Food Assistance Data & Collaborative Research Programs

USDA's domestic food and nutrition assistance programs affect the daily lives of millions of people, with about one in four Americans participating in at least one program at some point during a given year. These programs represent a significant investment, accounting for over two-thirds of USDA's annual budget.

ERS is the primary source for economic studies and evaluations of domestic food and nutrition assistance programs to meet the needs of USDA, Congress, program managers, program participants, the research community, and the public at large. To address this diverse group, ERS has developed an integrated program of intramural and extramural research. A key component of this program is research dissemination.

The Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) is the agency responsible for administering USDA's food and nutrition assistance programs and has information on the programs' eligibility requirements, benefits, regulations, and application process.

ERS data investments and collaborative research programs include the following:

SNAP and WIC Administrative Data
Twenty Five Years of Food Security Measurement: Extramural Research Grants
RIDGE Program
National Data Sets

Comparing Food Insecurity Among the U.S. Military and Civilian Adult Populations Utilizing the USDA’s National Household Food Acquisition and Purchase Survey to Calculate a Household-Level Food Environment Measure Statistical Supplement to Household Food Security in the United States in 2022 Household Food Security in the United States in 2022 Analysis of the Current Population Survey Food Security Supplement Split-Panel Test

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Updated Food Access Research Atlas Now Maps Changes in Low-Income and Low-Supermarket Access Areas in 2019 Monthly Timing of SNAP Spending Less Smooth for Some Households Unexpected Hikes in Energy Prices Increase the Likelihood of Food Insecurity Measuring the Food Access Gap in Native American Tribal Areas Commemorating 20 Years of U.S. Food Security Measurement

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Food and Nutrition Assistance Research Reports Database Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Data System Food Security in the United States Eating and Health Module (ATUS) SNAP Policy Data Sets

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Food & Nutrition Assistance Child Nutrition Programs Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) WIC Program Food Security in the U.S.

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