................................................................
677,730
574,461
JUICE, ORANGE, UNSWEETENED .................................................................
606,390
460,912
JUICE, TOMATO, LOW-SODIUM ....................................................................
107,010
46,535
MACARONI AND CHEESE ..............................................................................
178,133
165,485
2024 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE
35-126
ENTITLEMENT COMMODITIES
POUNDS
VALUE
MILK, SKIM, EVAPORATED, CANNED .........................................................
297,432
331,135
MILK, NONFAT, DRY .......................................................................................
89,856
362,659
MILK, 1%, UHT ..................................................................................................
2,734,078
1,321,093
MIXED FRUIT, CANNED, EXTRA LIGHT SYRUP ........................................
358,020
369,587
MIXED VEGETABLES, CANNED, LOW-SODIUM ........................................
291,600
253,287
OATS ...................................................................................................................
90,720
104,763
OIL, VEGETABLE..............................................................................................
449,064
482,819
PASTA, ENRICHED ...........................................................................................
618,540
566,812
PEACHES, CANNED, EXTRA LIGHT SYRUP ................................................
672,255
761,872
PEANUT BUTTER .............................................................................................
241,920
316,735
PEANUTS, ROASTED, NO SALT ADDED ......................................................
103,680
146,966
PEARS, CANNED, EXTRA LIGHT SYRUP .....................................................
489,848
523,886
PEAS, FROZEN, NO SALT ADDED .................................................................
316,800
418,239
PLUMS, DRIED, UNSWEETENED ...................................................................
108,000
297,195
PORK CHOPS, FROZEN ....................................................................................
494,000
1,479,864
PORK, HAM, FROZEN ......................................................................................
468,480
1,360,154
POTATOES, CANNED, LOW-SODIUM ...........................................................
73,440
49,878
POTATOES, DEHYDRATED FLAKES ............................................................
210,000
383,242
PUMPKIN, CANNED, LOW-SODIUM .............................................................
109,350
168,075
RAISINS, UNSWEETENED ...............................................................................
155,520
242,822
RICE, WHITE ......................................................................................................
120,960
63,863
SALMON, WILD FILLETS, FROZEN ...............................................................
216,000
2,666,232
SOUP, CANNED, TOMATO, LOW-SODIUM ..................................................
177,375
186,208
SOUP, CANNED, VEGETABLE, LOW-SODIUM ............................................
106,425
118,404
SOUP, CREAM OF CHICKEN, REDUCED SODIUM .....................................
248,325
259,516
SOUP, CREAM OF MUSHROOM, REDUCED SODIUM ................................
283,800
323,994
SPAGHETTI SAUCE, CANNED, LOW-SODIUM ............................................
218,700
171,979
SPINACH, CANNED, LOW-SODIUM ..............................................................
33,915
44,945
TOMATOES, CANNED, NO SALT ADDED ....................................................
125,150
109,257
TOMATO SAUCE, LOW-SODIUM ...................................................................
309,825
251,486
TORTILLAS, WHOLE GRAIN-RICH ...............................................................
144,000
152,280
TUNA, LIGHT, CANNED ..................................................................................
129,600
385,884
WALLEYE, FILLETS, FROZEN ........................................................................
72,000
892,800
SUBTOTAL COMMODITY ENTITLEMENT ..............................................
28,879,058
59,431,763
Anticipated Transportation and Storage ...............................................................
-
$8,139,530
AMS/WBSCM Admin Expenses .........................................................................
-
339,074
Anticipated Adjustment .......................................................................................
-
1,718,470
TOTAL COMMODITY ENTITLEMENT ......................................................
28,879,058
69,628,837
TOTAL – ALL COMMODITIES .....................................................................
28,879,058
69,628,837
GRAND TOTAL – FDPIR ................................................................................
28,879,058
69,628,837
Source: WBSCM—Sales Order and contract information.
2024 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE
35-127
SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
Table FNS-80. Firms Authorized to Receive & Redeem Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Benefits 2022
State
Retailers
Wholesalers
Drug
and/or
Alcohol
Treatment
Program
Shelter for
Battered
Women and
Children
Communal
Dining
Facility
Group Living
Arrangement
Homeless
Meal
Provider
Meal
Delivery
Service
Alabama .......................
4,871
-
25
1
-
18
2
-
Alaska ..........................
533
-
12
-
-
-
-
1
Arizona ........................
3,838
-
4
1
-
-
1
3
Arkansas ......................
2,675
-
12
-
-
-
1
-
California .....................
24,503
-
69
2
1
-
10
2
Colorado ......................
3,108
-
4
-
1
1
1
2
Connecticut ..................
2,480
-
13
-
2
-
-
-
Delaware ......................
833
-
1
-
-
-
2
-
District of Columbia ....
440
-
-
-
1
-
-
-
Florida..........................
15,226
-
49
-
1
20
3
2
Georgia ........................
9,825
-
5
-
2
3
-
-
Guam ...........................
245
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Hawaii..........................
915
-
10
-
-
1
-
2
Idaho ............................
1,141
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Illinois ..........................
9,344
-
4
-
9
10
2
8
Indiana .........................
5,541
-
2
1
-
-
3
8
Iowa .............................
3,003
-
10
-
1
-
1
2
Kansas..........................
2,073
-
11
-
6
6
1
3
Kentucky ......................
4,547
-
70
-
-
-
1
-
Louisiana .....................
4,329
-
7
-
-
-
7
-
Maine ...........................
1,421
-
6
1
8
3
-
1
Maryland ......................
3,752
-
5
-
4
16
3
1
Massachusetts ..............
5,408
-
45
1
3
97
3
-
Michigan ......................
9,519
-
11
-
16
28
3
14
Minnesota ....................
3,589
-
-
-
4
-
-
4
Mississippi ...................
3,198
-
1
-
-
-
-
-
Missouri .......................
4,971
-
8
-
-
-
3
2
Montana .......................
786
-
3
-
9
9
1
-
Nebraska ......................
1,406
-
12
-
-
-
-
-
Nevada .........................
1,924
-
6
-
1
-
3
-
New Hampshire ...........
1,055
-
3
-
-
1
1
1
New Jersey ...................
5,797
-
10
-
-
1
2
-
New Mexico ................
1,663
-
1
-
-
-
-
-
New York ....................
16,943
1
102
-
18
183
5
29
North Carolina .............
9,155
-
2
-
-
-
1
1
North Dakota ...............
574
-
3
-
17
1
-
5
Ohio .............................
9,965
-
22
-
1
1
-
4
Oklahoma.....................
3,699
-
13
-
-
-
1
-
Oregon .........................
3,401
-
27
-
3
28
6
1
Pennsylvania ................
10,261
-
11
-
2
16
19
11
Rhode Island ................
917
-
2
-
3
3
-
-
South Carolina .............
5,120
-
1
-
-
1
1
1
South Dakota ...............
755
-
3
-
9
16
-
3
Tennessee.....................
6,517
-
19
-
-
17
-
-
Texas............................
21,629
-
22
-
-
5
2
-
Utah .............................
1,564
-
4
-
2
-
-
-
Vermont .......................
692
-
2
-
-
-
-
-
Virgin Islands ..............
109
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Virginia ........................
6,318
-
10
-
-
2
-
2
Washington ..................
4,936
-
16
-
2
7
3
5
West Virginia ...............
2,161
-
11
-
-
-
1
-
Wisconsin ....................
4,326
-
1
-
17
-
3
9
Wyoming .....................
375
-
3
-
1
-
-
-
TOTAL .......................
253,376
1
693
7
144
494
96
127
2024 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE
35-128
SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
Table FNS-81. Firms Authorized to Receive and Redeem Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Benefits 2022
State
Private
Restaurant/Meal
Delivery
Sr Citizens
Center/Residential
Building
Grand Total
Alabama .............................
-
-
4,917
Alaska ................................
-
-
546
Arizona ..............................
551
-
4,398
Arkansas ............................
-
-
2,688
California ...........................
2,905
-
27,492
Colorado ............................
-
-
3,117
Connecticut ........................
-
-
2,495
Delaware ............................
-
-
836
District of Columbia ..........
-
-
441
Florida................................
-
-
15,301
Georgia ..............................
-
1
9,836
Guam .................................
-
-
245
Hawaii................................
-
-
928
Idaho ..................................
-
-
1,141
Illinois ................................
5
141
9,523
Indiana ...............................
-
1
5,556
Iowa ...................................
-
-
3,017
Kansas................................
-
-
2,100
Kentucky ............................
-
-
4,618
Louisiana ...........................
-
-
4,343
Maine .................................
-
-
1,440
Maryland ............................
2
1
3,784
Massachusetts ....................
-
3
5,560
Michigan ............................
13
3
9,607
Minnesota ..........................
-
1
3,598
Mississippi .........................
-
-
3,199
Missouri .............................
-
-
4,984
Montana .............................
-
2
810
Nebraska ............................
-
-
1,418
Nevada ...............................
-
-
1,934
New Hampshire .................
-
1
1,062
New Jersey .........................
-
1
5,811
New Mexico ......................
-
-
1,664
New York ..........................
-
5
17,286
North Carolina ...................
-
-
9,159
North Dakota .....................
-
-
600
Ohio ...................................
-
-
9,993
Oklahoma...........................
-
-
3,713
Oregon ...............................
-
1
3,467
Pennsylvania ......................
-
-
10,320
Rhode Island ......................
10
-
935
South Carolina ...................
-
-
5,124
South Dakota .....................
-
-
786
Tennessee...........................
-
1
6,554
Texas..................................
-
-
21,658
Utah ...................................
-
-
1,570
Vermont .............................
-
-
694
Virgin Islands ....................
-
-
109
Virginia ..............................
3
-
6,335
Washington ........................
-
-
4,969
West Virginia .....................
-
-
2,173
Wisconsin ..........................
-
-
4,356
Wyoming ...........................
-
-
379
TOTAL .............................
3,489
162
258,589
2024 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE
35-129
C
OMMODITY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
A
PPROPRIATIONS LANGUAGE
The appropriations language follows (new language underscored; deleted matter enclosed in brackets):
For necessary expenses to carry out disaster assistance and the Commodity Supplemental Food Program as authorized by 1
section 4(a) of the Agriculture and Consumer Protection Act of 1973 (7 U.S.C. 612c note); the Emergency Food 2
Assistance Act of 1983; special assistance for the nuclear affected islands, as authorized by section 103(f)(2) of the 3
Compact of Free Association Amendments Act of 2003 (Public Law 108–188); and the Farmers’ Market Nutrition 4
Program, as authorized by section 17(m) of the Child Nutrition Act of 1966, [$457,710,000]$517,070,000, to remain
5
available through September 30, [2024]2025: Provided, That none of these funds shall be available to reimburse the 6
Commodity Credit Corporation for commodities donated to the program: Provided further, That notwithstanding any 7
other provision of law, effective with funds made available in p [2023]2024 to support the Seniors Farmers’ Market
8
Nutrition Program, as authorized by section 4402 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002, such funds 9
shall remain available through September 30, [2024]2025: Provided further, That of the funds made available under
10
section 27(a) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2036(a)), the Secretary may use up to 20 percent for costs 11
associated with the distribution of commodities. 12
L
EAD-OFF TABULAR STATEMENT
Table FNS-82. Lead-Off Tabular Statement (In dollars)
Item
Amount
Estimate, 2023 ......................................................................................................................
$457,710,000
Change in Appropriation ......................................................................................................
+59,360,000
Budget Estimate, 2024 .........................................................................................................
$517,070,000
2024 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE
35-130
PROJECT STATEMENTS
Table FNS-83. Project Statement on Basis of Appropriations (thousands of dollars, FTE)
Item
2021
Actual
FTE
2022
Actual
FTE
2023
Estimated
FTE
2024
Estimated
FTE
Inc/
Dec
FTE
Inc/Dec
Chg
Key
Discretionary Appropriations:
Commodity Supplemental Food Program................
$325,000
-
$332,000
-
$338,640
-
$390,000
-
+$51,360
-
(1)
Farmer's Market ......................................................
21,000
-
26,000
-
26,000
-
26,000
-
-
-
TEFAP Admin ........................................................
79,630
-
81,000
-
92,000
-
100,000
-
+8,000
-
(2)
Nuclear Affected Islands .........................................
574
-
574
-
574
-
574
-
-
-
Disaster Assistance ..................................................
496
-
496
-
496
-
496
-
-
-
Total Regular Appropriations ..............................
426,700
3
440,070
3
457,710
3
517,070
3
+59,360
-
Direct Appropriations:
TEFAP Farm Bill Projects .......................................
3,772
-
3,772
-
3,772
-
3,772
-
-
-
Sequestration ...........................................................
228
-
228
-
228
-
228
-
-
-
Total Direct Appropriations .................................
4,000
3
4,000
3
4,000
3
4,000
3
-
-
Supplemental Appropriations:
FFCRA ....................................................................
TEFAP FFCRA Food Supplemental .......................
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
TEFAP FFCRA Admin Supplemental ....................
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
CARES Act .............................................................
TEFAP Food CARES Act .......................................
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
TEFAP Admin CARES Act ....................................
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Emergency Supplemental (Division N) ...................
TEFAP COVID .......................................................
400,000
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
CSFP COVID ..........................................................
13,000
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
American Rescue Plan .............................................
CSFP Rescue Plan Supplemental ............................
37,000
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Subtotal ..................................................................
450,000
3
-
3
-
3
-
3
-
-
Total Adjusted Appropriations ............................
880,700
3
444,070
3
461,710
3
521,070
3
+59,360
-
Transfers In:
Senior Farmer's Market Nutrition Program
1
............
19,426
-
19,426
-
19,426
-
19,426
-
-
-
Sequestration ...........................................................
1,174
-
1,174
-
1,174
-
1,174
-
-
-
Nutrition Services Incentive Program
2
....................
1,348
-
1,438
-
2,193
-
-
-
-
-
Total Transfers In ....................................................
21,948
-
22,038
-
22,793
-
20,600
-
-
-
Total Adjusted Appropriation ..................................
902,648
3
466,108
3
484,503
3
541,670
3
+59,360
-
Less Transfers and Direct Appropriation:
SFMNP, NSIP, Sequesters & TEFAP Farm Bill .....
-25,948
-
-26,038
-
-26,793
-
-24,600
-
-
-
Total CAP Appropriation .....................................
876,700
3
440,070
3
457,710
3
517,070
3
+59,360
-
1/
Section 4402(a) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 3007(a)) authorizes the transfer of $20,600,000 from the
Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) for the SFMNP.
2/
Section 311(d)(3) of the Older Americans Act (42 U.S.C. 3030a) authorizes the transfer of NSIP funds from HHS for the purchase of USDA Foods
and related expenses for the elderly. The NSIP amount for 2024 will be determined at a later date.
2024 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE
35-131
Table FN
S-84. Project Statement on Basis of Obligations (thousands of dollars, FTE)
Item
2021
Actual
FTE
2022
Actual
FTE
2023
Estimated
FTE
2024
Estimated
FTE
Inc. or
Dec.
FTE
Inc/Dec
Discretionary Obligations:
Commodity Supplemental Food Program................
$330,779
-
$323,586
-
$338,640
-
$390,000
-
+$51,360
-
Farmer's Market ......................................................
29,641
-
40,910
-
26,000
-
26,000
-
-
-
TEFAP Admin ........................................................
88,657
-
88,949
-
92,000
-
100,000
-
+8,000
-
Nuclear Affected Islands .........................................
574
-
574
-
574
-
574
-
-
-
Disaster Assistance ..................................................
322
-
312
-
496
-
496
-
-
-
Total Regular Discretionary Obligations .............
449,973
3
454,331
457,710
3
517,070
3
+59,360
-
Mandatory Direct Obligations:
TEFAP Farm Bill Projects .......................................
4,000
-
7,544
-
4,000
-
4,000
-
-
-
Sequestration ...........................................................
-236
-
-228
-
-228
-
-228
-
-
-
Total Regular Mandatory Obligations .................
3,764
-
7,316
-
3,772
-
3,772
-
-
-
Supplemental Obligations:
FFCRA
TEFAP FFCRA Food Supplemental .......................
182,057
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
TEFAP FFCRA Admin Supplemental ....................
12,465
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
CARES Act
TEFAP Food CARES Act .......................................
43,855
-
290
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
TEFAP Admin CARES Act ....................................
965
-
1,048
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Emergency Supplemental (Division N)
TEFAP Commodity COVID Supplemental .............
327,737
-
1,174
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
TEFAP Admin COVID Supplemental ....................
73,280
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
CSFP Commodity COVID Supplemental ...............
10,400
-
23
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
CSFP Admin COVID Supplemental .......................
2,600
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
American Rescue Plan
CSFP Food Rescue Plan Supplemental ...................
35,484
-
128
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
CSFP Admin Rescue Plan Supplemental ................
1,516
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Total Supplemental Obligations ...........................
690,359
3
2,663
3
-
3
-
3
-
-
Obligations from Transfers In:
Senior Farmer's Market Nutrition Program .............
24,908
-
24,866
-
21,174
-
21,174
-
-
-
Sequestration ...........................................................
-1,174
-
-1,174
-
-1,174
-
-1,174
-
-
-
Total Senior Farmer’s Market Obligations .........
23,734
-
23,692
-
20,600
-
20,600
-
-
-
Nutrition Services Incentive Program
1/
...................
1,332
-
1,061
-
2,193
-
-
-
-
-
Subtotal Transfers In ...............................................
25,066
-
24,753
-
22,793
-
20,600
-
-
-
Total Adjusted Obligations ...................................
1,169,162
3
489,063
3
484,275
3
541,442
3
+59,360
-
Recoveries (non-add)* ............................................
27,336
-
32,163
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Balances Lapsing (non-add)* ..................................
1,510
-
350
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Balances Available, SOY (non-add)* ......................
247,474
-
42,637
-
49,895
-
-
-
-
-
Balances Available, EOY (non-add)* .....................
42,637
-
49,895
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Total CAP Obligations ..........................................
1,169,162
3
489,063
3
484,275
3
541,442
3
+59,360
-
*non-add lines are for display purposes only. Individual amounts are already calculated within each applicable program line above.
1/
Section 311(d)(3) of the Older Americans Act (42 U.S.C. 3030a) authorizes the transfer of NSIP funds from HHS for the purchase of USDA Foods
and related expenses for the elderly. The NSIP amount for 2024 will be determined at a later date.
2024 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE
35-132
J
USTIFICATION OF INCREASES AND DECREASES
The numbers of the following listing relate to values in the Change (Chg) Key column of the Project Statement, compared
to 2023 Estimated. The Commodity Assistance Program (CAP) account combines administrative funding for The
Emergency Food Assistance Program, the Farmers’ Market Nutrition Programs, Commodity Supplemental Food Program
and assistance to the six Nuclear Affected Islands of The Republic of the Marshall Islands and Disaster Relief. The
Justification reflects an increase of $59,630,000. This change includes:
(1) An increase of $51,360,000 for the Commodity Supplemental Food Program ($338,640,000 and 3 staff years
available in 2023).
The Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) works to improve the health of low-income elderly persons at
least 60 years of age by supplementing their diets with nutritious USDA Foods. The program is administered in parts
of all 50 States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and through five Indian Tribal Organizations (ITOs). FNS also
provides administrative grants to States from the appropriated funds.
According to the Census Bureau, the elderly population in the United States has been growing over the past several
years and will continue to grow by an additional 27 percent by 2050. SNAP data shows that, of the proportion of the
elderly population who are eligible, only about 41 percent currently receive SNAP benefits; meaning that many low-
income, elderly persons rely on other sources of food assistance through food banks and food pantries, and programs
such as CSFP.
CSFP requests a total appropriation of $390 million in 2024 to continue to serve the full caseload of 764,000. This
increase is due to current and projected prices for commodities as well as the assumption that, as the pandemic
wanes, participation will return to higher levels. Currently, the program is experiencing lower-than-normal
participation levels during the pandemic, which is a reversal of the increased participation trend seen in 2019 and
early 2020. However, by 2024, FNS expects that participation will return to the robust levels seen pre-pandemic.
CSFP is currently able to support caseload due to an infusion of resources from supplemental spending bills in 2021.
Those additional resources will be depleted during 2023.
(2) An increase of $8,000,000 in The Emergency Food Assistance Program ($92,000,000 available in 2023).
This funding is used for grants to States to support the storage and distribution of USDA Foods distributed through
The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) network of emergency feeding organizations (EFOs). The
funding is allocated among States using a statutory formula that considers poverty and unemployment. States are
required to pass through at least 40 percent of these funds to EFOs and must match any funding retained for State
administrative expenses.
The Emergency Food Assistance Act of 1983, as amended, authorizes $100 million annually for TEFAP
administrative funding; however, despite the ongoing demand for additional administrative funds, administrative
appropriations have never reached this level. In 2022 TEFAP administrative funding appropriations were set at $81
million. To fund the operational resources necessary to operate TEFAP, States divert resources from food funding
and other programs. In 2022 State agencies were permitted to convert up to 20 percent of their TEFAP food funds
into administrative funds to meet operational needs and opted to convert almost the full amount ($49.95 million) of
TEFAP food funds into administrative funds.
2024 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE
35-133
G
EOGRAPHIC BREAKDOWN
Table FNS-85. Geographic Breakdown by State (thousands of dollars)
State/Territory/Country
2021
Actual
FTE
2022
Actual
FTE
2023
Estimated
FTE
2024
Estimated
FTE
Maryland .....................
-
-
$324
2
$337
2
$354
-
New York ....................
-
-
-
-
3
-
4
-
Virginia ........................
$2,063
3
2,985
1
2,995
1
3,008
3
Total, Available ..........
2,063
3
3,309
3
3,335
3
3,366
3
CLASSIFICATION BY OBJECTS
Table FNS-86. Classification by Objects (thousands of dollars)
Item
No.
Item
2021
Actual
2022
Actual
2023
Estimated
2024
Estimated
Personnel Compensation:
Washington D.C. .............................................................
$133
$166
$143
$150
Personnel Compensation, Field .......................................
199
250
214
224
11
Total personnel compensation .........................................
332
416
357
374
12
Personal benefits ..............................................................
143
155
153
160
Total, personnel comp. and benefits ................................
475
571
510
534
Other Objects:
26.0
Supplies and materials .....................................................
904,423
330,047
318,482
374,601
41.0
Grants, subsidies, and contributions ................................
264,264
158,445
165,283
166,307
99.9
Total, new obligations ....................................................
1,169,162
489,063
484,275
541,442
2024 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE
35-134
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was intentionally left blank.
2024 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES –FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE
35-135
STATUS OF PROGRAMS
The Commodity Assistance Program (CAP) account combines funding for the Commodity Supplemental Food
Program, administrative expenses for The Emergency Food Assistance Program, assistance to the six Nuclear Affected
Islands of The Republic of the Marshall Islands, Disaster Relief, the Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program, and the
WIC Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program.
C
OMMODITY SUPPLEMENTAL FOOD PROGRAM
Program Mission
The Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) provides supplemental USDA Foods to low-income elderly
persons ages 60 and over. Prior to passage of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (P.L. 113-79, the 2014 Farm Bill), CSFP also
served pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women, infants, and children up to age six. However, Section 4102 of
the 2014 Farm Bill amended CSFP’s eligibility requirements to phase women, infants, and children out of CSFP and
transition it to a seniors’ only program. As of February 2020, all women, infants, and children have been phased out of
the program.
In FY 2022, the program was administered in parts of all 50 States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and through 8
Indian Tribal Organizations (ITOs). The foods provided are purchased by USDA with funds appropriated for the
program each year. CSFP participants receive monthly food packages that include foods such as canned fruits packed in
extra light syrup, low-sodium or no salt added canned vegetables, dry beans, unsweetened juices, canned meats, poultry,
and fish that are lower in sodium and fat, peanut butter, whole grain cereals and pasta, and reduced fat or nonfat dairy
products. FNS also provides administrative grants to States from the appropriated funds.
Facts in Brief
In calendar year 2022, a total of 760,547 monthly caseload slots were allocated to participating States and ITOs (CSFP
caseload is assigned by calendar year). The 2022 caseload allocation was provided in April 2022 under the Consolidated
Appropriations Act, 2022 (P.L. 117-103).
For FY 2022, total program participation averaged 658,960 monthly.
Program Participation and Caseload Utilization
Each year, to the extent that resources are available, FNS assigns a base caseload to all States and ITOs participating in
the program. Base caseload equals the greatest of 1) monthly average participation for the previous fiscal year;
2) monthly average participation for the final quarter of the previous fiscal year; or, in certain limited circumstances,
3) participation during September of the previous fiscal year. Base caseload cannot exceed total caseload for the
previous year. If resources are available to support total caseload in excess of base caseload, States may also be eligible
to receive additional caseload, which is assigned based on State requests for such caseload increases and FNS’
determination of the number of slots that States can effectively use.
Table FNS-87. CSFP Average Monthly Participation
Participation
1
2019
2020
2021
2022 (Year to date)
Women ...........................
0
0
0
0
Infants .............................
0
0
0
0
Children under 6 .............
18
1
0
0
Total WIC Type ..............
18
1
0
0
Elderly ............................
702,546
692,466
661,117
658,960
Total, CSFP ....................
702,564
692,467
661,117
658,960
1/
Based on National Databank version 8.2 data through September 2022. Due to rounding, the sum of the average participation by women, infants,
children, and elderly may not equal the total average participation.
Administrative Funding
Section 4201 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (2002 Farm Bill, P.L. 107-171) established the
method for calculating administrative funds for State agencies in CSFP. State agencies are provided an administrative
grant per assigned caseload slot, adjusted each year for inflation. For FY 2022, $84.47 was the legislatively mandated
administrative grant per assigned caseload slot, up from $82.43 in FY 2021. Allowable administrative costs include
2024 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES –FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE
nutrition education, warehousing, food delivery, participant certification, and other costs associated with State and local
administration of the program.
Technical Assistance
FNS continues to maintain a CSFP Sharing Gallery on the FNS website to provide a way for State and local partners to
find nutrition education resources appropriate for seniors. Stakeholders may submit resources for inclusion on the
nutrition education Sharing Gallery.
THE EMERGENCY FOOD ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
Program Mission
The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) supplements the diets of needy Americans through donations of
nutritious USDA Foods to States. States provide the food to local agencies for distribution to households for home
consumption and to organizations that prepare meals for needy people. Recipients of household food packages must
meet program eligibility criteria set by the States. USDA also provides TEFAP administrative funding to States to
support the storage and distribution of USDA Foods and foods from other sources, including private donations.
Facts in Brief
TEFAP foods and administrative funds are allocated to States based on a formula that considers the number of
unemployed people in each State and the number of persons in each State with incomes below the poverty level.
States may direct their TEFAP foods to: 1) distribution to needy households, 2) provision of meals to the needy at
emergency feeding sites, or 3) a combination of the two.
Each State is responsible for selecting organizations to participate in the program, allocating foods and administrative
funds among such organizations, and establishing eligibility criteria. Many local TEFAP agencies are faith-based
organizations, and many depend significantly on volunteers.
Administrative Funding
TEFAP administrative funds are provided to States under the CAP account to help defray State and local costs
associated with the transportation, processing, storage, and distribution of USDA Foods or foods secured from other
sources, including the private sector. FY 2022 appropriations also permitted each State to convert up to twenty percent
of TEFAP food funds to administrative funds. Additionally, unless expressly prohibited by appropriations legislation,
States can convert any amount of their administrative funds to food funds to purchase additional USDA Foods. States
can also use administrative funds to support food rescue activities such as gleaning and other food recovery efforts. In
these ways, administrative funds are efficiently leveraged to increase the total flow of food, from all sources, through
the TEFAP network. In FY 2022, TEFAP also received administrative funds provided under Division B, Title 1, Office
of the Secretary of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act.
Entitlement Foods
A variety of healthful foods were purchased specifically for distribution in TEFAP in FY 2022 including fresh, frozen,
and canned fruits and vegetables; protein items such as meat, fish, eggs, nuts, and beans; whole grain and enriched
grains; and dairy products such as milk and cheese. Several of the USDA Foods available through TEFAP require
commercial kosher or halal certification, and many more may be acceptable to kosher or halal observant communities
without certification. The TEFAP Fresh Produce Box, introduced in FY 2021, provides additional fresh produce
options to meet the needs of diverse communities. In FY 2022, FNS published several online resources about accessing
items appropriate for kosher or halal observant communities through TEFAP. Informed by extensive outreach with
State agencies and other stakeholders in FY 2022, FNS will work with the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) in
FY 2023 to identify additional opportunities to incorporate kosher and halal food items in TEFAP and to provide
ongoing technical assistance to State agencies and food banks.
Bonus Food
In FY 2022, USDA purchased additional food items under its market support authorities and donated them for
distribution through TEFAP. The total amount of bonus products purchased in FY 2022 for distribution through
TEFAP outlets was $517 million. Bonus USDA Foods included: pears, dates, raisins, hazelnuts, great northern beans,
grapefruit, oranges, pink salmon, Alaska pollock, chicken, pistachios, grapes, haddock, perch, Atlantic pollock, plums,
nectarines, peaches, bison, sweet potatoes, almonds, figs, walnuts, sweet cherries, rockfish, shrimp, and whiting.
35-136
2024 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES –FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE
TEFAP Reach and Resiliency Grants
With $100 million in funds provided through the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, FNS developed a new grant
program to expand TEFAP's reach into remote, rural, tribal, and/or low-income areas that are underserved by the
program. In June 2022, FNS awarded more than $39.4 million in TEFAP Reach and Resiliency round one grants to 38
TEFAP state agencies. The 38 awards represent a variety of unique and impactful projects, each tailored to the specific
needs of the requesting state. Activities taking place with TEFAP Reach and Resiliency grant funds include:
professional studies and assessments of TEFAP reach, cultural competency training for eligible recipient agency (ERA)
staff, expanded mobile distribution infrastructure, critical freezing and cooling investments in rural areas, and targeted
outreach activities in tribal areas. FNS will announce a second opportunity to award the remaining grant funds in FY
2023.
Farm to Food Bank Projects
The Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (P.L. 115-334, the 2018 Farm Bill) provided State agencies the opportunity
to initiate Farm to Food Bank projects to harvest, process, package, or transport donated commodities for use by
TEFAP emergency feeding organizations (EFOs). In FY 2022, FNS allocated $7.54 million among 29 TEFAP State
agencies that submitted plans to implement Farm to Food Bank Projects. Projects included diverting unused agricultural
products at risk of going to waste to emergency feeding organizations for distribution to people in need, streamlining the
processes for gleaning leftover produce for donation to EFOs and increasing the capacity of EFOs to distribute fresh
produce.
FY 2022 TEFAP Spending
In FY 2022, $81 million was appropriated for TEFAP administrative funds. In addition, the Secretary was authorized to
make available up to twenty percent of TEFAP food funds to support administrative costs. The FY 2022 appropriation
for TEFAP entitlement food, provided in the SNAP account, was $393.61 million, which included the funding
authorized by Section 27(a)(2) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 as amended by Section 4018the 2018 Farm Bill.
In FY 2022, $500 million in supplemental funding for TEFAP was provided under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and
Economic Security Act, Division B (P.L. 116-136) as part of USDA’s Food Systems Transformation initiative. Of the
$500 million, State agencies had the option to accept their share of up to $100 million as administrative funds. TEFAP
state agencies chose to accept a total of $99,734,761 as administrative funds, and the remaining $400,265,239 was used
for TEFAP food purchases.
Table FNS-88. TEFAP Summary
(in millions)
2019
2020
2021
2022
State Administrative Expenses ..........................................................
148.6
137.3
158.4
136.2
Bonus Foods
1 ...........................................................................................................................
403.0
716.2
701.0
517.0
Entitlement Foods
2 ...............................................................................................................
254.9
92.2
319.9
465.4
Trade Mitigation Foods .....................................................................
1,059.3
1,93.3
0.0
0.0
TOTAL
$1,865.8
$2,138.9
$1,179.3
$1,118.6
0.0
214.3
0.0
0.0
0.0
392.2
0.0
500.0
Supplemental Funding via the FFCRA (Food and Admin funds).....
Supplemental Funding via the CARES Act (Food and Admin
funds) COVID Division N Funding (Food and Admin funds)..........
0.0
0.0
397.3
0.0
Total, Including Disaster Funding
$1,865.8
$2,745.4
$1,576.6
$1,618.6
1/ Includes barter foods
2/ From SNAP Account
The State Administrative Expenses shown in the table above include administrative funds, food funds converted to
administrative funds, and administrative funds recovered from the previous year. In FY 2022, of the $80 million eligible
for conversion, States chose to convert $49.4 million into administrative funds.
The entitlement foods line also includes administrative funds that States chose to use instead to increase their food
entitlements. In FY 2022, $1.6 million in administrative funds were converted to food funds.
35-137
2024 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES –FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE
35-138
WIC
FARMERS’ MARKET NUTRITION PROGRAM
The WIC Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) provides a direct link between nutrition and the Nation’s small
resource farmers by providing women, infants older than 4 months, and children up to the age of five participating in
the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC), benefits to purchase and consume
fresh, nutritious, unprepared, locally grown fruits, vegetables and herbs directly from farmers, farmers’ markets and
roadside stands. As a result, the FMNP has enhanced local agricultural economies by promoting the development of
farmers’ markets, which has increased the customer base for small local farmers. During FY 2022, the FMNP was
operated by 52 State agencies, including U.S. Territories and federally recognized ITOs.
In FY 2021, the last year for which data is available, the FMNP provided benefits to 1,197,470 WIC participants. The
participants redeemed their benefits at 4,928 authorized farmers’ markets and roadside stands, providing revenue to
14,956 farmers.
In FY 2022, FNS supported modernized access to benefits in the Farmers Market Nutrition Programs by issuing
guidance on options for alternative coupon processing to include the process for State agencies to implement
operational flexibilities and regulatory waivers in support of electronic solutions.
Table FNS-89. WIC Farmer’s Market Nutrition Program
2019
2020
2021
2022
Funding ($ in thousands) ......................................................
$22,309
$22,597
$29,829
$40,409
WIC Recipients ....................................................................
1,560,475
1,181,3145
1,197,470
*
Farmer’s Markets**..............................................................
4,815
4,612
4,928
*
Farmers .................................................................................
15,069
15,110
14,956
*
NOTE:
Funding includes new authority and prior year resources.
*/ Data not yet available
**/ Farmers’ Markets data includes roadside stands.
S
ENIOR FARMERS’ MARKET NUTRITION PROGRAM
The Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) awards grants to States, U.S. Territories, and federally
recognized ITOs to provide low-income seniors with benefits that can be exchanged for fresh, nutritious, unprepared,
locally grown fruits, vegetables, herbs, and honey directly from farmers, farmers’ markets, roadside stands, and
community-supported agriculture programs (CSAs).
Farmers’ markets play a key role in developing local and regional food systems that support farmers and help grow rural
economies. In FY 2022, the SFMNP was operated by 55 State agencies, including U.S. Territories and ITOs. In FY
2021, the last year for which data is available, the SFMNP provided benefits to 80,012 low-income older Americans.
The participants redeemed their benefits at 5,367 authorized farmers markets, roadside stands and CSAs providing
revenue to 15,568 farmers. The SFMNP supports local farmers by increasing the sustainability of the land and of the
local economy through bringing additional customers to their markets.
The 2018 Farm Bill reauthorized the SFMNP through 2023 at a level of $20.6 million per year.
Table FNS-90. SFMNP Summary
2019
2020
2021
2022
Funding ($ in thousands) ................................
$20,991
$21,083
$23,718
$24,357
SFMNP Recipients .........................................
832,111
725,687
780,012
*
Farmers ...........................................................
19,203
14,767
15,568
*
Farmers’ Markets ...........................................
3,292
2,401
2,860
*
Roadside Stands .............................................
2,363
2,316
2,438
*
Community Supported Ag Programs ..............
124
71
69
*
NOTE: Funding includes new authority and prior year resources.
*/ Data not yet available
2024 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE
PACIFIC ISLANDS
Certain islands in nuclear-affected zones of the Republic of the Marshall Islands receive nutrition assistance as
authorized by the Compact of Free Association Amendments Act of 2003 (P.L. 108-188). Under the terms of a
memorandum of understanding between USDA and the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the assistance is currently
provided as cash in-lieu of USDA Foods and administrative funds. USDA previously provided nutrition assistance
under this account to the former Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands.
D
ISASTER ASSISTANCE
The Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (P.L. 93-288) assigns certain responsibilities
relating to disaster food assistance to the Secretary of Agriculture. Other duties have been assigned to the Secretary by
Executive Order 12673. These include using, pursuant to the authority of the Act, funds appropriated under Section 32
to purchase USDA Foods for assistance in major disasters or emergencies when other food supplies are not readily
available.
FNS supported a disaster household distribution request from Spirit Lake Sioux Tribe in North Dakota, which
experienced a resurgence of COVID-19 exposures in their Tribal community. USDA Foods were also distributed to
households in the Village of Teller, Alaska where the community experienced shortages of their normal subsistence
items such as reindeer, salmon, and spring birds. Shortly after, in September, communities in Alaska experienced an
unusual yet severe storm, Typhoon Merbok, which FNS worked closely with federal partners and stakeholders on the
ground to meet community needs. In late September, Hurricane Fiona arrived causing major devastation in Puerto Rico
followed by Hurricane Ian, which vastly impacted cities throughout the state of Florida and also hit the surrounding
state of South Carolina. Both Hurricanes led to Presidentially declared major disasters and/or emergency declarations in
Puerto Rico, Florida, and South Carolina with FNS providing disaster relief.
N
UTRITION SERVICES INCENTIVE PROGRAM (NSIP)
NSIP provides cash and USDA Foods to States and ITO’s for distribution to local organizations that prepare
nutritionally sound meals served through meals-on-wheels programs or in senior citizen centers and similar settings
where the elderly participate in social and rehabilitative activities. The program promotes good health through nutrition
assistance and by reducing the isolation experienced by the elderly.
In 2003, Congress transferred NSIP funding and the allocation of resources in this program from USDA to the
Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). However, State Units on Aging, which include ITO’s, could still
choose to receive all or part of their NSIP allotments in the form of USDA Foods. They are also eligible to receive
bonus food, as available. USDA’s role is to purchase and deliver food to States that elect to receive it. DHHS provides
funding to USDA for purchases of USDA Foods and related administrative expenses. FNS and DHHS’ Administration
for Community Living enter into an agreement annually to ensure the effective provision of USDA Foods to State Units
on Aging.
35-139
2024 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE
CSFP PROJECTS, PARTICIPATION AND FOOD COST FY 2022 (CSFP)
Table FNS-91. CSFP Projects, Participation and Food Costs
State or Territory
Projects
Elderly
Food Cost $$
1
Admin Cost $$
2
Alabama ..................................................................
4
6,436
$2,563,222
$649,810
Alaska ......................................................................
2
2,446
1,054,366
215,069
Arizona ....................................................................
2
19,806
7,788,144
1,876,066
Arkansas ..................................................................
7
7,917
3,328,922
678,407
California .................................................................
10
101,046
39,493,895
8,974,051
California, Shingle Spring Band ..............................
1
411
237,862
50,683
Colorado ..................................................................
6
13,097
5,428,637
1,074,868
Connecticut ..............................................................
1
2,552
968,721
240,656
Delaware ..................................................................
1
1,396
564,888
150,590
District of Columbia ................................................
1
5,128
2,007,820
457,069
Florida .....................................................................
7
9,318
3,927,302
829,753
Georgia ....................................................................
2
6,117
2,657,627
533,431
Hawaii .....................................................................
4
3,536
1,366,504
286,226
Idaho ........................................................................
1
2,084
807,556
187,946
Illinois .....................................................................
3
10,263
4,071,440
1,376,023
Indiana .....................................................................
6
4,815
1,950,606
477,853
Iowa .........................................................................
1
2,501
960,991
281,963
Kansas .....................................................................
4
4,431
1,801,787
476,448
Kentucky .................................................................
6
28,265
10,966,171
2,978,341
Louisiana .................................................................
1
33,754
14,509,942
3,980,625
Maine .......................................................................
5
5,988
2,465,507
755,503
Maryland .................................................................
5
3,237
1,286,278
347,384
Massachusetts ..........................................................
1
2,303
886,848
228,071
Michigan..................................................................
22
62,318
24,365,283
6,335,449
Minnesota ................................................................
6
8,816
3,456,018
950,457
Minnesota, Red Lake ...............................................
1
84
28,038
7,096
Mississippi ...............................................................
1
13,012
5,878,815
1,100,649
Missouri ...................................................................
5
20,489
8,000,787
1,842,669
Montana ...................................................................
12
4,308
1,574,359
495,419
Nebraska ..................................................................
9
5,720
2,262,033
613,445
Nevada .....................................................................
-
9
3,347
4,195
New Hampshire .......................................................
3
3,731
1,524,766
585,717
New Jersey ..............................................................
1
2,640
1,028,779
261,686
New Mexico ............................................................
4
6,140
2,564,446
583,352
New York ................................................................
5
10,624
4,236,987
1,214,093
North Carolina .........................................................
3
33,954
13,706,403
3,004,612
North Dakota ...........................................................
5
1,671
701,345
152,160
North Dakota, Spirit Lake Tribe ..............................
1
195
71,408
37,903
Ohio .........................................................................
13
27,087
11,251,405
2,609,881
Oklahoma ................................................................
2
4,560
1,835,963
404,697
Oklahoma, Seminole Nation ....................................
1
174
55,731
21,371
Oklahoma, Wichita Tribe ........................................
1
208
51,274
20,062
Oregon .....................................................................
1
1,969
818,964
194,365
Pennsylvania ............................................................
17
32,796
13,114,930
3,059,349
Puerto Rico ..............................................................
1
2,607
1,086,650
155,946
Rhode Island ............................................................
1
1,829
712,588
177,810
South Carolina .........................................................
4
6,832
2,884,673
586,055
South Dakota ...........................................................
2
3,008
1,173,397
323,015
South Dakota, Oglala Sioux .....................................
1
372
129,135
36,491
Tennessee ................................................................
4
7,860
3,431,074
815,561
Texas .......................................................................
12
66,892
26,726,643
5,893,769
Utah .........................................................................
1
2,782
1,238,061
273,515
Vermont ...................................................................
1
1,736
671,330
189,150
Virginia....................................................................
6
9,690
3,988,123
915,575
Washington ..............................................................
13
4,874
1,904,312
519,831
West Virginia ..........................................................
2
8,798
3,503,288
844,700
Wisconsin ................................................................
4
10,876
4,221,345
903,026
Wyoming .................................................................
1
197
90,840
17,992
AMS/WBSCM Admin. Exp. ...................................
-
-
2,851,074
-
Anticipated Adjustment ...........................................
-
-
(5,937,002)
700,115
TOTAL
3 .....................................................................................................
254
658,960
$261,929,514
$64,156,311
SOURCE: FPRS FNS-153 data - Food distributed to participants in fiscal year 2022.
1/ Total values of FNS funded entitlement foods. Costs do not include free, bonus or trade mitigation commodities, food losses, storage and transportation for certain items
(Group A fruits and vegetables, all Group B commodities), or the value of food used for nutrition education.
2/ Total outlays and unliquidated obligations.
3/ Totals may not add due to rounding.
NOTE: These data are based in part on preliminary reports submitted by State and local agencies and subject to change as revisions are received.
35-140
2024 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE
35-141
COMMODITY SUPPLEMENTAL FOOD PROGRAM (CSFP)
Tab
le FNS-92. FY 2022 CSFP Quantity and Value of Commodities
ENTITLEMENT COMMODITIES
POUNDS
VALUE
APPLESAUCE, CANNED, UNSWEETENED ...................................................
2,913,863
$ 2,845,614
APRICOTS, CANNED, EXTRA LIGHT SYRUP ..............................................
2,872,238
3,705,129
BEANS, CANNED, BLACK, LOW-SODIUM ...................................................
3,567,899
2,472,747
BEANS, CANNED, GREEN, LOW-SODIUM ...................................................
7,427,734
5,523,224
BEANS, CANNED, LIGHT RED KIDNEY, LOW-SODIUM ............................
1,759,955
1,247,659
BEANS, CANNED, PINTO, LOW-SODIUM .....................................................
2,214,377
1,514,342
BEANS, CANNED, VEGETARIAN, LOW-SODIUM .......................................
2,032,320
1,372,138
BEANS, DRY, BABY LIMA, NO SALT ADDED .............................................
524,160
695,328
BEANS, DRY, GREAT NORTHERN, NO SALT ADDED ...............................
362,880
252,370
BEANS, DRY, LIGHT RED KIDNEY, NO SALT ADDED ..............................
1,008,000
893,119
BEANS, DRY, PINTO, NO SALT ADDED .......................................................
1,088,640
844,828
BEEF, CANNED ..................................................................................................
3,061,800
13,671,814
BEEF, CANNED, CHILI WITH BEANS ............................................................
2,533,680
3,493,651
BEEF, CANNED, STEW .....................................................................................
2,757,132
5,100,984
CARROTS, CANNED, LOW-SODIUM .............................................................
1,494,450
1,046,795
CEREAL, CORN AND RICE ..............................................................................
1,828,440
2,656,986
CEREAL, CORN FLAKES .................................................................................
476,280
851,711
CEREAL, CORN SQUARES ..............................................................................
1,254,960
2,954,645
CEREAL, OAT CIRCLES ...................................................................................
1,907,703
3,348,271
CEREAL, RICE CRISPS .....................................................................................
1,284,255
2,369,606
CEREAL, WHEAT BRAN FLAKES ..................................................................
817,566
1,296,016
CEREAL, WHEAT FARINA ..............................................................................
1,319,625
1,600,260
CEREAL, WHEAT SHREDDED ........................................................................
1,970,460
2,777,277
CHEESE, AMERICAN, REDUCED FAT ...........................................................
14,413,200
32,976,497
CHICKEN, WHITE MEAT, CANNED/POUCHED ...........................................
4,953,938
14,423,265
CORN, CANNED, NO SALT ADDED ...............................................................
5,460,528
4,433,853
GRITS ..................................................................................................................
1,285,632
754,861
JUICE, APPLE, UNSWEETENED .....................................................................
14,732,510
11,030,764
JUICE, CHERRY APPLE, UNSWEETENED.....................................................
642,060
616,353
JUICE, CRANAPPLE, UNSWEETENED...........................................................
2,140,200
1,867,622
JUICE, GRAPE, UNSWEETENED .....................................................................
13,732,985
12,191,804
JUICE, ORANGE, UNSWEETENED .................................................................
3,958,290
3,021,032
JUICE, TOMATO, LOW-SODIUM ....................................................................
4,030,710
1,984,789
LENTILS, DRY ...................................................................................................
1,088,640
727,238
MILK, 1%, UHT ..................................................................................................
21,410,852
10,831,242
MILK, NONFAT, DRY .......................................................................................
2,785,536
11,172,171
MIXED FRUIT, CANNED, EXTRA LIGHT SYRUP ........................................
4,660,943
4,809,762
MIXED VEGETABLES, CANNED, LOW-SODIUM ........................................
1,485,338
1,363,080
OATS ...................................................................................................................
3,046,640
3,483,437
PASTA, ENRICHED ...........................................................................................
8,755,620
7,984,908
PASTA, WHOLE GRAIN-RICH .........................................................................
129,600
113,141
PEACHES, CANNED, EXTRA LIGHT SYRUP ................................................
4,348,980
4,930,025
PEANUT BUTTER ..............................................................................................
3,466,320
4,495,809
PEARS, CANNED, EXTRA LIGHT SYRUP .....................................................
4,321,733
4,627,948
PEAS, CANNED, LOW-SODIUM ......................................................................
692,550
703,339
PLUMS, CANNED, EXTRA LIGHT SYRUP ....................................................
656,100
790,523
POTATOES, DEHYDRATED FLAKES .............................................................
1,447,500
2,815,647
POTATOES, CANNED, LOW-SODIUM ...........................................................
4,314,600
2,699,456
RAISINS, UNSWEETENED ...............................................................................
963,090
1,604,103
RICE, BROWN ....................................................................................................
2,352,000
2,457,911
RICE, WHITE ......................................................................................................
4,193,280
2,073,927
SALMON, PINK, CANNED ...............................................................................
2,522,250
7,724,049
2024 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE
35-142
ENTITLEMENT COMMODITIES
POUNDS
VALUE
SOUP, CANNED, VEGETABLE, LOW-SODIUM ............................................
3,157,275
3,378,708
SPAGHETTI SAUCE, CANNED, LOW-SODIUM ............................................
2,278,125
1,936,281
SPINACH, CANNED, LOW-SODIUM ..............................................................
1,746,612
2,277,790
SWEET POTATOES, CANNED, LIGHT SYRUP .............................................
1,652,400
2,059,774
TOMATOES, CANNED, NO SALT ADDED ....................................................
4,455,988
3,606,641
TUNA, LIGHT, CANNED ..................................................................................
1,225,800
3,656,958
SUBTOTAL ..........................................................................................................................
198,986,238
$ 238,159,221
Anticipated Transportation and Storage ...............................................................
0
$19,547,536
AMS/WBSCM/Comp Payment ............................................................................
700,115.00
Anticipated Adjustment ........................................................................................
0
47,405.00
TOTAL COMMODITY ENTITLEMENT ..........................................................
198,986,238
$ 258,454,277
BONUS COMMODITIES
BEANS, DRY, GREAT NORTHERN, NO SALT ADDED ...............................
1,008,000
$ 675,566
RAISINS, UNSWEETENED ...............................................................................
505,440
835,073
SALMON, PINK, CANNED ...............................................................................
638,970
1,955,556
TOTAL BONUS COMMODITIES .....................................................................
2,152,410
$ 3,466,195
CSFP ARPA COMMODITIES 1/
CORN, CANNED, NO SALT ADDED ...............................................................
12,137
$ 9,042
SUBTOTAL...........................................................................................................
12,137
9,042
TOTAL - ALL COMMODITIES .........................................................................
201,150,785
$ 261,929,514
Source: WBSCM – Sales Order and Contract Information
1/ Funding authorized by the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, P.L. 117-2
NOTE: Totals may not add due to rounding.
2024 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE
35-143
WIC
FARMERS MARKET NUTRITION PROGRAM, PARTICIPATION AND PROGRAM COSTS FY 2021 AND 2022
Table FNS-93. Participation and Program Financing for FY 2021 and 2022
State or Territory
Women
Infants
Children
Total
FY 2021
Grant
FY 2022
Grant
Alabama ......................................
1,490
-
4,138
5,628
$131,722
$167,394
Alaska ..........................................
1,386
731
3,444
5,561
215,440
273,783
Arizona ........................................
-
-
996
996
225,325
286,346
Arkansas ......................................
3,307
-
5,690
8,997
181,993
231,278
California .....................................
54,438
24,441
167,458
246,337
2,429,230
3,087,089
Colorado ......................................
1,334
4
4,355
5,693
418,773
532,181
Connecticut ..................................
10,560
4,514
26,949
42,023
347,752
441,926
Delaware......................................
1,777
-
4,851
6,628
304,593
387,079
District of Columbia ....................
2,774
2,385
7,365
12,524
329,031
418,136
Florida .........................................
9,651
-
18,669
28,320
362,896
588,253
Georgia ........................................
5,388
2,880
13,908
22,176
1,686,141
2,778,169
Guam 3/ .......................................
2,391
1,080
4,243
7,714
422,622
537,072
Illinois .........................................
3,223
856
7,999
12,078
308,146
391,594
Indiana .........................................
5,657
2,915
17,427
25,999
544,111
691,461
Iowa .............................................
1,524
521
3,941
5,986
215,418
273,755
Kentucky .....................................
329
93
525
947
28,577
52,714
Louisiana .....................................
947
678
3,729
5,354
139,587
259,991
Maine...........................................
5,483
2,905
14,936
23,324
416,782
573,610
Maryland .....................................
6,796
4,593
22,458
33,847
797,918
1,014,002
Massachusetts ..............................
6,375
10
18,937
25,322
523,873
665,743
Michigan......................................
10,172
4,709
28,796
43,677
436,721
554,990
Minnesota ....................................
1,623
111
2,958
4,692
135,971
172,793
Mississippi 2/ ...............................
-
-
-
-
-
298,730
Montana .......................................
572
323
1,905
2,800
89,476
113,707
Nebraska ......................................
905
-
2,469
3,374
89,737
114,039
Nevada .........................................
1,368
951
4,745
7,064
399,918
508,220
New Hampshire 4/ .......................
-
-
-
-
-
136,768
New Jersey ..................................
23,417
-
17,364
40,781
1,228,345
1,560,993
New Mexico 2/ ............................
2,198
755
4,940
7,893
309,800
393,696
New York ....................................
49,482
16,956
122,052
188,490
5,858,776
8,716,200
North Carolina .............................
5,081
-
6,760
11,841
271,480
344,999
Ohio .............................................
6,501
2,813
15,680
24,994
551,484
700,831
Oklahoma Chickasaw ..................
778
427
1,613
2,818
89,737
114,039
Oklahoma Osage Tribe ................
200
136
640
976
61,410
78,040
Oklahoma Choctaw Nation .........
445
321
1,598
2,364
89,737
114,039
Oregon .........................................
11,396
8,155
31,600
51,151
1,642,249
2,086,986
Pennsylvania ................................
46,252
28,080
70,209
144,541
2,396,860
3,045,953
Puerto Rico ..................................
4,022
-
9,189
13,211
1,806,900
2,296,226
Rhode Island ................................
2,044
9
4,690
6,743
146,184
185,772
South Carolina .............................
1,076
-
2,220
3,296
147,477
187,415
Tennessee ....................................
2,061
-
4,188
6,249
145,268
184,608
Texas ...........................................
3,827
-
7,809
11,636
1,225,662
1,557,583
Vermont .......................................
538
190
2,215
2,943
87,489
111,182
Virginia .......................................
1,019
539
2,381
3,939
82,278
110,914
Virgin Islands ..............................
445
-
997
1,442
90,404
114,886
Washington ..................................
7,149
-
23,896
31,045
960,288
1,220,344
West Virginia 3/ ..........................
-
-
-
-
89,696
113,987
Wisconsin ....................................
14,102
3,093
36,860
54,055
1,274,617
1,619,796
Anticipated Adjustment ...............
-
-
-
-
(95,979)
496
TOTAL .......................................
321,503
116,174
759,792
1,197,469
$29,641,915
$40,409,808
1/
Participation data reflects Fiscal Year 2021. Participation data for Fiscal Year 2022 is not due until February 2023.
2/
Includes Tribal Organizations.
3/
Did not operate the program in FY 2021. Some admin funds spent in preparation in case the program would be operated, remaining funds will be recovered.
4/
New program in FY 2022.
* Totals may not add due to rounding.
NOTE: These data are based in part on preliminary data submitted by State and local agencies and are subject to change as revised reports are received. Totals may not
add due to rounding.
2024 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE
35-144
THE EMERGENCY FOOD ASSISTANCE PROGRAM COSTS FY 2022 (TEFAP)
Table FNS-94. Entitlement and Bonus Commodities
State or Territory
Entitlement
Commodities
Build Back Better
Commodities
Bonus
Total
Food
Alabama ..........................................
$5,387,164
$6,324,781
$7,792,463
$19,504,409
Alaska .............................................
810,711.25
1,408,716.71
1,271,749.74
3,491,177.70
Arizona............................................
6,323,015.84
10,306,126.49
12,849,389.76
29,478,532.09
Arkansas ..........................................
5,433,547.61
4,576,433.26
5,627,082.63
15,637,063.50
California ........................................
44,761,981.95
49,411,091.81
66,209,824.10
160,382,897.86
Colorado ..........................................
8,763,942.39
6,607,790.99
9,231,648.66
24,603,382.04
Connecticut .....................................
3,463,122.19
3,197,812.17
3,583,363.30
10,244,297.66
Delaware .........................................
1,105,109.40
2,259,758.69
2,769,826.20
6,134,694.29
District of Columbia ........................
1,566,272.10
153,420.35
660,147.13
2,379,839.58
Florida .............................................
29,636,451.29
28,835,794.74
35,004,017.70
93,476,263.73
Georgia............................................
11,358,172.77
14,046,284.26
16,314,178.53
41,718,635.56
Hawaii .............................................
1,781,629.62
1,054,931.83
1,090,284.52
3,926,845.97
Idaho ...............................................
2,082,246.61
1,417,515.55
2,184,924.49
5,684,686.65
Illinois .............................................
19,249,507.87
15,548,892.08
18,227,487.67
53,025,887.62
Indiana ............................................
8,902,446.42
8,933,311.12
10,719,210.69
28,554,968.23
Iowa ................................................
2,585,512.16
3,827,048.33
3,611,806.05
10,024,366.54
Kansas .............................................
2,514,845.47
3,534,523.55
3,599,673.71
9,649,042.73
Kentucky .........................................
4,573,116.90
6,109,570.10
8,041,846.16
18,724,533.16
Louisiana .........................................
7,739,571.44
7,914,567.52
8,201,272.84
23,855,411.80
Maine ..............................................
1,404,214.90
1,883,690.68
2,922,146.04
6,210,051.62
Maryland .........................................
8,222,959.06
640,993.24
1,711,103.78
10,575,056.08
Massachusetts .................................
12,820,926.65
4,945,450.86
8,068,378.02
25,834,755.53
Michigan .........................................
9,185,141.35
16,322,631.03
17,172,125.57
42,679,897.95
Minnesota ........................................
6,496,603.99
3,198,886.86
5,194,666.94
14,890,157.79
Mississippi ......................................
3,460,179.68
4,396,063.11
5,612,055.01
13,468,297.80
Missouri ..........................................
5,727,670.90
7,543,219.57
7,931,537.64
21,202,428.11
Montana ..........................................
1,585,911.78
1,378,163.22
1,390,712.12
4,354,787.12
Nebraska .........................................
1,234,213.04
1,681,635.40
2,207,105.81
5,122,954.25
Nevada ............................................
5,532,161.60
4,585,770.89
6,647,865.00
16,765,797.49
New Hampshire...............................
1,143,237.49
1,062,251.03
1,738,817.36
3,944,305.88
New Jersey ......................................
8,503,356.45
8,743,598.28
12,356,686.05
29,603,640.78
New Mexico ....................................
2,708,826.35
3,983,919.24
5,504,915.89
12,197,661.48
New York ........................................
26,584,003.81
22,287,091.15
32,207,781.74
81,078,876.70
North Carolina ................................
9,221,017.22
12,873,783.80
15,543,920.87
37,638,721.89
North Dakota ...................................
868,937.59
880,718.86
1,087,342.63
2,836,999.08
Ohio ................................................
11,468,014.07
14,506,898.45
19,136,479.38
45,111,391.90
Oklahoma ........................................
6,642,133.37
4,580,578.63
6,754,046.26
17,976,758.26
Oregon ............................................
6,518,326.27
3,597,113.56
7,015,254.23
17,130,694.06
Pennsylvania ...................................
11,416,978.34
20,653,697.82
22,373,461.57
54,444,137.73
Rhode Island ...................................
1,585,518.13
994,185.09
778,213.32
3,357,916.54
South Carolina ................................
6,009,757.87
5,571,189.22
9,099,493.98
20,680,441.07
South Dakota ...................................
1,439,413.93
897,560.07
1,241,006.56
3,577,980.56
Tennessee ........................................
8,821,541.50
8,267,339.98
10,259,931.89
27,348,813.37
Texas ...............................................
32,438,093.99
36,896,348.94
52,985,977.41
122,320,420.34
Utah .................................................
1,680,139.03
3,226,141.34
3,293,628.95
8,199,909.32
Vermont ..........................................
640,585.79
314,865.86
1,359,963.77
2,315,415.42
Virginia ...........................................
7,506,762.73
5,028,515.65
7,498,466.34
20,033,744.72
Washington .....................................
6,693,579.96
7,230,016.81
12,081,375.68
26,004,972.45
West Virginia ..................................
2,215,869.67
5,589,241.22
3,376,603.18
11,181,714.07
Wisconsin ........................................
6,259,725.40
4,547,740.35
6,098,597.70
16,906,063.45
Wyoming ........................................
645,333.96
384,230.61
840,811.65
1,870,376.22
2024 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE
35-145
State or Territory
Entitlement
Commodities
Build Back Better
Commodities
Bonus
Total
Food
Northern Mariana Islands * .............
219,050.00
-
-
219,050.00
Guam ...............................................
227,028.15
576,155.70
194,098.80
997,282.65
Puerto Rico......................................
12,846,131.76
2,677,984.89
7,513,137.15
23,037,253.80
Virgin Islands ..................................
206,289.00
426,808.14
426,098.44
1,059,195.58
AMS/WBSCM Admin Exp .............
3,314,969
-
-
3,314,969
Anticipated Adjustment ..................
1,596,449
-
-
1,596,449
TOTAL .................................................
$403,129,420
$397,842,850
$516,614,004
$1,317,586,274
*Cash in-Lieu of commodities are provided to the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI). FNS provided CNMI with $207,075 in Build Back Better funds
based on the funding allocation process. In total CNMI was provided with $426,125 as cash-in-lieu of commodities.
** Build Back Better funding was provided under the Division B, Title 1 of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act)
(PL 116-136).
*** States with a zero indicates no food orders were purchased using the specified food dollars or the state declined the administrative funds.
NOTE:Tota
ls may not add due to rounding.
2024 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE
35-146
THE EMERGENCY FOOD ASSISTANCE PROGRAM COSTS FY 2022 (TEFAP)
Table FNS-95. Administrative Funds/Entitlement and Bonus Commodities
State or Territory
TEFAP
Admin
Build Back Better
Administrative Funds
Total Administrative
Funding
Alabama .............................................................
$2,181,440
$1,509,536
$3,690,976
Alaska ................................................................
286,636.00
206,856.00
493,492.00
Arizona...............................................................
3,566,548.00
2,288,373.00
5,854,921.00
Arkansas .............................................................
797,552.00
965,237.00
1,762,789.00
California ...........................................................
21,531,202.00
12,303,908.00
33,835,110.00
Colorado .............................................................
1,647,363.00
1,400,923.00
3,048,286.00
Connecticut ........................................................
926,647.00
898,941.00
1,825,588.00
Delaware ............................................................
197,038.00
287,101.00
484,139.00
District of Columbia ...........................................
237,055.00
230,351.00
467,406.00
Florida ................................................................
6,248,120.00
6,220,397.00
12,468,517.00
Georgia...............................................................
3,828,735.00
3,006,692.00
6,835,427.00
Hawaii ................................................................
370,701.00
386,955.00
757,656.00
Idaho ..................................................................
657,353.00
434,994.00
1,092,347.00
Illinois ................................................................
3,017,139.00
3,843,656.00
6,860,795.00
Indiana ...............................................................
1,444,395.00
1,913,940.00
3,358,335.00
Iowa ...................................................................
576,866.00
816,132.00
1,392,998.00
Kansas ................................................................
1,042,975.00
500,000.00
1,542,975.00
Kentucky ............................................................
2,024,067.00
1,474,953.00
3,499,020.00
Louisiana ............................................................
3,026,758.00
1,827,519.00
4,854,277.00
Maine .................................................................
280,922.00
336,181.00
617,103.00
Maryland ............................................................
2,511,120.00
1,404,277.00
3,915,397.00
Massachusetts ....................................................
2,261,967.00
1,963,800.00
4,225,767.00
Michigan ............................................................
4,529,339.00
3,389,227.00
7,918,566.00
Minnesota ...........................................................
1,523,101.00
1,300,219.00
2,823,320.00
Mississippi .........................................................
1,002,116.00
1,157,744.00
2,159,860.00
Missouri .............................................................
1,285,049.00
1,723,181.00
3,008,230.00
Montana .............................................................
652,142.00
295,286.00
947,428.00
Nebraska ............................................................
644,907.00
428,910.00
1,073,817.00
Nevada ...............................................................
1,133,996.00
1,112,658.00
2,246,654.00
New Hampshire..................................................
176,043.00
306,058.00
482,101.00
New Jersey .........................................................
4,735,067.00
2,505,541.00
7,240,608.00
New Mexico .......................................................
1,388,363.00
779,940.00
2,168,303.00
New York ...........................................................
10,866,095.00
6,355,759.00
17,221,854.00
North Carolina ...................................................
5,239,896.00
3,115,167.00
8,355,063.00
North Dakota ......................................................
160,440.00
178,549.00
338,989.00
Ohio ...................................................................
5,566,264.00
3,720,873.00
9,287,137.00
Oklahoma ...........................................................
911,484.00
1,231,974.00
2,143,458.00
Oregon ...............................................................
1,808,435.00
1,211,179.00
3,019,614.00
Pennsylvania ......................................................
6,177,349.00
4,068,249.00
10,245,598.00
Rhode Island ......................................................
393,576.00
150,000.00
543,576.00
South Carolina ...................................................
1,265,908.00
1,495,476.00
2,761,384.00
South Dakota ......................................................
167,705.00
236,461.00
404,166.00
Tennessee ...........................................................
2,533,957.00
2,093,596.00
4,627,553.00
Texas ..................................................................
10,018,892.74
8,760,767.00
18,779,659.74
Utah ....................................................................
903,192.00
662,920.00
1,566,112.00
Vermont .............................................................
107,059.00
163,410.00
270,469.00
Virginia ..............................................................
3,265,596.00
2,000,707.00
5,266,303.00
Washington ........................................................
3,239,271.00
2,112,457.00
5,351,728.00
West Virginia .....................................................
972,648.00
627,414.00
1,600,062.00
Wisconsin ...........................................................
2,555,412.00
1,527,261.00
4,082,673.00
Wyoming ...........................................................
151,504.00
139,724.00
291,228.00
2024 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE
35-147
State or Territory
TEFAP
Admin
Build Back Better
Administrative Funds
Total Administrative
Funding
Northern Mariana Islands ...................................
0.00
207,075.00
207,075.00
Guam ..................................................................
63,326.00
72,290.00
135,616.00
Puerto Rico.........................................................
4,025,248.00
2,332,259.00
6,357,507.00
Virgin Islands .....................................................
105,610.00
-
105,610.00
Anticipated Adjustment .....................................
(1,596,449)
-
(1,596,449)
TOTAL ......................................................................
$134,635,141
$99,683,053
$234,318,194
NOTE: Totals may not add due to rounding.
2024 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE
35-148
THE EMERGENCY FOOD ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (TEFAP)
Table FNS-96. FY 2022 TEFAP Quantity and Value of Commodities
ENTITLEMENT COMMODITIES
POUNDS
VALUE
ALASKA POLLOCK, FILLETS, FROZEN ..........................................
408,480
$1,667,603
ALASKA POLLOCK, BREADED STICKS, FROZEN.........................
912,000
2,604,140
APPLES, FRESH ....................................................................................
4,245,948
2,712,021
APPLES, FROZEN, UNSWEETENED .................................................
158,400
281,767
APPLESAUCE, CANNED, UNSWEETENED .....................................
6,927,638
6,948,465
APPLESAUCE, CUPS, UNSWEETENED ............................................
1,398,600
2,065,210
APRICOTS, CANNED, EXTRA LIGHT SYRUP .................................
3,105,563
4,033,171
BEANS, CANNED, BLACK, LOW-SODIUM ......................................
5,645,379
4,019,227
BEANS, CANNED, BLACK-EYED PEAS, LOW-SODIUM ...............
1,743,053
1,601,834
BEANS, CANNED, GARBANZO, LOW-SODIUM .............................
782,595
562,856
BEANS, CANNED, GREEN, LOW-SODIUM ......................................
16,694,343
12,468,535
BEANS, CANNED, LIGHT RED KIDNEY, LOW-SODIUM ..............
3,291,340
2,298,517
BEANS, CANNED, PINTO, LOW-SODIUM .......................................
4,828,979
3,242,801
BEANS, CANNED, REFRIED, LOW-SODIUM ...................................
1,101,600
1,169,158
BEANS, CANNED, VEGETARIAN, LOW-SODIUM ..........................
2,814,720
1,942,975
BEANS, DRY, BLACK-EYED PEAS, NO SALT ADDED ..................
443,520
559,726
BEANS, DRY, GREAT NORTHERN, NO SALT ADDED ..................
1,209,600
768,953
BEANS, DRY, LIGHT RED KIDNEY, NO SALT ADDED .................
887,040
771,334
BEANS, DRY, LIMA, NO SALT ADDED ............................................
685,440
894,866
BEANS, DRY, PINTO, NO SALT ADDED ..........................................
6,249,600
4,530,672
BEANS, FROZEN, GREEN, NO SALT ADDED..................................
349,920
316,580
BEEF, CANNED ....................................................................................
1,733,400
7,838,040
BEEF, CANNED, STEW .......................................................................
4,466,520
8,383,092
BEEF, FINE GROUND, 85/15, FROZEN ..............................................
6,453,360
23,774,309
BEEF, FINE GROUND, 85/15, FROZEN, LFTB OPTIONAL .............
1,520,000
5,468,692
BLUEBERRIES, HIGHBUSH, FROZEN, UNSWEETENED ...............
316,800
572,497
CARROTS, CANNED, LOW-SODIUM ................................................
2,988,900
2,187,469
CARROTS, FROZEN, NO SALT ADDED ...........................................
388,800
262,958
CATFISH, FILLETS, FROZEN .............................................................
532,000
3,937,560
CEREAL, CORN FLAKES ....................................................................
1,040,040
1,425,840
CEREAL, CORN RICE BISCUITS .......................................................
52,920
100,704
CEREAL, CORN SQUARES .................................................................
151,200
345,324
CEREAL, OAT CIRCLES ......................................................................
1,694,354
2,836,997
CEREAL, RICE CRISP ..........................................................................
257,985
432,507
CEREAL, SHREDDED WHEAT ...........................................................
619,920
828,990
CEREAL, WHEAT BRAN FLAKES .....................................................
468,734
695,246
CEREAL, WHEAT FARINA .................................................................
784,125
945,196
CHEESE, AMERICAN, REDUCED FAT .............................................
1,189,200
2,600,206
CHEESE, CHEDDAR ............................................................................
1,243,200
3,289,224
CHICKEN, SPLIT BREAST, FROZEN .................................................
2,496,000
8,089,715
CHICKEN, WHITE MEAT, CANNED .................................................
5,798,813
16,706,513
CHICKEN, WHOLE, FROZEN .............................................................
14,295,600
19,577,292
CORN, CANNED, CREAM, LOW-SODIUM .......................................
1,567,350
1,338,962
CORN, CANNED, NO SALT ADDED ..................................................
12,424,968
9,879,424
CORN, FROZEN, NO SALT ADDED ...................................................
356,400
301,224
CRACKERS, UNSALTED .....................................................................
654,876
1,371,756
CRANBERRIES, DRIED, INDIVIDUAL PORTION............................
97,875
330,465
EGG NOODLES .....................................................................................
875,520
2,686,289
EGGS, FRESH ........................................................................................
6,986,250
6,546,282
EGG MIX, DRIED .................................................................................
288,000
3,856,932
FLOUR, 100% WHITE WHOLE WHEAT ............................................
1,960,000
893,900
2024 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE
35-149
ENTITLEMENT COMMODITIES
POUNDS
VALUE
FLOUR, ALL-PURPOSE, ENRICHED .................................................
5,526,360
2,388,664
FLOUR, BAKERY MIX, LOWFAT ......................................................
351,000
$490,010
FRUIT AND NUT MIX, DRIED............................................................
803,712
2,313,016
GRITS .....................................................................................................
1,824,768
984,753
JUICE, APPLE, UNSWEETENED ........................................................
6,878,498
5,084,883
JUICE, CHERRY APPLE, UNSWEETENED .......................................
1,319,790
1,113,939
JUICE, CRANBERRY APPLE, UNSWEETENED ...............................
71,340
60,629
JUICE, GRAPE, UNSWEETENED .......................................................
1,997,485
1,780,894
JUICE, ORANGE, UNSWEETENED ....................................................
1,319,790
942,139
JUICE, TOMATO, LOW-SODIUM .......................................................
963,090
465,945
LENTILS, DRY ......................................................................................
2,298,240
1,510,639
MACARONI AND CHEESE .................................................................
7,944,710
9,793,975
MILK, 1%, FRESH .................................................................................
6,446,898
2,378,619
MILK, 1%, UHT .....................................................................................
8,987,533
5,323,313
MILK, SKIM, FRESH ............................................................................
1,440,779
488,082
MIXED PRODUCE, FRESH ..................................................................
3,888,775
2,930,047
MIXED FRUIT, CANNED, EXTRA LIGHT SYRUP ...........................
9,597,488
9,870,052
MIXED VEGETABLES, CANNED, LOW-SODIUM ...........................
1,831,613
1,720,795
OATS, ROLLED ....................................................................................
2,366,321
2,665,419
OIL, VEGETABLE ................................................................................
7,671,510
7,849,845
ORANGES, FRESH ...............................................................................
1,048,572
578,921
PASTA, ENRICHED ..............................................................................
14,822,320
13,996,842
PASTA, WHOLE GRAIN-RICH ...........................................................
309,600
482,836
PEACHES, CANNED, EXTRA LIGHT SYRUP ...................................
9,171,585
10,099,596
PEACHES, FROZEN .............................................................................
69,696
110,512
PEANUT BUTTER ................................................................................
9,408,777
12,288,664
PEANUTS, ROASTED, NO SALT ADDED .........................................
414,720
589,784
PEARS, CANNED, EXTRA LIGHT SYRUP ........................................
6,998,220
7,065,090
PEARS, FRESH ......................................................................................
812,740
657,623
PEAS, CANNED, LOW-SODIUM ........................................................
1,458,000
1,470,111
PEAS, FROZEN, NO SALT ADDED ....................................................
1,306,800
1,214,370
PEAS, DRY, SPLIT ................................................................................
604,800
351,079
PLUMS, DRIED, UNSWEETENED ......................................................
108,000
294,510
PORK, CANNED ...................................................................................
1,440,000
3,273,563
PORK CHOPS, FROZEN .......................................................................
3,002,000
9,099,704
PORK, HAM, FROZEN .........................................................................
4,693,104
11,728,446
POTATOES, CANNED, LOW-SODIUM ..............................................
6,334,200
3,958,740
POTATOES, DEHYDRATED FLAKES ...............................................
2,512,500
4,749,726
POTATOES, FRESH ..............................................................................
3,080,000
987,888
PUMPKIN, CANNED, NO SALT ADDED ...........................................
1,312,200
1,964,606
RAISINS, UNSWEETENED..................................................................
1,088,838
1,974,949
RICE, BROWN .......................................................................................
1,302,000
1,310,207
RICE, WHITE .........................................................................................
23,167,200
10,792,570
SALMON, PINK, CANNED ..................................................................
1,076,160
3,341,615
SOUP, CREAM OF CHICKEN, REDUCED SODIUM ........................
1,773,750
2,065,659
SOUP, CREAM OF MUSHROOM, REDUCED SODIUM ...................
2,344,650
3,011,498
SOUP, TOMATO, CANNED, LOW-SODIUM .....................................
2,263,800
2,572,571
SOUP, VEGETABLE, CANNED, LOW-SODIUM ...............................
4,238,025
4,844,017
SPAGHETTI SAUCE, CANNED, LOW-SODIUM ...............................
14,343,075
11,725,148
SPINACH, CANNED, LOW-SODIUM .................................................
1,339,653
1,745,191
SWEET POTATOES, FRESH ................................................................
456,000
199,500
TOMATO SAUCE, CANNED, LOW-SODIUM ...................................
5,335,875
4,451,792
TOMATOES, CANNED, LOW-SODIUM ............................................
6,355,807
5,318,114
2024 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE
35-150
ENTITLEMENT COMMODITIES
POUNDS
VALUE
TORTILLAS, WHOLE GRAIN-RICH ..................................................
1,764,000
1,926,277
TUNA, LIGHT, CANNED .....................................................................
1,495,800
4,637,559
SUBTOTAL .............................................................................................
348,369,030
$397,998,952
Anticipated Adjustment ..........................................................................
-
64,255,688
Cash-In-Lieu of Commodities – CNMI ..................................................
-
219,050
AMS/WBSCM/Comp Payment ..............................................................
-
3,314,969
TOTAL ENTITLEMENT COMMODITIES .....................................
348,369,030
$465,788,659
NOTE: Totals may not add due to rounding
2024 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE
35-151
THE EMERGENCY FOOD ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (TEFAP)
Table FNS-97. FY 2022 TEFAP Quantity and Value of Commodities Continued
BONUS COMMODITIES
POUNDS
VALUE
ALASKA POLLOCK, BREADED NUGGETS, FROZEN .................................
1,406,000
$4,619,438
ALASKA POLLOCK, BREADED STICKS, FROZEN ......................................
6,422,000
20,665,445
ALASKA POLLOCK, FILLETS, FROZEN ........................................................
2,090,000
8,399,862
ALMONDS, WHOLE ..........................................................................................
26,204,640
64,808,946
ATLANTIC POLLOCK, FILLETS, FROZEN ....................................................
1,584,000
8,944,280
BEANS, DRY, GREAT NORTHERN .................................................................
20,321,280
13,894,054
BISON, GROUND, LEAN, FROZEN .................................................................
400,000
3,970,400
CHERRIES, DRIED ............................................................................................
1,410,048
7,651,510
CHICKEN, BREAST FILLETS, COOKED, FROZEN .......................................
741,000
2,487,381
CHICKEN, DRUMSTICKS, FROZEN ...............................................................
5,168,000
3,805,623
CHICKEN, LEG QUARTERS, FROZEN ...........................................................
9,348,000
5,809,664
CHICKEN, THIGHS, FROZEN ..........................................................................
5,472,000
4,437,757
CHICKEN, WHOLE, FROZEN...........................................................................
3,960,000
5,044,394
DATES, WHOLE, DRIED ...................................................................................
6,393,600
14,953,538
FIGS, PIECES, DRIED ........................................................................................
1,064,448
3,711,866
GRAPEFRUIT, FRESH .......................................................................................
7,513,890
5,104,812
GRAPES, FRESH ................................................................................................
34,345,350
34,853,209
HADDOCK, FILLETS, FROZEN .......................................................................
1,080,000
7,910,457
HAZELNUTS ......................................................................................................
3,566,640
13,788,251
NECTARINES, FRESH .......................................................................................
10,645,200
13,414,064
OCEAN PERCH, FILLETS, FROZEN ................................................................
1,368,000
8,105,005
ORANGES, FRESH .............................................................................................
8,575,821
5,891,770
PACIFIC ROCKFISH, FILLETS, FROZEN .......................................................
2,304,000
11,095,488
PACIFIC SHRIMP, FROZEN .............................................................................
1,872,000
7,372,184
PACIFIC WHITING FILLETS, FROZEN...........................................................
3,420,000
12,875,139
PEACHES, FRESH ..............................................................................................
14,079,120
16,784,196
PEACHES, FROZEN ...........................................................................................
4,042,368
7,863,036
PEARS, FRESH ...................................................................................................
4,136,580
3,593,387
PISTACHIOS, ROASTED ...................................................................................
11,965,440
49,727,065
PLUMS, FRESH ..................................................................................................
13,366,080
18,307,308
RAISINS, UNSWEETENED ...............................................................................
11,754,432
27,391,527
SALMON, PINK, CANNED ...............................................................................
15,133,500
47,918,821
SWEET POTATOES, FRESH .............................................................................
43,662,000
20,556,194
SWEET POTATOES, CANNED, LIGHT SYRUP .............................................
1,893,375
2,478,677
WALNUTS ..........................................................................................................
18,242,496
28,379,258
TOTAL BONUS COMMODITIES .....................................................................
304,951,308
$516,614,004
NOTE: Totals may not add due to rounding.
2024 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE
35-152
THE EMERGENCY FOOD ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (TEFAP)
Table FNS-9
8. FY 2022 TEFAP Quantity and Value of Commodities Continued
BUILD BACK BETTER COMMODITIES
POUNDS
VALUE
ASPARAGUS, CANNED ....................................................................................
1,991,250
$2,854,736
ASPARAGUS, FROZEN .....................................................................................
1,908,000
3,145,485
BEANS, CANNED, BLACK-EYED PEAS, LOW-SODIUM .............................
3,557,250
3,374,935
BEANS, FROZEN, GREEN, NO SALT ADDED ...............................................
349,920
297,853
BEEF, CANNED, STEW .....................................................................................
12,564,000
21,978,778
BEEF, CANNED, CHILI WITH BEANS ............................................................
3,341,520
4,547,343
BEEF, CANNED, CHILI WITHOUT BEANS ....................................................
3,312,000
4,840,988
BEEF, ROAST ROUND, FROZEN .....................................................................
920,000
5,728,524
CARROTS, FROZEN, NO SALT ADDED .........................................................
4,510,080
3,289,199
CATFISH, FILLETS, FROZEN...........................................................................
3,572,000
32,378,660
CATFISH, WHOLE GRAIN-RICH BREADED, FILLET STRIPS, FROZEN ...
640,000
5,721,600
CHEESE, AMERICAN, REDUCED FAT ...........................................................
2,534,400
5,880,022
CHEESE, CHEDDAR ..........................................................................................
13,122,000
32,633,128
CHEESE, SWISS .................................................................................................
5,822,010
19,767,446
CHICKEN, WHITE MEAT, CANNED ...............................................................
6,783,750
19,901,029
CHICKEN, LEG QUARTERS, FROZEN ...........................................................
4,408,000
2,869,172
CHICKEN, WHOLE, FROZEN...........................................................................
4,197,600
6,259,277
CORN, FROZEN .................................................................................................
4,593,600
4,281,549
EGGS, LIQUID WHOLE, FROZEN ...................................................................
1,958,400
2,277,347
FRUIT AND NUT MIX, DRIED .........................................................................
3,494,400
9,950,464
MILK, 1%, FRESH ..............................................................................................
12,804,579
5,031,744
MILK, 2%, FRESH ..............................................................................................
41,416,083
17,260,334
MILK, NONFAT, DRY .......................................................................................
10,423,296
40,413,353
MILK, SKIM, FRESH .........................................................................................
3,133,985
1,078,569
MILK, WHOLE, FRESH .....................................................................................
28,870,200
13,485,511
MIXED PRODUCE, FRESH ...............................................................................
40,780,905
25,562,781
PEAS, FROZEN, NO SALT ADDED .................................................................
2,494,800
2,962,384
PORK, CANNED .................................................................................................
5,508,000
12,230,795
PORK, LOIN ROAST, FROZEN ........................................................................
11,243,520
29,672,501
POTATOES, FRESH ...........................................................................................
5,040,000
1,473,100
RAISINS, UNSWEETENED ...............................................................................
7,444,800
14,549,437
SALMON, RED, CANNED .................................................................................
4,405,530
27,222,942
SPAGHETTI SAUCE, CANNED, LOW-SODIUM ............................................
3,244,050
2,885,317
SPINACH, CANNED, LOW-SODIUM ..............................................................
3,255,840
4,093,463
TOMATO SAUCE, CANNED, LOW-SODIUM.................................................
1,652,400
1,538,430
WALNUTS ..........................................................................................................
2,384,640
6,404,654
TOTAL BUILD BACK BETTER COMMODITIES ..........................................
267,682,808
$397,842,849
TOTAL ALL COMMODITIES ...........................................................................
921,003,145
$1,380,245,513
Source: WBSCM -- Sales Order and contract information.
NOTE: Totals may not add due to rounding.
2024 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE
35-153
N
UTRITION SERVICES INCENTIVE PROGRAM (NSIP)
Table FNS-99. FY 2022 NSIP Quantity and Value of Commodities
ENTITLEMENT COMMODITIES
POUNDS
VALUE
BEANS, CANNED, GREEN, LOW-SODIUM ...................................................
34,656
$20,155
BEANS, CANNED, PINTO, LOW-SODIUM .....................................................
34,992
20,978
BEANS, CANNED, VEGETARIAN, LOW-SODIUM .......................................
69,984
43,952
BEANS, GREEN, FROZEN, NO SALT ADDED ...............................................
79,200
70,250
BEEF, FINE GROUND, 85/15, FROZEN ...........................................................
40,000
129,932
CARROTS, FROZEN, NO SALT ADDED .........................................................
39,600
24,974
CHICKEN, UNSEASONED STRIPS, COOKED, FROZEN ..............................
5,010
25,035
CORN, FROZEN, NO SALT ADDED ................................................................
39,600
28,222
FRUIT MIX, CANNED, EXTRA LIGHT SYRUP .............................................
126,882
108,501
PEACHES, CANNED, EXTRA LIGHT SYRUP ................................................
163,134
146,485
PEACHES, CUPS, FROZEN ...............................................................................
36,960
60,522
PEARS, CANNED, EXTRA LIGHT SYRUP .....................................................
36,024
35,924
PEAS, FROZEN, NO SALT ADDED .................................................................
39,600
38,465
RICE, BROWN ....................................................................................................
42,000
38,846
TOMATO SAUCE, CANNED/POUCH, LOW-SODIUM ..................................
72,504
47,944
TOMATOES, CANNED, NO SALT ADDED ....................................................
69,768
37,739
SUBTOTAL .........................................................................................................
929,914
$877,923
Anticipated Adjustment ........................................................................................
0
9,525
AMS/WBSCM/Comp Payment ............................................................................
0
173,372
TOTAL ENTITLEMENT COMMODITY ..........................................................
929,914
$1,060,820
GRAND TOTAL NSIP ........................................................................................
929,914
$1,060,820
Source: WBSCM -- Sales Order and contract information.
NOTE: Totals may not add due to rounding.
N
UTRITION SERVICES INCENTIVE PROGRAM (NSIP)
Table FNS-100. FY 2022 NSIP Entitlement and Bonus
State or Territory
Entitlement
Bonus
TOTAL
Delaware...................................
$34,255
0
$34,255
Kansas ......................................
184,462
0
184,462
Massachusetts ...........................
473,897
0
473,897
Montana ....................................
160,274
0
160,274
Nevada ......................................
25,035
0
25,035
AMS/WBSCM Admin Expense
173,372
0
173,372
Anticipated Adjustment ............
9,525
0
9,525
TOTAL .....................................
$1,060,820
0
$1,060,820
Source: WBSCM -- Sales Order and contract information.
NOTE: Totals may not add due to rounding.
DISASTER ASSISTANCE FEEDING (DA)
Table FNS-101. FY 2022 DA Feeding Quantity and Value of Commodities
State or Territory
Disaster Name
Disaster Type
People
Served
Pounds
TOTAL
Kentucky ...................................................
December Tornadoes
Tornado
5,700
1,692
$2,793
Louisiana ...................................................
Hurricane Ida
Hurricane
77,115
1,025,979
1,050,171
Anticipated Adjustment ............................
0
0
(741,019)
TOTAL ....................................................
82,815
1,027,670
$311,946
NOTE: Totals may not add due to rounding.
20
24 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE
35-154
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2024 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE
35-155
N
UTRITION PROGRAMS ADMINISTRATION
A
PPROPRIATIONS LANGUAGE
The appropriations language follows (new language underscored; deleted matter enclosed in brackets):
For necessary administrative expenses of the Food and Nutrition Service for carrying out any domestic nutrition 1
assistance program, [$189,348,000]$221,193,000: Provided, That of the funds provided herein, $2,000,000 shall be
2
used for the purposes of section 4404 of Public Law 107–171, as amended by section 4401 of Public Law 110–246. 3
L
EAD-OFF TABULAR STATEMENT
Table FNS-102. Lead-Off Tabular Statement (In dollars)
Item
Amount
Estimate, 2023 ............................................................................................................
$189,348,000
Change in Appropriation ............................................................................................
+31,845,000
Budget Estimate, 2024 ................................................................................................
221,193,000
P
ROJECT STATEMENTS
Table FNS-103. Project Statement Appropriated Funding (thousands of dollars, FTE)
Item
2021
Actual
FTE
2022
Actual
FTE
2023
Estimated
FTE
2024
Estimated
FTE
Inc/
Dec
FTE
Inc/Dec
Chg
Key
Discretionary Appropriations:
FNS Salaries and Expenses .........................................
$140,342
737
$149,245
751
$166,693
872
$182,538
880
+$15,845
+8
(1)
Ensuring Scientific Integrity of Dietary Guidelines &
Food Plans ...................................................................
1,000
-
4,000
-
7,000
-
11,000
- +
4,000
- (2)
Improve Nut Security & Healthy Outcome/Education
-
-
-
-
-
-
9,000
-
+9,000
-
(3)
Advancing Racial Equity .............................................
-
-
-
-
-
-
1,000
-
+1,000
-
(4)
Increasing Tribal Self Governance of Fed Nut Prog ....
-
-
-
-
-
-
2,000
-
+2,000
-
(5)
Congressional Hunger Center ......................................
2,000
-
2,000
-
2,000
-
2,000
-
-
-
Decentralized GSA Rent & DHS Security Payments ..
13,463
-
14,888
-
13,655
-
13,655
-
-
-
Subtotal Direct Appropriations ....................................
156,805
737
170,133
751
189,348
872
221,193
880
+31,845
+8
Total Available Appropriation .................................
156,805
737
170,133
751
189,348
872
221,193
880
+31,845
+8
Table FNS-104. Project Statement on Basis of Obligations (thousands of dollars, FTE)
Item
2021
Actual
FTE
2022
Actual
FTE
2023
Estimated
FTE
2024
Estimated
FTE
Inc/
Dec
FTE
Inc/Dec
Discretionary Obligations:
FNS Salaries and Expenses ................................................
$133,311
709
$142,915
751
$166,693
872
$182,538
880
+$15,845
+8
Review of National Academy of Sciences Report on DGA's
1,000
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Ensuring Scientific Integrity of Dietary Guidelines & Food
Plans ...................................................................................
-
-
4,000
-
7,000
-
11,000
- +
4,000
-
Improve Nutrition Security & Healthy Outcome/Education
-
-
-
-
-
-
9,000
-
+9,000
-
Advancing Racial Equity ....................................................
-
-
-
-
-
-
1,000
-
+1,000
-
Increasing Tribal Self Governance of Federal Nutrition
Programs ............................................................................
-
-
-
-
-
-
2,000
- +
2,000
-
Congressional Hunger Center .............................................
2,000
-
2,000
-
2,000
-
2,000
-
-
-
Decentralized GSA Rent & DHS Security Payments .........
13,463
-
13,315
13,655
-
13,655
-
-
-
Subtotal Direct Appropriations .......................................
149,774
709
162,230
751
189,348
871
221,193
880
+31,845
+8
Transfers In:
Miscellaneous Reimbursements .........................................
-1,183
-
-301
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Subtotal, Transfers In .........................................................
-1,183
709
-301
751
-
871
-
880
-
-
Total, Discretionary Funding ..........................................
148,591
709
161,929
751
189,348
871
221,193
880
+31,845
-
Obligations from Prior Years
X Year Funds .....................................................................
158
-
-
-
4,244
-
4,244
-
-
-
2019/2021 Funds ................................................................
823
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Subtotal, Carryover ............................................................
981
-
-
-
4,244
-
4,244
-
-
-
Transfers Out (Working Capital Fund Cont.) .....................
800
-
1,768
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Balance Lapsing .................................................................
6,433
-
6,436
-
-
-
-
-
-
Total Available .................................................................
156,805
709
170,133
751
193,592
871
225,437
880
+31,845
+8
2024 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE
35-156
J
USTIFICATION OF INCREASES AND DECREASES
The numbered justifications items are keyed to the Change Key (Chg. Key) column on the Project Statement.
The Nutrition Programs Administration (NPA) funds operating expenses for administering the nutrition assistance
programs of the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS). In addition, funds support the Agency’s rent, working capital
fund charges, shared cost charges, audit, human resources systems, and more than half of the Agency’s staff. It also
includes the work of the Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion (CNPP). CNPP is an organization within
USDA’s FNS mission area. In addition to the activities and functions specifically described in the budget request,
current year and budget year base funds will be used to carry out activities and functions consistent with the full
range of authorities and activities delegated to the Agency.
A net increase of $31,848,000 for Nutrition Programs Administration ($189,348,000 available in 2023) consisting
of:
The numbers of the following listing relate to the values in the Chg. Key column of the Project Statement:
1) An increase of $15,845,000 for FNS Salaries and Expenses.
An increase of $7,761,000 will support the annualization of the 4.6 percent Cost of Living pay increase in
2023 and the 5.2 percent Cost of Living pay increase for 2024.
An increase of $8,084,000 is for FNS general operating expenses.
2) An increase of $4,000,000 for Ensuring Scientific Integrity of Dietary Guidelines and Food Plans.
Funding and will ensure FNCS’ ability to execute core Administration priorities in the nutrition and
nut
rition assistance arenas, including executing the Secretary’s priorities on addressing nutrition securit
y
a
nd conducing more expansive communications and implementation of the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines
for Americans (DGA). Please refer to the current law proposal: Ensuring Scientific Integrity of Dietary
Guidelines and Food Plans for more details.
3) An increase of $9,000,000 for Improve Nutrition Security and Healthy Outcome/Education.
Please refer to the current law proposal: Nutrition Security, Education, and Racial Equity to Improve
Nutrition Security and Health Outcomes for all Americans for more details.
4) An increase of $1,000,000 for Advancing Racial Equity
.
Please refer to the current law proposal: Advancing Racial Equity in Nutrition Assistance for more details.
5) An increase of $2,000,000 and 8 FTEs for Increasing Tribal Self Governance of Federal Nutriti
on
Programs.
See the current law proposal for more details.
Table FNS-105. Summary of 2024 Current Law Proposals for NPA
Proposals
Amount (Thousands)
Ensuring Scientific Integrity of Dietary Guidelines and Food Plans
$4,000
Improve Nutrition Security and Healthy Outcomes/Education for All Americans
9,000
Advancing Racial Equity in Nutrition Assistance
1,000
Increasing Tribal Self Governance of Federal Nutrition Programs
2,000
Total
16,000
CURRENT LAW
Ensuring Scientific Integrity of Dietary Guidelines and Food Plans
This proposal builds on previous investments to ensure the Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion (CNPP) has
the resources necessary to ensure the scientific integrity of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGAs) and the
2024 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE
food plans. CNPP works to improve the health and well-being of Americans by developing and promoting dietary
guidance that links scientific research to the nutrition needs of consumers. It carries out its mission to improve the
health of Americans by serving as the Federal authority on evidence-based food, nutrition and economic analyses
that inform policy and programs; translates science into actionable food and nutrition guidance for all Americans;
and leads national communication initiatives that apply science-based messages to advance consumers’ dietary and
home economic knowledge and behaviors. In order to meet Congressional mandates to publish the DGAs and to
evaluate the Thrifty Food Plan (TFP) every five years to remain current, the work on each is ongoing, not cyclical.
Each has far-reaching influence and impact.
The TFP, which provides the cost and market baskets for a minimal-cost, nutritious diet that aligns with the DGA,
serves as the basis for the maximum SNAP allotment. The DGA is the standard by which all Federal nutrition
policies and programs adhere. Within FNS alone, this includes the TFP and the SNAP maximum benefit, the WIC
basket, Child Nutrition’s foods and beverages in school meals and summer feeding, what goes into Food
Distribution packages to older adults and Native American tribes, and MyPlate as the consumer translation and
central portal for consumer resources that national programs, FNS regions and local educators use. Across Federal
agencies and departments, the DGA is the nutrition standard for food service for the military, the basis for the
Nutrition Facts label and FDA’s definition of “healthy,” and more.
Table FNS-106. Change in Funding (thousands of dollars)
Item
2024
2025
2026
2027
2028
2029
2030
2031
2032
2033
10 Year Total
Budget
Authority
$4,000
$4,100
$4,200
$4,300
$4,400
$4,500
$4,600
$4,700
$4,800
$4,900
$44,500
Outlays
4,000
4,100
4,200
4,300
4,400
4,500
4,600
4,700
4,800
4,900
44,500
CURRENT LAW
Improve Nutrition Security and Healthy Outcomes for all Americans
USDA nutrition assistance programs touch the lives of one in four American consumers annually. The nutrition
education and promotion efforts linked to or integrated within our programs are a powerful opportunity to better
mobilize our Department’s nutrition education and promotion assets to help all Americans lead healthier lives. All
nutrition education and promotion efforts across USDA are grounded in the Dietary Guidelines for Americans
(DGAs). USDA, along with the Department of Health and Human Services, updates the DGAs every five years in
addition to translating the DGAs into a variety of nutrition education and promotion activities across the Department
that are crucial to achieving nutrition security and improved health outcomes.
Dietary behaviors are complex and are motivated by the combined influence of many factors, including personal
(e.g., attitudes, values, knowledge, and skills), cultural, and environmental (e.g., family, workplace, school, grocery
stores, community, and mass media). Nutrition interventions must deal with the full range of these complex
influences. Effectively measuring the impact of nutrition education and promotion is an area where more investment
is needed. And our programs, such as SNAP-Ed, have undergone comprehensive redesigns to allow comprehensive
multi-level and/or public health approaches that may involve social marketing and policy, systems, and
environmental (PSE) change strategies and interventions. Other FNS-supported nutrition education and promotion
programs, like WIC and Team Nutrition, are adopting approaches to address the co-existence of food insecurity and
diet-related chronic diseases and disparities. Part of this work includes responding to the President’s Executive
Order on DEIA to better apply an equity lens to our programs, including but not limited to our administration, reach,
delivery, and evaluation. This is critical because the COVID-19 pandemic brought health disparities and the vital
need for access to healthy food to the forefront. One study estimated that Americans with obesity, diabetes,
hypertension, and heart failure were much more likely to be hospitalized due to COVID-19. We must prioritize
nutrition education and strive to ensure that those who qualify for our programs have no barriers to information that
can help them make choices to improve their health and well-being.
Mounting evidence supports the effectiveness of USDA nutrition education and promotion efforts to improve
knowledge and catalyze heathier behaviors. USDA is committed to tackling food and nutrition insecurity and
advancing racial equity. Still, USDA faces multiple challenges in its efforts to deliver effective and cohesive
nutrition education across programs such as programs with authorities defined by statute and regulation that reach
different populations and limit the ability to operate in a holistic structure as well as limited resources and staff. This
initiative seeks to build and broaden FNS capacity to deliver effective nutrition education and promotion to all
Americans within existing program structures by:
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2024 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE
35-158
• S
upporting research and evaluation of effective strategies: The bulk of the investment will be here. Specific
efforts will be made to stimulate State, Tribal, and local government innovations and ensure we provide support
for research and evaluation so we can understand impacts and ideally help disseminate success stories across th
e
n
ation. We will utilize research and evaluation support via grants and contracted services towards better
understanding and advancing the dissemination of the most promising strategies to help us tackle food and
nutrition security and improve health outcomes for all Americans. Specific focus areas include data
modernization, metric development, and applying an equity lens to program access and delivery and with the
potential to strengthen the public health impacts of our programs.
• Targeting underserved communities with culturally appropriate resources and interventions: Efforts will be
made to modernize our data on key socio-demographics so we can better understand our targeted underserve
d
c
ommunities and our progress going forward in better reaching them. We will develop a roadmap for data
modernization most relevant to our nutrition education and promotion activities in collaboration with REE. We
will utilize grants to stimulate innovations through State, Tribal, and local governments.
• Improving public access to USDA nutrition education resources: We will make improvements in the
accessibility and quality of our existing and planned web-based nutrition education resources by bringing them
together in a more coordinated fashion to ensure we are reaching historically underserved populations that ma
y
or
may not have current access to FNS programs.
Table FNS-107. Change in Funding (thousands of dollars)
Item 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033
10 Year
Total
Budget
Authority
$9,000
$10,000
$11,000
$12,000
$13,000
$14,000
$15,000
$16,000
$17,000
$18,000
$135,000
Outlays
9,000
10,000
11,000
12,000
13,000
14,000
15,000
16,000
17,000
18,000
135,000
CURRENT LAW
Advancing Racial Equity in Nutrition Assistance
The Department has been charged with the responsibility to proactively promote and ultimately ensure, racial equity
in nutrition assistance program operations and outcomes. But our ability to take effective action is limited by the
lack of a comprehensive approach that accounts for the following:
• Systemic disparities that shape the circumstances of program-eligible people of different races and ethnicities
;
and
• Structures and narratives within and influencing program delivery that, implicitly and explicitly, undermine
fairness and hamper access to benefits and services.
This project would draw on human services research and analysis to propose a set of operational principles or
performance standards that can be used to assess the effectiveness of nutrition assistance programs in serving clients
fairly and identify and address barriers to equal opportunity. An important part of the project is to identify a range of
data elements that could be collected and reported to evaluate program operations in meeting these principles and
standards. We would seek to define them and test their validity and the practicality of collecting them in program
settings.
The results of this project could be used to build better “feedback loops” into program delivery to identify, mitigate
and resolve inequitable access and service. Costs include $1 million in 2024 white paper development; and $1
million in 2025 for data collection approval and testing.
Table FNS-108. Change in Funding (thousands of dollars)
Item 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033
10 Year
Total
Budget Authority
$2,000
$2,000
$2,000
$2,000
$2,000
$2,000
$2,000
$2,000
$2,000
$2,000
$20,000
Outlays
2,000
2,000
2,000
2,000
2,000
2,000
2,000
2,000
2,000
2,000
20,000
2024 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE
35-159
C
URRENT LAW
Increasing Tribal Self Governance of Federal Nutrition Programs
This proposal supports the Secretary’s commitment to increasing tribal self-governance of federal nutrition
programs as well as FNS’s capacity to source food from tribes. This proposal allows USDA to expand its support for
tribes to successfully manage federal food programs. It provides 8 FTEs dedicated to expanding technical assistance
to help tribes and tribal members access our programs effectively; helping them develop proposals for grant funding;
supporting integration of culturally appropriate foods into our programs; and assisting in developing FNCS and
Office of Tribal Relations resources to engage with tribes in a self-governance process within a time-compressed
period.
Table FNS-109. Change in Funding (thousands of dollars)
Item
2024
2025
2026
2027
2028
2029
2030
2031
2032
2033
10 Year Total
Budget Authority
$3,000
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
$3,000
Outlays
3,000
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
3,000
2024 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE
35-160
G
EOGRAPHIC BREAKDOWN OF OBLIGATIONS AND FTE
Table FNS-110. Geographic Breakdown of Obligations and FTE (thousands of dollars, FTE)
State/Territory/Country
2021
Actual
FTE
2022
Actual
FTE
2023
Estimated
FTE
2024
Estimated
FTE
Alabama ......................................
-
-
$284
2
$340
2
$360
2
Arkansas ......................................
$198
1
-
-
-
-
-
-
Arizona ........................................
-
-
469
3
561
3
595
3
California ....................................
11,780
57
9,437
57
11,279
67
11,958
67
Colorado ......................................
11,156
54
10,709
65
12,800
76
13,570
76
Connecticut .................................
-
-
161
1
192
1
203
1
District of Columbia ....................
295
3
3,496
21
4,178
25
4,429
25
Delaware .....................................
-
-
148
1
177
1
188
1
Florida .........................................
157
1
618
4
738
4
783
4
Georgia ........................................
10,297
50
8,362
51
9,995
59
10,596
60
Iowa ............................................
68
-
74
-
89
1
94
1
Idaho ...........................................
-
-
161
1
192
1
203
1
Illinois .........................................
9,970
48
6,509
40
7,780
46
8,248
46
Indiana ........................................
-
-
1,322
8
1,580
9
1,675
9
Kansas .........................................
-
-
12
-
15
-
16
-
Louisiana .....................................
8
-
198
1
236
1
250
1
Massachusetts..............................
8,382
40
6,139
37
7,338
43
7,779
44
Maryland .....................................
20
-
14,970
91
17,894
106
18,970
107
Maine ..........................................
96
-
49
-
59
-
63
-
Michigan .....................................
197
1
1,000
6
1,196
7
1,268
7
Minnesota ....................................
96
1
543
3
650
4
689
4
Missouri ......................................
-
-
371
2
443
3
470
3
Mississippi ..................................
68
-
284
2
340
2
360
2
Montana ......................................
6
-
12
-
15
-
16
-
North Carolina.............................
706
3
1,075
7
1,284
8
1,362
8
Nebraska .....................................
169
1
-
-
-
-
-
-
New Hampshire ...........................
-
-
630
4
753
4
798
4
New Jersey ..................................
10,460
50
6,250
38
7,470
44
7,920
45
New Mexico ................................
2
-
161
1
192
1
203
1
Nevada ........................................
-
-
159
1
192
1
203
1
New York ....................................
289
3
198
1
236
1
250
1
Ohio ............................................
22
-
12
-
15
-
16
-
Oklahoma ....................................
2
-
49
-
59
-
63
-
Oregon ........................................
146
1
395
2
472
3
501
3
Pennsylvania ...............................
317
3
2,223
14
2,657
16
2,817
16
Puerto Rico ..................................
680
4
741
5
886
5
939
5
Rhode Island ...............................
-
-
667
4
797
5
845
5
South Carolina.............................
-
-
395
2
472
3
501
3
Tennessee ....................................
190
1
198
1
236
1
250
1
Texas ...........................................
10,562
51
10,709
65
12,800
76
13,570
76
Utah .............................................
528
3
642
4
768
5
814
5
Virginia .......................................
71,480
331
68,765
198
80,392
230
105,684
234
Vermont ......................................
-
-
25
-
30
-
31
-
Washington .................................
210
1
346
2
413
2
438
2
Wisconsin ....................................
198
1
741
5
886
5
939
5
West Virginia ..............................
-
-
210
1
251
1
266
1
TOTAL1/ ...................................
148,755
709
159,919
751
189,348
872
221,193
880
1
/
Total does not include Congressional Relations ($180,000) and Miscellaneous Reimbursements ($113,000)
2024 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE
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C
LASSIFICATION BY OBJECTS
Table FNS-111. Classification by Objects for Appropriated Funds (thousands of dollars)
Item
No.
Item
2021
Actual
2022
Actual
2023
Estimated
2024
Estimated
Personnel Compensation:
Washington D.C. ...............................................................
$32,658
$35,466
$41,333
$43,819
Personnel Compensation, Field .........................................
48,988
53,199
61,999
65,728
11.0
Total personnel compensation ...........................................
81,646
88,665
103,332
109,547
12.0
Personal benefits ................................................................
30,310
33,361
44,285
46,949
13.0
Benefits for former personnel ............................................
62
79
20
20
Total, personnel compensation, and benefits .....................
112,018
122,105
147,637
156,516
Other Objects:
21.0
Travel and transportation of persons .................................
380
446
450
450
22.0
Transportation of things .....................................................
22
-
1
1
23.1
Rental payments to GSA ...................................................
11,579
12,426
13,655
13,655
23.2
Rental payments to others ..................................................
1
2
10
10
23.3
Communications, utilities, and misc. charges ....................
172
195
200
200
24.0
Printing and reproduction ..................................................
946
224
100
100
25.2
Other services from non-Federal sources ..........................
15,151
15,595
19,102
42,068
25.3
Other goods and services from Federal sources .................
5,268
8,079
4,759
4,759
25.6
Medical care ......................................................................
-
1
3
3
25.7
Operation and maintenance of equipment .........................
600
6
100
100
25.8
Subsistence and support of persons ...................................
498
321
400
400
Other Objects:
26.0
Supplies and materials .......................................................
273
501
531
531
31.0
Equipment .........................................................................
570
63
400
400
32.0
Land and structures ............................................................
158
-
-
-
41.0
Grants, subsidies, and contributions ..................................
2,000
2,000
2,000
2,000
42.0
Insurance Claims and Indemnities .....................................
138
266
-
-
Total, Other Objects ..........................................................
38,737
39,829
41,711
64,677
99.9
Total, new obligations ......................................................
149,774
162,230
189,348
221,193
Position Data:
Average Salary (dollars), ES Position ...............................
$191,314
$191,314
$199,158
$208,319
Average Salary (dollars), GS Position ...............................
$115,156
$118,292
$123,111
$128,159
Average Grade, GS Position ..............................................
12.6
12.6
12.6
12.6
2024 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE
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2024 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE
S
TATUS OF PROGRAMS
The Nutrition Programs Administration (NPA) appropriation funds operating expenses for administering the nutrition
assistance programs of FNS.
FNS
ADMINISTRATIVE RESOURCES – A CRITICAL PROGRAM MANAGEMENT AND OVERSIGHT TOOL
FNS employees play a central role in managing the Federal nutrition assistance programs. While the programs operate in
partnership with State agencies and local service providers, FNS is solely responsible for developing program policies and
regulations. The policies and regulations ensure program design and operation are consistent with the law and current
nutrition science. FNS disburses and accounts for Federal funds provided to those who operate the programs. In addition,
FNS monitors program operations and conducts oversight, technical assistance, and evaluation to ensure that programs
are managed and operated consistent with law and to maximize their effectiveness and value to clients and taxpayers.
Meeting these responsibilities is central to accomplishing core program objectives, including ensuring access to benefits
for eligible individuals, improving the nutrition of program recipients, and strengthening program integrity. For example,
ongoing efforts to improve Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) integrity, and Special Supplemental
Nutrition Assistance Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) vendor cost containment are critical to the
Agency’s mission and require intensive staff focus and travel funding.
While substantial funding is also provided to States to operate these programs, State agencies have fundamentally
different financial incentives than the Federal Government. In many areas, the cost of program problems or inefficiencies
affects Federal expenditures, while the cost to resolve them has an impact on the States. Therefore, strong Federal policy
and oversight are fundamental to ensuring effective levels of program accountability.
Although information technology improvements have resulted in large productivity gains in the past decade, many of
FNS’ functions are labor-intensive and require ongoing attention. Since the NPA appropriation funds most of the salaries
and administrative expenses of FNS, it is integral to ensuring and leveraging the effective use of other program
appropriations. FNS staff levels grew to roughly 1,700 by the end of 2022 but are still modest relative to the growing
fiduciary responsibilities of the Agency and the increasing complexity of the programs it administers. Administrative
funding for FNS accounts for less than two-tenths of one percent of the total investment in nutrition assistance.
The most significant accomplishments under this NPA appropriation during 2022 is cited below by program and activity.
SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (SNAP)
For SNAP, NPA funding is used for a range of critically important functions. FNS develops policies and procedures for
the administration of the program, oversees State agency compliance with program rules, and provides technical
assistance to States. The agency also reviews State quality control activities, determines the effectiveness and efficiency
of State administration, and reviews and approves planning documents for computer system acquisitions and electronic
benefit transfer issuance systems. FNS authorizes and monitors 258,589 retail and wholesale firms that are approved to
accept SNAP benefits and maintains fiscal accountability for SNAP benefits.
FNS Oversight of State Program Operations
FNS’ oversight of State SNAP operations is among its fundamental roles and is critical to program integrity and access.
Each fiscal year, FNS’ seven Regional Offices continuously monitor and evaluate their States for compliance with SNAP
requirements. This oversight is conducted primarily through FNS Management Evaluation (ME) Reviews, which involve
an in-depth look at high risk or critically important components of program administration and generally include onsite,
in-person visits to State headquarters and local offices; however, in 2022, due to the ongoing disruptive impacts,
unprecedented challenges, and potential health risks posed by the COVID-19 public health emergency, in general, FNS
continued to leverage technology to conduct its ME Reviews offsite, virtually. FNS also continued its ongoing
efforts to strengthen SNAP ME procedures and guidance to ensure compliance with program requirements, improve
integrity, and protect access for eligible households. FNS updated and enhanced several SNAP ME
guidance documents to increase standardization and promote consistency. FNS also continued to enhance its ME
Management System, which tracks ME schedules, findings, and corrective action processes.
Policy Adjustments and Flexibilities
In 2022, FNS continued to respond to the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency with a variety of SNAP flexibilities and
adjustments to the program. The Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA; P.L. 116-127), allowed SNAP State
agencies to request various program adjustments and flexibilities to maintain State operations and serve clients during the
Public Health Emergency. In 2022, 37 States implemented a total of 118 unique COVID-19 adjustments to issuance,
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2024 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE
application, and/or reporting requirements under FFCRA. Many State agencies also took advantage of other options
provided for in FFCRA, such as emergency allotments and Pandemic EBT. Throughout the public health emergency,
FNS continued to provide technical assistance to State agencies through recurring conference calls, official guidance, and
email correspondence. As part of the FFCRA requirements, State agencies are expected to provide FNS with evaluation
reports about how SNAP adjustments affected State operations and clients. With these evaluation reports, as well as other
program monitoring methods, FNS has strived to continue to uphold program integrity and access throughout the duration
of the public health emergency.
In August 2022, FNS announced four new administrative waivers available to assist State agencies in transition from
flexibilities allowed during COVID-19 to routine SNAP operations, while also anticipating State capacity challenges
associated with Medicaid unwinding requirements. FNS approved three waivers in 2022 and anticipates more requests in
2023 when the Federal Public Health Emergency ends.
FNS encourages States to consider ways to increase efficiencies and the effectiveness of their program administration and
operations. FNS continues to provide State exchange funds to facilitate State and local agency travel to observe
innovative practices which may be transferable. FNS also works with an increasing number of State agencies that are
contemplating large-scale changes to their business models for delivering social services.
FNS provides technical assistance and performs strong oversight of States to ensure that workload management projects
and other innovations are implemented in a successful manner to deliver program benefits more effectively and
efficiently, using fewer resources without sacrificing customer service, program access or program integrity
Improving Program Integrity
FNS made important advances in its efforts to improve SNAP payment accuracy and retailer integrity.
Payment Accuracy
FNS did not issue national or State SNAP payment error rates for 2021 due to incomplete data. COVID-19 related
flexibilities provided to State agencies suspended certain QC regulatory requirements from March 2020 until June 30,
2021. As a result, there was insufficient validated data to determine underpayment and overpayment error rates.
FNS continued work towards implementing reforms in the Quality Control system to improve integrity and accuracy,
including updating the QC 310 Handbook, which outlines the procedures reviewers must follow as they conduct quality
control reviews. FNS plans to issue national and State SNAP payment error rates for 2022 on June 30, 2023.
Recipient Claims
State agencies collected approximately $358 million. FNS continued to monitor corrective actions performed by States to
address previously identified deficiencies in recipient claims systems.
Retailer Oversight and Integrity
In 2022, FNS staff authorized or reauthorized 73,532 retailers to participate in SNAP. FNS utilized contractor store visits
to verify the initial or continued eligibility of 36,332 stores participating in SNAP. In this same period, 19,789 firms were
withdrawn from participation because of changes in ownership, business closings, or nonconformance with authorization
criteria. At the end of 2022, a total of 258,589 stores were authorized to participate in SNAP, an increase of 4,240 stores
from 2021.
During 2022, FNS conducted undercover investigations of 6,528 stores nationwide. Overall, FNS compliance analysts
and investigators reviewed 22,510 stores for compliance monitoring purposes.
Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) Systems
FNS continues oversight of States as their EBT contracts end and they procure EBT services through the Request for
Proposal (RFP) process. This process includes State RFP approvals, contract approvals, as well as oversight of State
conversions from one EBT vendor’s system to a new vendor’s system. In 2022, FNS approved four RFPs, ten contracts,
and reviewed and approved 56 EBT contract amendments. The number of contract amendments remained significantly
higher in 2022 than the historical average of about 10 per year. This was due to COVID, and the fact that every State
continued to execute various amendments, change orders, or updates to carry out Pandemic EBT benefits, Emergency
Assistance, or accommodate other flexibilities in response to the COVID pandemic.
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FOOD DISTRIBUTION PROGRAM ON INDIAN RESERVATIONS (FDPIR)
The NPA appropriation funds most Federal staff administrative expenses to administer FDPIR. Through FDPIR, FNS
acquires and distributes USDA Foods to participating Indian Tribal Organizations (ITOs) and State agencies for
distribution to income-eligible households residing on Indian reservations and income-eligible Indian tribal households
living in designated service areas near reservations or in Oklahoma. Funding is also provided to the ITOs/State agencies
to support the administrative cost of operating the program as well as for nutrition education efforts. FNS sets standards
for participant and provider eligibility and provides training and other assistance to program partners as needed.
Throughout 2022, FNS continued to execute grants authorized under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security
Act (P.L. 116-136, CARES Act) to support facility improvements and equipment upgrades at local FDPIR program sites.
FNS also continued to implement a program specific demonstration project included in the Agriculture Improvement Act
of 2018 (Pub. L. 115-334, the 2018 Farm Bill) which was signed into law on December 20, 2018, overseeing $3.5 million
in self-determination contract funds that were awarded to participating Tribal organizations at the end of 2021 and
awarding an additional $2.2 million in contract modifications and extensions to participants. Consultation efforts
continued throughout the year to discuss FDPIR and SNAP with the Tribal community.
Three consultations were held with the FDPIR Tribal Leader Consultation Work Group. FNS also continued the transition
of FDPIR’s current food inventory management system, Automated Inventory System (AIS), to the Integrated Food
Management System (IFMS) and developed a process for Tribes to acquire an alternate system to IFMS to meet the needs
of program operators. The FDPIR Food Package Review Work Group, consisting of National Association of Food
Distribution Programs on Indian Reservations (NAFDPIR)-appointed representatives, including nutritionists, staff from
the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, FNS and the Agricultural Marketing Service, continued to make
improvements in the FDPIR food package. FDPIR received $4.0 million in administrative funds for nutrition education –
a 16-fold increase over the previous annual funding level of $250,000. FNS released an allocation plan and guide for
allowable expenses to support FDPIR’s need for culturally appropriate nutrition education and promotion. For more
information about FDPIR activities during 2022, see the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program account section.
SPECIAL SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION PROGRAM FOR WOMEN, INFANTS, AND CHILDREN (WIC)
NPA funds a portion of the Federal administration of the WIC Program. FNS uses these funds to manage the allocation of
grant resources to State Departments of Health and others to support program operations. NPA also supports the
development of policies, procedures, and standards used in administering the program and monitoring of State agency
operations to ensure program effectiveness and compliance with law and regulation.
Highlights of 2022 accomplishments supported by the NPA appropriation and related to the WIC Program include:
Infant Formula Recall – FNS Actions Taken
On February 17, 2022, Abbott voluntarily recalled certain powder formulas produced in its Sturgis, Michigan facility
following consumer complaints related to Cronobacter infections in infants. On February 28, Abbott recalled one lot of
Similac PM 60/40 manufactured at the same facility. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advised parents and
caregivers not to feed their baby certain powder formulas including Similac, Alimentum and EleCare. Existing challenges
with the infant formula supply were exacerbated by the Abbott formula recall leading to nationwide product shortages.
FNS expedited development of a waiver approval process pursuant to section 501(b) of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster
Relief and Emergency Assistance Act and began issuing waivers on February 20, 2022. These waivers allowed maximum
flexibility from federal requirements for State agencies as they worked with their legal counsel, procurement offices, and
infant formula rebate contractors to respond to the recall and related shortages. All 49 Abbott-contracted WIC State
agencies, including Tribes and U.S. Territories, received waiver approvals for requested waivers, receiving priority
consideration at the onset of the recall. State agencies that held contracts with Nestle (Gerber) and Mead Johnson-Reckitt
(Enfamil) also received waivers, if requested, in order to respond to issues related to shortages.
In response to the recall and nationwide shortage, in May 2022, Congress passed the Access to Baby Formula Act of 2022
(ABFA; PL 117-129), which gives additional authority to USDA to address infant formula shortages and recalls in the
WIC program. ABFA (1) requires that all new WIC State agency infant formula rebate contracts include remedies to
protect WIC participants from disruption in the event of an infant formula recall; and (2) provides USDA with permanent
authority to modify or waive WIC statutory or regulatory requirements during disasters, emergencies, or supply chain
disruptions (including product recalls) that impact WIC, as long as waivers do not substantially weaken the nutritional
quality of the WIC food package.
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FNS immediately used this au
thority to provide waivers that allow WIC State agencies to authorize infant formula being
imported under FDA’s enforcement discretion, in the context of the recall, to WIC participants with equitable access to
available products in the U.S. market. FNS later transferred waivers originally approved under the Stafford Act to
approval under ABFA, granting nearly 500 waivers to WIC State agencies across eight different waiver types, to ensure
WIC participant had access to the formula they needed.
FNS published an implementation memo to set forth applicable parameters for implementation of the infant formula cost
containment contracts and waiver authority legislative provisions in ABFA in June 2022 and began rulemaking to amend
7 CFR 246 to codify the provisions of ABFA.
COVID-19 Pandemic Response – WIC and WIC Farmers’ Market Nutrition Programs (WIC FMNP)
FNS responded to over 895 WIC State agency waiver requests and 67 WIC FMNP State agency waiver requests to
statutory and regulatory program requirements, to provide WIC and WIC FMNP State agencies, including Indian Tribal
Organizations (ITOs) and U.S. Territories, the flexibilities they need to serve WIC participants during the ongoing
COVID-19 public health emergency. FNS also provided technical assistance to resolve requests where waivers were not
needed. FNS continues to provide technical assistance to WIC State agencies on existing flexibilities so they can address
program needs related to COVID-19.
In June 2020, FNS issued WIC Policy Memorandum 2020-5 which extended all active waivers through September 30,
2020. In September 2020, FNS issued WIC Policy Memorandum 2020-6 which extended certain WIC waivers until 30
days after the end of the nationally-declared public health emergency under Section 319 of the Public Health Service Act
(42 U.S.C. 247d), as related specifically to COVID-19. In September 2021, WIC Policy Memorandum 2021-10 extended
most WIC waivers until 90 days after the end of the nationally-declared public health emergency.
All WIC FMNP waivers issued in 2020 expired on September 30, 2020. In March 2021, FNS issued WIC Policy
Memorandum 2021-4, formally reopening the WIC FMNP 2021 waiver process with waivers set to expire 30 days after
the end of the nationally-declared public health emergency under Section 319 of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C.
247d), as related specifically to COVID-19.
FNS’ authority to approve new waivers under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) of 2020 (Public
Law 116-127) ended on September 30, 2021. While FNS did not have the authority to waive federal requirements for the
Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program, FNS provided extensive technical assistance to State agencies on existing
program flexibilities to address programmatic issues related to the COVID-19 public health emergency.
In December 2020, FNS allocated $500 million to State agencies available from FFCRA to remain available through
September 30, 2021. In March 2021, FNS implemented a provision from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) of 2021
(P.L. 117-2) for a State agency option to temporarily increase the WIC Cash-Value Benefit (CVB) for fruit and vegetable
purchases. FNS provided $490 million in ARPA funds to the 87 State agencies that opted to increase their participants’
CVBs to $35 per month for a period of four months, which ended on September 30, 2021. FNS continued an increase to
the CVB in 2022 pursuant to the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2022 (PL 117-103) and prior 2022 continuing
resolutions.
WIC Works Resource System (WWRS)
In 2022
FNS expanded content on WWRS, with a monthly series, “What do I do with...” featuring a new food or food
group from the WIC food offerings to highlight with nutritional information, key messages, recipes, and resources for
staff. Additionally, published eight new quizzes featuring key takeaways on infant feeding, substance use prevention,
physical activity, and breastfeeding support. Created several new pages of content for WIC staff including topics of
motivational interviewing, Healthy Start, MIECHV, and a variety of health observance pages. As part of the Agency’s
response to the Infant Formula shortage, FNS produced two unique pages on WWRS and WIC Breastfeeding Support that
discussed how to conduct a nutrition assessment during the formula shortage, and ways to support individuals who feed a
combination of breast milk and formula.
WIC Learning Online (WLOL)
In 2022, FNS successfully launched three new DEI courses to WIC Learning Online (WLOL), the free staff training
course platform on the WIC Works Resource System, with a total of 175 course completions on the DEI courses to date.
WLOL overall saw an increase in the total number of course completions in 2022 (total of 8,440) representing a 50
percent increase from course completions in 2021 (total of 5,643).
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WIC Breastfeeding Support
FNS developed a WIC Breastfeeding infographic for State and local agency use, as well as key social media messages to
support breastfeeding month activities and four new WIC Breastfeeding Support articles on ways to affirm a
breastfeeding. In addition, successfully launched a social media collection library on WIC Breastfeeding Support – within
the first full year of launch all pages/social media messages received 9,406 unique visits and 12,296 page views.
FNS continued providing technical assistance to the University of Nevada, Reno cooperative agreement grant for the
implementation and evaluation of the national Breastfeeding Promotion Campaign, WIC Breastfeeding Support. Learn
Together Grow Together, including dissemination of research findings at the 2022 National WIC Association Nutrition
Education and Breastfeeding Promotion Conference.
WIC Breastfeeding Award of Excellence
In 2022, FNS awarded the WIC Breastfeeding Award of Excellence to 97 WIC local agencies from all seven FNS
regions. A total of 85 WIC local agencies received Gold awards, and12 WIC local agencies received Premiere awards.
Value Enhanced Nutrition Assessment (VENA)
Currently, FNS is working with a contractor to develop and release additional trainings on VENA-related topics. The
training topics and resources were chosen from Regional Offices and State agencies input. FNS is planning to release the
trainings in Spring 2023.
COMMODITY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
The NPA appropriation funds the staff administrative expenses of the Commodity Assistance Program (CAP). In addition
to providing commodities, also known as USDA Foods, for the Child Nutrition Programs, FNS makes nutritious foods
available to State agencies for distribution to low-income people through the Commodity Supplemental Food Program
(CSFP) and The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP), and makes administrative resources available to States
to support the distribution of these USDA Foods. The Agency may also provide USDA Foods to the Republic of the
Marshall Islands, The Federated States of Micronesia, and to the survivors of Presidentially-declared disasters and
situations of distress.
More information about the CAP programs during 2022 is described under “Acquisition and Distribution of USDA
Foods” in the Child Nutrition Programs section.
Special USDA Foods Initiatives
FNS continues to work closely with its partners and customers, such as schools and industry, and with its two sister
agencies within USDA – the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) and the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) –
to improve service to its customers, streamline operations, and maintain support for American agriculture. Highlights of
FNS’ most recent efforts in this area include:
Multi-Agency Task Force
FNS, AMS, and FSIS, representatives serve on a multi-agency task force. The task force meets quarterly to
provide coordination and direction for USDA Foods programs, pursuant to Section 4209 of the 2014 Farm Bill. By law,
the task force submits a report to Congress each year which summarizes the task force’s activities to improve USDA
Foods procurement programs.
USDA Foods Nutrition Initiative
FNS and AMS continually review USDA Foods to improve and enhance the nutrition profile of USDA Foods offered to
program participants. In addition, FNS responds to input from stakeholders by adding new foods or reformulating existing
products to help meet the Dietary Guidelines for Americans and meal pattern requirements.
CIVIL RIGHTS DIVISION
The FNS Civil Rights Division (CRD) utilizes NPA appropriation funds to perform various essential functions in support
of the FNS’ critically important mission of administering its 15 nutrition assistance programs in a fair and equitable
manner to the nation’s public. In that capacity, CRD is accountable for the overall management of internal and external
Civil Rights responsibilities in accordance with numerous laws and other related departmental rules, regulations, policies,
and instructions.
In 2022, CRD processed 105,750 pieces of correspondence and accepted and adjudicated 86 program complaints of
prohibited discrimination involving state and local agencies, nonprofits, and institutions (often schools), to whom
Federal
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financial assistance is given either directly or indirectly. CRD processed complaints at an
average of 150 days and took
appropriate actions to mitigate any areas of compliance identified.
In support of FNS programs and activities, CRD issues policy guidance and provides technical assistance and guidance to
national and regional program offices, employees, state agencies, and other recipients of federal financial assistance,
including all nutrition assistance programs throughout the nation. CRD developed eight Civil Rights Impact Analyses of
Proposed Rules, Final Rules and Agency reorganizations to help the Agency ensure impacts on protected groups were
properly mitigated. In addition, CRD closed 21 open compliance reviews and addressed deficiencies, offered technical
assistance, issued corrective actions, as appropriate, through voluntary resolution actions.
CRD routinely collaborates with national and regional program offices and employees, state agencies, and other recipients
of federal financial assistance to broaden their understanding of civil rights as it relates to their responsibilities in the
operation of FNS programs. FNS conducted 101 program trainings to state agencies and at national conferences on
various civil rights topics. CRD delivers these training opportunities for internal and external customers to provide expert
technical assistance and guidance through various oversight and monitoring activities and to ensure that program
beneficiaries receive timely and accurate service by working with state agencies and other entities to resolve any concerns
that may arise during program administration.
CRD continues expanding the available training offerings to all employees to ensure maximum opportunity for staff to
participate in EEO and DEIA events. CRD conducts compliance reviews of regional areas annually, where the focus is on
the assessment of the hiring, promotions, and award practices, and providing regional training to ensure FNS is a model
EEO agency. In 2022, CRD conducted 19 EEO trainings to staff to ensure that staff are aware of their EEO rights and
responsibilities and to help to correct EEO deficiencies and remove barriers. As a result, CRD reports that eight EEO
counseling’s were conducted and resulted in the filing of six formal complaints for the year. Additionally, CRD’s MD-
715 working group reviewed, analyzed and identified areas of under and over representation for under-served and the
differently abled individuals on a quarterly basis, in order to help FNS become a model EEO Agency.
FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT INITIATIVES
Debt Collection Activity in 2022
For federally managed Federal debt, FNS continued its vigorous pursuit of debt owed to the Agency by billing
$490 million in new receivables during the fiscal year. Year-end outstanding debts for the fiscal year increased from the
previous year by $72 million. The overall debt resolution rate achieved was about 196 percent.
In its accounts receivable, FNS also records the Federal share of the value of recipient overpayments established by
SNAP State agencies. State agencies are allowed to retain a portion of the claims collected. The receivable consists of the
total claims established less the States’ share.
For Federal debts managed by SNAP State agencies, such agencies establish claims against households for errors in
issuing program benefits to these households. These overpayments can result from the client’s incorrect reporting of
household circumstances, through client fraud, or by State administrative error.
SNAP Recipient Claims Activity
Table FNS-112. 2019 – 2022 (millions of dollars; preliminary results)
Claims Activity
2019
2020
2021
2022
Claims Established
$259
$242
$442
$510
Claims Collected
245
211
334
686
Ending Balance
1,179
1,175
1,393
4,144
Financia
l Management (FM) Regional Office Reviews
The FM organization conducts assessments of regional offices with the objective of ensuring the propriety of financial
operations and transactions within FNS. These reviews have been instrumental in raising the confidence level of
management officials within the Agency over the past several fiscal years.
2024 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE
Financial Management Reviews (FMRs)
In addition to the reviews that HQ staff conduct of the regional offices, the regions also conduct FMRs of participating
State agencies and ITOs to obtain reasonable assurance that the financial information reported by such grantees is correct,
complete, and in compliance with Federal standards and regulations.
FNS has implemented a risk assessment process that assists FNS in selecting for review those State agencies and ITOs
who pose the greatest financial management risk.
Financial Statements Audit
FNS received an unmodified (“clean”) opinion on the 2022 Financial Statements, meaning that the agency met the highest
auditing standards.
ADMINISTRATIVE MANAGEMENT INITIATIVES
Project and Program Management Implementation Initiative
In an effort to incorporate project and program management requirements to improve the Agency’s program management
capabilities, FNS has taken an incremental, phased implementation approach to transform its culture while utilizing
program and project management best practices. This incremental, phased approach helps to address the Agency’s
programs portfolio reviews and reporting, applicable project and program management governance development and
implementation, and Program and Project Managers talent management.
In 2022, FNS leveraged the existing Agency’s Annual Priorities Planning and Operational Plans tools to facilitate and
integrate additional initiatives to actively promote project and program management concepts and continue to develop
FNS project and program managers while re-enforcing project and program management related activities and
accountability across the enterprise.
FNS collaboratively worked across all impacted program offices to facilitate, train, and implement a new automated
process for procurement forecast data collection and maintenance by using the USDA Integrated Acquisition System
directed by the USDA Deputy Assistant Secretary for Administration (DASA) and the USDA Office of Small and
Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU) Director. A total of 93 procurement requirements across all FNS program
areas were identified and shared with the USDA industry partners, specifically the small and disadvantaged business
community. This new process will increase small business awards by making procurement forecast data more accurate,
user-friendly, available, and projected out further in advance.
FNS continued to implement internal standard operating procedures and quarterly Office of Financial Management, Chief
Financial Officer, and Mission Area Senior Program Manager’s certifications to the Chief Operating Officer regarding the
applicability and compliance with the required approval threshold requirements for FNS grants, cooperative agreements,
intra- and inter-agency agreements, and similar reimbursable transactions. This certification process utilized data-driven
strategies to improve program operations and program integrity on behalf of taxpayers by strengthening controls over
financial management within FNS programs.
In addition to publishing a quarterly FNS project and program management newsletter, which highlighted project and
program management related topics, news, updates, and shared project and program management best practices with the
FNS Contracting Officer’s Representatives and Project and Program Managers’ community, FNS conducted a total of
four learning and training sessions: (1) “Delivering Results for All: De-mystifying data analytics, program management,
and reporting” with over 30 participants; (2) “COR(s) and P/PM(s): What is the difference?” with over 60 participants;
(3) “USDA Values Program Management: Delivering Results for All Beyond Cost, Schedule, and Performance” with
over 50 participants; and (4) “Project and Program Management Philosophy: Learning from the Past, Working on the
Present, and Preparing for the Future” with over 50 participants. A total of six project and program management
workshops were conducted to educate and assist FNS workforce with the Federal Acquisition Certification requirements
and application preparation and submissions for Entry, Mid, and Senior certification levels in project and program
Federal Data Strategy.
FNCS Central Analytics Team, 2022
In 2022, the FNCS Central Analytics Team focused on the implementation of FNS’s data strategy, a collaborative effort
between the Chief Operating Officer-established Centralized Analytics Team and key FNS divisions and programs. The
data strategy covers opportunities, challenges, and potential actions over two fiscal years related to data governance and
stewardship, workforce enablement, data collection and open data.
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As part of this effort, the team maintains FNS’s cloud-based
data lake and all governance and security necessary for it to
be successful. As part of the data lake, the team worked with each FNS program to connect nine new key data sources in
2022 into the data lake for analysis and data visualization purposes, with 21 data sources managed to-date. Additionally,
the team hosts and maintains SNAP’s Mission Data Platform for program specific analysis and evaluation. Altogether, the
team developed 22 different dashboard views from program finances to equity, general staff well-being and opinions (exit
survey and customer service survey), conducted 12 dashboard-specific trainings, and has also developed and facilitated 11
monthly Data Visualization Enablement sessions, three month-long data visualization trainings, and scaled up the Data
Science Training Program across all USDA with over 130 participants. The team has also developed the Nutrition
Education Dashboard, working with stakeholders within FNS and across the Federal government in providing a user-
friendly tool to assess nutrition and food access within the continental U.S. and territories, as well as mapping tribal lands
as part of this effort. This dashboard will be one of the first to be published via the Open Data Platform in 2023.
The team also continued to develop and enhance USDA’s Advanced Analytics Community of Practice (CoP), which grew
to 800 members in 2022. As part of the CoP, engagement and sharing have been pillars of the community, and the team
has managed and hosted each of the CoP’s events that have brought data analytic practitioners from across USDA to
share and present projects and lessons learned. These events are routinely attended by 150-200 USDA employees.
Beyond the Advanced Analytics CoP, the team also developed an FNS-specific Data Analytics CoP, which has grown to
roughly 330 members. The goal of this CoP is to enhance internal collaboration within FNS related to all things data and
analytics, from governance and stewardship, data visualization, as well as news and training opportunities. Sharing and
engagement are key features in this CoP, as well.
The team leads the Data Analytics sub-committee which captures data related opportunities and strengths from various
programs and operation areas in the Agency. The goal of the committee is to enhance FNS data skills, governance policy,
and raise awareness of data tools throughout the agency. From the collaboration with the committee, the team was able to
create products of available FNS data sources that are currently used within the agency and will continue to work with
creating data governance strategies. At the end of 2022, the team completed the first phase of the FNS data inventory,
capturing metadata on more than 71 data resources maintained and used by FNS staff. This inventory tool will be used to
facilitate both efficient access and use of the data by staff who require it for their analyses, setting the foundation for a
one-stop FNS data knowledge repository.
In terms of external events and representation across the government space, the Central Analytics Team organized a panel
on Utilizing Advanced Analytics and the Potential of Artificial Intelligence at the ATARC virtual event on AI & Data in
2022 Q3 (June 28, 2022). ATARC is the Advanced Technology Academic Research Center. The panelists included
representatives from FNS programs and operations, and the Central Analytics Teams assisted with providing talking
points as needed to speak about how FNS is leveraging technologies to meet the nutritional needs of families in America
while ensuring equity is a center focus of these efforts. Over 70 summit attendees listened in to the FNS panel – this puts
FNS on the map with other government agencies in the Advanced Data Analytics space.
Acquisition Strategies
The FNS 2022 procurement strategy has been a continuation of the Agency’s commitment to increase contracting
opportunities for small businesses in order to provide customers and taxpayers the benefit of creativity, innovation, and
technical expertise. The Agency has leveraged its support in driving the U.S. economy forward by helping small
businesses to create jobs. The Agency has continued to exercise innovative methods to maximize Small Business
opportunities. In 2022, FNS completed more than 320 actions, totaling more than $96 million in support of program
operations. Of those, more than 48 percent of the total value of the actions were awarded to small and disadvantaged
businesses.
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Table FNS-113. Business Categories
Category
Goal
Actual
Small Business ...............................................................................................
47.0%
48.72%
Small Disadvantaged Business .......................................................................
13.0%
9.67%
8 (a) ................................................................................................................
15.0%
0.46%
Women-Owned Small Business .....................................................................
5.0%
3.68%
Hub Zones ......................................................................................................
3.0%
4.44%
Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Business ...................................................
3.0%
2.52%
Veteran-Owned Small Business .....................................................................
3.0%
4.71%
Note: The above figures represent contract actions awarded directly by the FNS Contracts Management Division. The Small Business achievement
results reported by the Department to the Small Business Administration (SBA) included actions that were awarded by other contracting entities and
coded as using FNS funds. As a result, the achievement numbers reported by the USDA vary from the above figure.
Employee Engagement
The Agency’s commitment is to foster a holistic approach to employee engagement, aligning human resources objectives
with the organization’s vision, mission and priorities to ensure that equity of opportunity is extended to empower all
employees to reach their full potential. The Agency advanced a customer centric, inclusive, and high-performance
workforce by investing in and engaging employees to improve professional proficiencies and close employee competency
gaps, developing future leaders.
In 2022, significant enhancements to the Employee Development Program (EDP) were centered on the development of a
comprehensive plan that structures the full integration and sustainability of EDP as it is transitioned from the regional
operations and support to the Human Resources Division. Our efforts continued to ensure the functional transition of this
critical program through a mini-steering committee, acquisition of talent to provide curriculum design and facilitation
support that is inclusive of a full review of all the modules within EDP, and coordinated efforts that promote the
development, contributions, and career growth of all our employees.
Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, FNS created the agency’s first-ever employee morale program called SPIRIT, which
has grown this past fiscal year. The team defines SPIRIT as employees’ allegiance to one another - the FNS workforce -
and what we do collectively to achieve the mission. In 2022, the SPIRIT team lifted the morale program by reaching and
sustaining the participation of 720 employees who are voluntarily signed on to the platform. SPIRIT represents a
powerful shift to a more collaborative and inclusive culture. This new culture supports and welcomes all employees,
regardless of their ethnicity, background or where they geographically fall in the organization. With SPIRIT, employees
follow three main tenets: information sharing, empowering each other to do their best work, and recognizing each other
for their unique perspectives and experiences they bring to the table. In SPIRIT, employees find the will to do better, and
share it, so all employees’ work, and mission-driven goals and objectives, are aligned and achieved in unison. In 2022, the
SPIRIT team launched an employee wellbeing and health Microsoft Teams channel called Living Well Together (LWT)
to give employees a safe space to discuss health topics, goals, and successes in their journeys to be their best selves.
Every Monday, the LWT team also hosts a mindfulness event in support of employees’ overall wellness and wellbeing. In
2023, FNS will continue exploring innovative approaches to advance the mission, listen to employees, and collaborate on
future opportunities.
In addition to the SPIRIT morale program, FNS continued to manage an Agency intranet and produce a weekly all-
employee bulletin to promote information-sharing, share agency news and initiative highlights, promote learning and
development opportunities, and connect and support employees with resources such as the Employee Assistance Program.
In response to the Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey (FEVS) 2021 results, FNS created and implemented a robust
action plan to respond to the greatest opportunities identified by the FEVS, including, but not limited to, performance
management, employee recognition, collaboration across work units, and “leaders lead”. In 2023, FNS will continue to
analyze and respond to the opportunities identified through FEVS and other forms of employee listening and will
continue to cultivate a culture of recognition and holistic support for employees to promote a positive employee
experience.
Performance Management
In support of the human capital management strategies and in accordance with OMB M-17-22, the Agency continued to
provide learning and growth opportunities for employees and supervisors on performance management and managing.
FNS implemented a comprehensive two-tier rating system evaluating performance of all non-bargaining unit employees
and a small percentage of the bargaining unit employees. In 2022, FNS provided quarterly training opportunities to
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enhance supervisors’ capability to compliantly fulfill all requirements within the performance management program. FNS
achieved an Agency Head approved successor Collective Bargaining Agreement with its labor partner in the later part of
2022 which transitions all remaining bargaining unit employees within the agency to the two-tier rating system in 2023.
As a result, increased training opportunities and resources were provided across the agency. In 2023, the agency will
continue to provide training and resources to employees and supervisors that increase organizational effectiveness and
efficiency by enhancing performance, customer service, and accountability.
Human Capital
In 2022, FNS continued improving the hiring process by implementing human capital management strategies and
flexibilities in accordance with Departmental and the Office of Personnel Management guidance and Federal
regulations. In 2022, more than 300 hiring actions were completed with an average time to hire of 89 days while all
employees of the agency were in a maximized telework posture. A series of strategies were employed including tracking
time to hire on a pay period to pay period basis and auditing not less than three hiring action case files per month. Efforts
focused on strengthening partnerships with hiring managers and identifying process improvement opportunities
throughout the fiscal year.
FNS also assessed staffing and competency gaps and implemented strategies to close these gaps. The HR Helps customer
center continued to provide service to stakeholders and maximize the efficient use of time by our federal staff. HR Helps
provided dedicated support to address all HR customers that address current employee needs, applicant inquiries, and new
hire questions (onboarding). During 2022, nearly 2,400 inquiries were received with more than 90 percent of those
inquiries resolved in less than one day. The HR Helps customer center was able to resolve 87 percent of inquiries without
escalating to subject matter experts which enabled them to dedicate more time accomplishing complicated human
resources goals, objectives, and priorities in support of the agency’s mission. In 2023, FNS will continue its commitment
to growing a workforce and organizational culture on the foundation of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility for
everyone.
FNS’ continued to strive to recruit from among diverse sources in order to ensure the workforce reflects the demographics
of the people we serve. Efforts and associated tasks have been accomplished to support this objective, including active
recruitment efforts and strategies to increase the use of Schedule A and Peace Corps non-competitive appointments and
providing training to hiring managers to expand the opportunities for non-competitive hiring authorities for all target
groups. Recruitment efforts have also been used to focus on Tribal Colleges and Universities, Hispanic Association of
Colleges and Universities, Veteran organizations, and affiliates for the disabled. In 2022, the agency continued to promote
the use of non-competitive hiring authorities among hiring managers and supervisors in order to increase workforce
diversity, particularly among under-represented groups. In 2022, the agency launched several new recruitment strategies
to strengthen the recruitment process and support the use of non-competitive hiring to include Schedule A, military
spouses, and Veterans. In addition, the agency will continue to expand the use of data through workforce demographic
dashboards to ensure consistent and equitable distribution of discretionary awards, promotions, and other attributes
included as part of Management Directive 715.
Diversity and Inclusion (D&I)
FNS continued to strive to recruit from among diverse sources in order to ensure the workforce reflects the demographics
of the people we serve. Efforts and associated tasks have been accomplished to support this objective, including active
recruitment efforts and strategies to increase the use of Schedule A and Peace Corps non-competitive appointments and
providing training to hiring managers to expand the opportunities for non-competitive hiring authorities for all target
groups. Recruitment efforts have also been used to focus on Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities, Tribal
Colleges and Universities, Historically Black Colleges and Universities and 1890s institutions, Veteran organizations, and
affiliates for the disabled. The agency continued to promote the use of non-competitive hiring authorities among hiring
managers and supervisors in order to increase workforce diversity, particularly under-represented groups.
To advance Executive Order 14035: Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility in the Federal Workforce, in April 2022,
FNS hosted a Special Emphasis Program Manager (SEPM) Open House event to provide awareness and to educate the FNS
workforce on the duties of SEPMs and their critical role, to ensure that FNCS take affirmative steps to provide equal and
inclusive opportunity to everyone in all areas of employment and eliminate discriminatory practices and policies.
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2024 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE
Equity, Diversity, In
clusion, Engagement and Accessibility
The agency will continue to expand the use of data through workforce demographic dashboards to ensure consistent and
equitable distribution of discretionary awards, promotions, and other attributes included as part of Management Directive
715.
FNS has been committed to ensuring all persons in the U.S. are afforded an equal opportunity to participate in FNS
programs and activities. To that end, FNS examined its Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, Engagement, and Accessibility
policies and practices. FNS’ goals were to strengthen its organizational culture and practices, ensure that FNS is both
diverse and inclusive, and support a multicultural workforce that is fully engaged and able to reach their potential.
To assess the current state and progress towards equity, diversity, inclusion, and engagement in the agency’s human
resource practices and workforce composition, and to identify areas where conditions (“barriers”) may be limiting
opportunities for employees and job applicants, FNS procured the services of an independent contractor. FNS tasked the
contractor with conducting an Agency-wide environmental scan that would form the basis for recommendations to
address deficiencies and barriers to sustainable change.
Like many other efforts to improve the workplace, studies have shown that fostering equity, diversity, inclusion, and
accessibility can be achieved best under conditions of employee engagement. The U.S. Office of Personnel Management
(OPM) defines engagement as, “An employee’s sense of purpose that is evident in their display of dedication, persistence
and effort in their work or overall attachment to their organization and its mission.” FNS recognized how critical
employee engagement is to achieve an equitable and inclusive work environment, to enable a healthy and productive
workforce, and to encourage and facilitate the full participation of all its employees in mission success.
The methodology for the environmental scan included:
• R
elevant Executive Orders, OPM guidance, and FNS human resources policy reviews
• Review of the relevant literature
• Analys
is o
f the FEVS from 2017-2020, the most recent years for
which data was available
• Focus groups with FNS employees
• Interviews with FNS senior leaders
FNS intends for the findings and recommendations from this environmental scan to serve as the impetus for improving
the implementation of DEIA policies and practices throughout FNS. The environmental scan provides a foundation for
the development of a strategic plan to address the inequities and implement actionable solutions to embed equity,
diversity, inclusion, and engagement within the culture of FNS.
Operations and Facilities (OFD)
FNS developed a five-year space reduction plan across all regional offices and retailer management centers to reduce the
footprint of the Agency. This plan would result in a 27 percent reduction in FNS’ footprint and be in compliance with
Departmental and the Office of Management and Budget requirements. In 2022, OFD anticipated completion of two
funded projects, however due to COVID-19 and limited travel restrictions, projects were placed on hold. As Position
Determinations are forthcoming, there will be a need to provide a revised Agency Space Optimization Plan based off
realized updated numbers of what will be underutilized space. 2023 will be focused on completing a revised space
optimization plan by end of the second quarter. The remaining portion of 2023 will focus on opportunities for space/office
closures, and where space can potentially be returned to GSA. 2024-2028 will be dedicated to completing remaining
space optimization planned projects at a rate in which the budget for funding office changes may allow.
CENTER FOR NUTRITION POLICY AND PROMOTION
The Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion (CNPP) works to improve the health and well-being of Americans by
developing and promoting dietary guidance that links scientific research to the nutrition needs of consumers. It carries out
its mission to improve the health of Americans by serving as the Federal authority on evidence-based food, nutrition and
economic analyses that inform policy and programs; translates science into actionable food and nutrition guidance for all
Americans; and leads national communication initiatives that apply science-based messages to advance consumers’
dietary and economic knowledge and behaviors.
Major initiatives include the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, the Nutrition Evidence Systematic Review (NESR),
MyPlate, the Healthy Eating Index, USDA Food Plans (including the Thrifty Food Plan), and food pattern
modeling. These initiatives support Secretary Vilsack’s goal to improve food and nutrition security for all Americans. To
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ensure ef
ficiency while maintaining integrity and quality across its initiatives, FNS is committed to continuous quality
advancement by incorporating best practices into all initiatives.
CNPP makes key contributions to USDA’s priority of ensuring that America’s children (and their families) have access to
nutritious, balanced meals. CNPP does this by translating nutrition guidance into innovative, consumer-focused nutrition
initiatives to provide the public with information and ways to make healthy eating choices and be physically active.
Our mission, vision, goals, priorities, and values exemplify our commitment to performance that meet the needs of the
American public - driving greater integration and collaboration for greater impact. FNS’ resources are widely used by
consumers, health professionals, nutrition educators, Federal agencies, and other stakeholders serving the public.
Development and Promotion of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans
The National Nutrition Monitoring and Related Research Act of 1990 requires the Secretaries of the Departments of
Agriculture (USDA) and Health of Human Services (HHS) to jointly publish the Dietary Guidelines for
Americans (Dietary Guidelines) at least every five years. The Dietary Guidelines provides a science-based foundation to
help inform Federal nutrition education and promotion programs, including the major vehicle for implementing
the Dietary Guidelines – MyPlate. The Dietary Guidelines is also widely adopted in the private sector, mainly by
education and health professionals. Within USDA, the Dietary Guidelines is used by the Child Nutrition Programs, the
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women,
Infants, and Children (WIC) to guide nutrition standards and benefit levels for participants ages 2 years and older.
During 2022, CNPP conducted activities on behalf of USDA working jointly with the HHS to promote the Dietary
Guidelines for Americans, 2020-2025, and began the process to develop the next edition, Dietary Guidelines for
Americans, 2025-2030 to be released by the end of 2025.
• CNPP, with our partners at HHS, focused on implementation of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2020-
2025, which was released on December 29, 2020. Since this date, there have been more than 3 million page
views at DietaryGuidelines.gov. The site has been accessed by users in 240 countries/territories, including all 50
states and DC.
• To support Secretary Vilsack’s goal to improve food and nutrition security for all Americans, CNPP with our
partners at HHS undertook a process to develop a new section of DietaryGuidelines.gov devoted to Spanish
language web content and resources. These resources included turnkey handouts and factsheets that can be easily
downloaded and shared with individuals and families as well as figures from the Dietary Guidelines that can be
adapted and turned into teaching tools by other organizations to illustrate key points from the Dietary
Guidelines.
• USDA and HHS formalized the process to develop the Dietary Guidelines for Americans,2025-2030 through a
Memorandum of Understanding and determined the next edition would have a continued focus on diet and
health across the lifespan. This includes the relationship between diet and risk of overweight and obesity with a
new emphasis on weight loss and weight maintenance. New questions will also address ultra-processed foods
and food-based strategies that can be used by individuals and families to support implementation of the Dietary
Guidelines and help prevent or manage overweight and obesity. In addition, all scientific questions will be
reviewed with a health equity lens to ensure that resulting guidance in the Dietary Guidelines is inclusive of
people with diverse racial, ethnic, socioeconomic, and cultural backgrounds. The proposed scientific questions to
be examined by the 2025 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee were posted for public comment from April
15 – May 16, 2022. During the public comment period, USDA and HHS received approximately 1,400 public
comments. These comments are being used along with research availability to refine the list of scientific
questions that the 2025 Committee will be asked to address in its review. To support transparency and public
engagement in the process, new pages were added to DeitaryGuidelines.gov and promotional and outreach
efforts were utilized to make the public aware of the opportunity to provide input into the process.
• USDA and HHS are currently in the process of appointing the 2025 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee
who will be charged with reviewing the scientific evidence on nutrition and to develop a scientific report that
will be used to support the development of the next edition of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. CNPP with
our partners at HHS undertook several activities during the public call for nominations with the aim of increasing
the diversity of the Committee and to seek out expertise in health equity. This resulted in outreach to more than
125 organizations, reflecting a diversity of professional and advocacy organizations including stakeholders and
organizations that work with tribal nations. To help reduce barriers to apply, USDA and HHS made clear that
self-nominations were encouraged.
• To promote continuous quality advancement, CNPP contracted with and provided technical support for a
National Academy of Sciences study to compare the process used to develop the Dietary Guidelines for
2024 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE
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Americans, 2025-2030 to recommendations included in the previously published report, Redesigning the Process
for Establishing the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Findings from this study will help to inform future
cycles.
Nutrition Evidence Systematic Review (NESR)
Nutrition Evidence Systematic Review (NESR) is a team of scientists from the USDA Center for Nutrition Policy and
Promotion. NESR scientists have a unique combination of experience and expertise in systematic review methodology,
nutrition science, public health, and library science. NESR scientists answer nutrition questions of public health
importance by conducting high-quality systematic reviews, rapid reviews, and evidence scans using up-to-date methods
and technology. NESR supports CNPP’s mission to improve the health of Americans by developing and promoting
dietary guidance that links scientific research to the nutrition needs of consumers. NESR’s work also helps the agency
uphold the Data Quality Act, which mandates that Federal agencies ensure the quality, objectivity, utility, and integrity of
the information used to form Federal guidance.
In 2022, the NESR team’s work plan focused on three types of activities:
• Review projects, including systematic reviews, rapid reviews, and evidence scans designed to answer questions
about the relationship between diet and health, describe current evidence on high-priority public health nutrition
topics, and/or identify strategies to facilitate adoption of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. In 2022, NESR’s
major review projects included:
o FNS Office of Policy Support Rapid Reviews on the summer feeding program, school-based strategies
to improve acceptance of new foods and healthier dietary patterns, breakfast consumption and the
School Breakfast Program, and racial and ethnic disparities in human milk feeding.
o USDA Food Plans Rapid Reviews and Evidence Scans Rapid Reviews on the relationship between
income and prices for food items/baskets, time spent on food-at-home-related activities, or following a
dietary pattern that aligns with the Dietary Guidelines, as measured by the Healthy Eating Index (HEI);
overall diet cost and following a dietary pattern that aligns with the Dietary Guidelines, as measured by
the HEI; factors that influence the purchase and/or consumption of at-home convenience foods
o Protein Dietary Reference Intake (DRI) Evidence Scans to provide the Joint Canada-US Dietary
Reference Intakes Working Group with information on the evidence available on the relationship
between protein intake and health, including adverse health effects, chronic disease risks, and protein
intake requirements. These evidence scans were used to inform future systematic reviews that will be
conducted to inform updates to the DRIs for protein.
o Preparatory work to support the upcoming 2025 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee’s review of
science to inform the development of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2025-2030. This included
conducting continuous evidence monitoring and evidence scans to support topic and question
identification and prioritization.
• Continuous Quality Advancement (CQA), in which NESR evaluates and refines aspects of its methodology
and tools to ensure that processes remain state-of the-art. In 2022, NESR’s major CQA efforts focused on
numerous topics, including but not limited to:
o Expansion of NESR’s product line (rapid reviews, continuous evidence monitoring, and evidence
scans)
o Synthesis, with and without meta-analysis
o Dietary assessment methodology
o Literature searching
o Using existing non-NESR reviews
o Updating NESR reviews
• Outreach using a variety of strategies to disseminate information about us and our work to a range of audiences.
In 2022, NESR’s major outreach activities included:
o Measuring and expanding the uptake of the 2020 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee reviews
o Developing a communications plan
o Updating NESR’s template for creating project reports
o Creating a NESR one-pager and PowerPoint slides
2024 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE
o Development of seven peer-review publications (three published, one submitted, and three in draft)
o Participation in more than 30 presentations about NESR and its work
Food Pattern Modeling Informs USDA Dietary Patterns
Food pattern modeling is one of three scientific approaches (along with systematic reviews and data analysis) that the
2025 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee (Committee) will use to conduct their rigorous review of the evidence to
inform the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2025-2030 (Dietary Guidelines). The USDA Dietary Patterns were
developed to help individuals carry out Dietary Guidelines recommendations. They are developed using food pattern
modeling to reflect health-promoting patterns identified in systematic reviews and meet nutrient recommendations. The
USDA Dietary Patterns identify amounts of foods, in nutrient-dense forms, to eat from five major food groups and their
subgroups. They also include an allowance for oils and a limit on the maximum number of calories available for other
uses, such as added sugars, saturated fat, and/or alcohol, or to eat more than the recommended amount of food in a food
group. Three USDA Dietary Patterns are included in the current Dietary Guidelines and provided at the end of this
document: Healthy U.S.-Style, Healthy Vegetarian, and Healthy Mediterranean-Style Dietary Patterns.
An interagency Food Pattern Modeling working group has been formed, and methodological enhancements are underway
to advance food pattern modeling to better reflect intake variability and the range of possible healthful diets based on our
diverse populations. The working group, in collaboration with NESR, is conducting an evidence scan to summarize
methods used to account for variation in intakes in food pattern modeling analyses. In addition, the working group drafted
proposed Food Pattern Modeling questions that will be considered for the Committee’s work.
USDA Food Plans Inform SNAP and Serve the Military
The four USDA Food Plans (Thrifty, Low-Cost, Moderate-Cost, and Liberal) are national standards for nutritious diets at
various cost levels. Each plan represents a set of market baskets containing a selection of foods in quantities that reflect
dietary recommendations and are applicable to one of 15 age-gender groups.
Following the reevaluation of the Thrifty Food Plan published in 2021, CNPP continued to work toward updating the
cost-of-food adjustments to the Thrifty Food Plan for Alaska and Hawaii. The report associated with this analysis is
expected to be published in 2023.
CNPP is taking numerous steps to improve documentation and quality advancement in all work related to the TFP.
Specifically, throughout the development of updated cost-of-food adjustments to the TFP for Alaska and Hawaii, CNPP
has implemented enhanced documentation procedures including detailing team meeting agendas and action items,
producing decision memos outlining the technical decisions considered by the NEA branch, and conducting a transparent
review and evaluation process of the methodology and final report. Additionally, CNPP oversaw the acquisition of funds
to purchase IRI food price data that can advance work related to the TFP, including the next TFP reevaluation, and other
economic initiatives across FNS.
Healthy Eating Index Tracks the Quality of the U.S. Diet
CNPP uses the Healthy Eating Index (HEI) to monitor the diet quality of the American population and subpopulations
of interest. The Update to the Healthy Eating Index-2015 manuscript was published in 2018 and received an award from
the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics in 2020 and 2021 for being the most referenced paper published in
their journal. This award is indicative of the HEI’s widespread use in research to assess diet quality and the relationship
between diet and health outcomes.
The new USDA Dietary Patterns for ages 12 through 23 months prompted a need for an HEI that can be used to assess
diet quality among toddlers. CNPP is collaborating with HHS/NIH/National Cancer Institute staff to develop a HEI for
children under 2 years of age. The existing HEI-2015 is also being considered for update ensuring its alignment with the
Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2020-2025.
Meeting Consumers Where They Are with Guidance and Resources to Help Them Eat Healthy on a Budget
Through a multi-pronged approach, CNPP has worked to raise the profile of MyPlate, the consumer translation of the
Dietary Guidelines for Americans, and to share advice and tools with consumers on how to build healthy eating solutions
into their everyday life.
In 2022, CNPP efforts with MyPlate were centered on expanding the reach of healthy, budget-conscious, nutrition
information to more American households toward the goal of impacting food insecurity, diet-related diseases, and health
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disparities in the United States. Specifically, CNPP efforts focused on expanding MyPlate resources for low-income and
historically underserved populations, with an emphasis on healthy eating on a budget.
MyPlate.gov Website
MyPlate.gov consistently ranks in the top 5 most visited among all USDA websites. MyPlate.gov had a total of 6,807,440
visitors and 51 million page views in 2022. The key MyPlate.gov feature launched this year was MiPlato, a Spanish
language MyPlate.gov webpage. This new section of the MyPlate.gov website was created by CNPP as a hub for MyPlate
Spanish language tools and materials to support the nutrition education needs of Spanish speaking consumers. In the five
months post-launch (April-September 2022), MiPlato received 6,756 page views.
To promote the MiPlato webpage, CNPP developed a National Hispanic Heritage Month MyPlate promotional campaign
highlighting Spanish language MyPlate resources on the MiPlato webpage and sharing cultural food traditions from FNS
staff. This effort served to address the equity gap in providing language translations for key FNS resources and to reach
more historically underserved communities.
Shop Simple with MyPlate
Launched in 2022, CNPP developed Shop Simple with MyPlate, a web tool to help consumers save money while
shopping for healthy food choices. The tool does what MyPlate does best: It meets people where they are, provides
actionable information, and integrates assets from various USDA nutrition assistance programs, putting key resources in
one place for the public. For the user, Shop Simple with MyPlate helps people quickly find savings in their local area and
discover new ways to prepare budget-friendly foods. In the “Savings” area of the tool, consumers can enter their zip code
to find cost-saving opportunities in their local area, including stores and farmer’s markets that accept SNAP EBT and
rewards programs (e.g., GUSNIP incentive programs). In the “Foods” section, consumers get budget-friendly suggestions
from each food group, and purchasing and storage tips, serving ideas, recipes, and nutrition information. In terms of
equity, Shop Simple was designed to be accessible to as many Americans as possible which is why it is not a traditional
mobile app, it is a web-based app optimized to feel like a mobile app. In this way, those without access to smartphones
can use the tool directly from the web.
Post-launch, CNPP developed and deployed a process to regularly update the list of online retailers that accept SNAP
within the Shop Simple with MyPlate tool. Regular updates to this information mean users always have the latest list of
online retailers that accept SNAP, which is especially important as SNAP online availability rapidly expands among
retailers in 49 states and Washington, D.C. offering online EBT purchasing (not yet available in Alaska). Notable 2022
metrics include:
• 775,
011 page views in 2022
• 87,968 total users in 2022
• 51 percent of Shop Simple with MyPlate users accessed the tool via a mobile device, 48 percent on a
desktop computer, and 1 percent on a tablet device
• The top 3 sections of Shop Simple with MyPlate are foods by group, recipes, and savings
MyPlate Social and Digital Media
In 2022, CNPP expanded beyond organic social and digital outreach and developed and launched a first-of-its-kind paid
advertising pilot campaign to raise awareness and increase usage of MyPlate resources among SNAP participants and
SNAP-eligible participants. The pilot campaign featured web banner ads and social media ads on Facebook and
Instagram, in both English and Spanish, to promote MyPlate tools and resources and inform consumers about healthier
food choices and ways to maximize SNAP benefits. The advertisements ran in 9 markets that were selected on population
size, income levels, geographic diversity, and other demographics and garnered over 205 million impressions and 251,000
clicks to the MyPlate website. Audiences were highly engaged with the Spanish-language ads, and which yielded higher
engagement compared to the English-language ads. In addition to providing cost-conscious nutrition information, this
effort served to address the equity gap in providing language translations for key FNS resources and to reach more
historically underserved communities. The MyPlate social media channels continued to serve as one of the primary
promotion vehicles for MyPlate tools and resources in 2022. The current total number of @MyPlate Twitter followers is
101,900 and Facebook followers is 119,000.
MyPlate Quiz
The MyPlate Quiz is an interactive online tool that consumers can use to assess their nutrition knowledge and eating
behaviors. In 2022, CNPP launched and began promotion of the Spanish version of the MyPlate Quiz which has resulted
in more than 55,000 views; 25,000 people accessing the quiz; and more than 17,000 people taking the quiz in the Spanish
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language version. The MyPlate Quiz allows consumers to answer a series of 20 questions about the MyPlate food groups
and their healthy eating interests. At the end of the Quiz, the user discovers their MyPlate level, food group
recommendations and a variety of free personalized resources including the opportunity to sync their quiz results with the
Start Simple with MyPlate app (see below), the MyPlate Plan tool, recipes from MyPlate Kitchen (see below), and
relevant tip sheets.
Start Simple with MyPlate App
The Start Simple with MyPlate mobile app, released in January 2020, is designed to help Americans incorporate MyPlate
into their daily lives by meeting simple food group-related goals. The app allows consumers to pick from a variety of
daily goals and see progress as goals are completed. App users can earn badges, view how-to tips, and participate in
quarterly in-app challenges. 2022 additions to the app include a new ‘Progress’ feature for users to see their progress over
time. Users can choose any time period to view completion statistics of goals (daily, weekly, and best week), highest daily
streak count, and badges earned. Four new in-app challenges were added, which serve to reinforce healthy behaviors and
provide motivation to continue making healthy eating choices. CNPP is also developed 20 new badges designed to
encourage active engagement and reward long-term use of the app. Badges will emphasize accomplishments in areas
including personal performance, participation, meeting goal milestones, and anniversary recognition. Since launch
through the end of 2022, there were more than 485,000 net installations of the app from the Apple App Store and Google
Play.
MyPlate Kitchen
CNPP continues to lead the MyPlate Kitchen section of the MyPlate website in collaboration with the Supplemental
Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) team. The site has been redesigned to enhance user engagement and includes
modernized features to save favorite recipes and create personal cookbook collections. The MyPlate Kitchen Team is also
working on integrating a new data backend to enable updated nutrition and cost analysis for recipes.
MyPlate on Alexa
In July 2021, CNPP released USDA’s first Amazon Alexa “skill” – which is like an app for the Alexa device or app on
smartphones. MyPlate on Alexa provides MyPlate nutrition information and healthy eating tips for babies ages 4 to 24
months via an Amazon Alexa smart speaker or on a phone or tablet via the free Amazon Alexa app. In 2022, MyPlate on
Alexa added tips for everyone from 3-month-olds through older adults and as a result, over 500 new tips were added.
Metrics analysis shows that in 2022, there were 2,565 sessions and over 3,200 tips read.
MyPlate Partnerships
The public-private MyPlate Nutrition Communicators Network’s National Strategic Partnership, comprised of
organizations with national reach, ended 2022 with a total membership of 131 national partner organizations ranging from
leading health professional and educational organizations to food associations, manufacturers, and other companies. In
addition, CNPP established a new opportunity to collaborate with MyPlate partners and encourage consumers to make
healthy eating choices through the MyPlate Partner Resources and Images Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).
Through this MOU partners can share nutrition education resources, images, and videos that align with the Dietary
Guidelines for Americans to be featured on the MyPlate website.
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024 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE
S
UMMARY OF PERFORMANCE
The Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) was established August 8, 1969, by Secretary's Memorandum No. 1659 and
Supplement 1 pursuant to the authority contained in 5 U.S.C. 301 and the Reorganization Plan No. 2 of 1953. FNS
increases food security and reduces hunger in partnership with cooperating organizations by providing children and
low-income people access to food, a healthful diet, and nutrition education in a manner that supports American
agriculture and inspires public confidence. FNS administers the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) 16
nutrition assistance programs. These programs, which serve one in four Americans over the course of a year, are
designed to provide low-income persons with access to a more nutritious diet, to improve the eating habits of the
Nation's children, and to help America's farmers by providing an outlet for food purchased under agricultural support
authorities.
A
LIGNMENT TO USDA 2022 – 2026 STRATEGIC PLAN
The wor
k of FNS contributes to the success of USDA’s overall mission to provide leadership on food, agriculture,
natural resources, rural development, nutrition, and related issues using sound public policy, the best available
science, and effective management, to the benefit of all Americans. FNS is responsible for achieving and measuring
results with respect to the following 2022 – 2026 Strategic Goal and Objectives:
• Strategic Goal 4: Make Safe, Nutritious Food Available to All Americans
o Objective 4.1 Increase Food Security Through Assistance and Access to Nutritious and Affordable
Food
o Objective 4.2 Encourage Healthy Dietary Choices through Data-Driven, Flexible, Customer-
Focused Approaches
FNS Key Performance Measures:
A more detailed report of the performance plan can be found at https://www.usda.gov/our-agency/about-
usda/performance. The following table summarizes the results for the Departmental Key Performance Indicators
(KPIs) for which AES is responsible.
Table FNS-114. Key Performance Indicators & Strategic Targets
Strategic Objective 4.1
Baseline
1/
2022
2023
2024
Access to Food
Results
89.5
TBD
-
-
Percentage of American households with consistent,
dependable access to food
Target - 89.3 89.4 89.5
SNAP Participation Rate
Results
82
TBD
-
-
Annual average monthly Supplemental Nutrition
Assistance Program (SNAP) participation rate
Target - 82.1 82.2 82.3
Expected Performance Progress Towards the Achievement of Strategic Objectives:
Objective 4.1 Increase Food Security Through Assistance and Access to Nutritious and Affordable Food
Access to Food: Food and Nutrition Service’s (FNS) 16 nutrition assistance programs are the nation’s safety net to
address food insecurity. FNS will continue to serve low-income people in need by focusing on increasing access for
vulnerable populations, ensuring the highest level of customer service, and supporting evidenced-based nutrition
education efforts to advance nutrition security. Strategies to ensure food access include implementation of the newly
enacted Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer for Children Programs (Summer EBT) beginning summer 2024,
successful development of regulations codifying the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) Seamless Summer
Option (SSO), amendments to regulatory provisions to make access and parity improvements within several food
distribution programs, including Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP), the Food Distribution Program on
Indian Reservations (FDRIR), The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP), and USDA Foods disaster
response, and continued cross-enrollment opportunities between Federal programs. Access to food is measured by the
food insecurity rate prepared annually by the Economic Research Service (ERS). This measurement fluctuates and is
impacted by several factors, including population, policies, and economic conditions.
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24 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES – FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE
SNAP P
articipation Rate: SNAP stretches the food budget of eligible low-income people by providing a monthly
allotment of benefits on a debit card to purchase healthy food at authorized stores. SNAP helps people through the
tough times until they can once again achieve self-sufficiency. SNAP has an important economic multiplier effect,
stimulating the economy during a downturn. The SNAP participation rate is designed to fluctuate based on economic
conditions. To promote nutrition security, strategies include efforts to grow, expand online purchasing in SNAP to
more retailer outlets and implement policies to support access to SNAP by special populations who have limited
access to technology or low levels of technological literacy.
Table FNS-115. Key Performance Indicators & Strategic Targets
Strategic Objective 4.2
Baseline
1/
2022
2023
2024
WIC Participation
Results
6.3
million
6.3
million
- -
Annual average monthly participation in the Special
Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women,
Infants, and Children
Target -
6.3
million
6.4
million
6.5
million
School Lunch Participation Rate
2/
Results
43
60
-
-
Annual percentage of eligible children participating in
the National School Lunch Program
Target - 59 59 59
School Breakfast Participation Rate
2/
Results
24
31
-
-
Annual percentage of eligible children participating in
the School Breakfast Program (SBP)
Target - 31 31 31
Expected Performance Progress Towards the Achievement of Strategic Objectives:
Strategic Objective 4.2: Encourage Healthy Dietary Choices through Data-Driven, Flexible, Customer-Focused
Approaches
Special
Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Participation Rate: The
WIC program aims to safeguard the health of low-income women, infants, and children who are at nutrition risk by
providing nutritious foods to supplement diets, information on healthy eating, and referrals to health care. FNS is
carrying out outreach, innovation, and program modernization efforts to increase WIC’s participation rate through
increased enrollment, retention of participants for the full length of their eligibility, and an improved participant
experience. As part of this effort FNS is prioritizing outreach to make sure eligible families know about WIC and the
benefits it provides, improving the shopping experience with the expansion of online ordering and transactions,
investing in, and diversifying the WIC workforce to ensure skilled and culturally relevant care for WIC families, and
modernizing technology and service delivery.
School Lunch and School Breakfast Participation Rate: The School Lunch and School Breakfast programs provide
nutritionally balanced, low-cost, or free meals to children each school day. FNS will seek to increase participation
rates in these programs by promoting effective and innovative use of technology such as the Child Nutrition Program
(CNP) dashboard and the School Meals Web Based Application. FNS will also develop a plan to assess integrity
features in online school meals applications. Additionally, FNS will support CNP operators and participants with
nutrition policy and meal pattern implementation via training and resources grounded in scientific evidence.
Moreover, FNS will support improving children’s access to nutritious food by publishing rules to better align school
meal patterns with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans and to expand the number the schools offering free meals to
all students through the Community Eligibility Provision. Finally, FNS will provide trainings and resources through
the Culinary Institute of Child Nutrition to support school nutrition professionals in increasing scratch cooking and
preparing meals using fresh fruits and vegetables. These new trainings will be interactive and build the cooking skill
base of CN staff around the nation. Meals that employ more scratch cooking techniques will be more appealing to
students, increasing their intake of healthy foods.
1/
2019 data was used to calculate Baseline numbers. 2022 food security rate data expected fall 2023. 2022 SNAP participation data expected in 2024.
2/
Due to COVID-19 waivers, NSLP and SBP numbers for 2021 and 2022 are not directly comparable to 2023 or subsequent years. In 2021, most meals were served
through the Summer Food Service Program and not NSLP and SBP. In 2022, all meals were served to students free of charge. These waivers were not extended into SY
2022-2023, and schools moved back to standard operating procedures.
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