[Agriculture Fact Book 98]
Nutrition is one of USDA's central missions. The Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) administers USDA's nutrition assistance programs, with the mission of providing children and needy families better access to food and a more healthful diet through the food assistance programs and comprehensive nutrition education efforts.
USDA has elevated nutrition and nutrition education to top priorities in all its programs. Rather than simply providing food, FNS also works to empower program participants with knowledge of the link between diet and health.
At the same time, USDA is committed to ensuring that the programs operate accurately and efficiently. FNS works closely with the States to ensure that benefits are received only by those who are eligible, and to catch and punish people who seek to abuse the programs for their own gain.
FNS works in partnership with the States in all its programs. States determine most administrative details regarding participant eligibility and distribution of food benefits, and FNS provides funding to cover most of the States' administrative costs.
FNS was established August 8, 1969, but many of the food programs originated long before it existed as a separate agency.
For FY 1998, the total appropriation for the nutrition assistance programs is $37.2 billion, nearly two-thirds of the entire USDA budget.
Overall, the nutrition programs reach one out of every five Americans. Most of the programs are directed at low-income people or school children. They include:
FNS is also the primary Federal agency that delivers food assistance in response to natural disasters and other crises. The agency includes an Office of Consumer Affairs.
The Food and Nutrition Service was formerly known as the Food and Consumer Service.
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The Food Stamp Program is the cornerstone of USDA's nutrition assistance programs. The program helps low-income households increase their food purchasing power and obtain a better diet. It is the primary source of nutrition assistance for low-income Americans. Initiated as a pilot program in 1961 and made permanent in 1964, the program issues monthly allotments of coupons that are redeemable at retail food stores, or provides benefits through Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT).
The Food Stamp Program serves the most needy among the Nation's population. More than half of all food stamp participants are children. More than 90 percent of all food stamp households have incomes below the Federal poverty level, and 42 percent have incomes that are half or less of the poverty level. Ten percent have no income at all.
Increasingly, paper food stamp coupons are being replaced by Electronic Benefit Transfer, or EBT, a computerized system in which participants use magnetic strip cards to access their food stamp account at the point of sale. As of March 1998, 16 States were operating EBT systems statewide, and a total of 28 States had operational EBT systems for all or part of their caseload. All other States were in some stage of EBT development. The 1996 welfare reform law requires all States to implement EBT systems by 2002. By eliminating paper coupons and creating an electronic record of every food stamp transaction, EBT is a useful tool in improving program delivery and in reducing certain types of food stamp fraud and trafficking.
EBT is only one component of FNS's commitment to Food Stamp Program integrity. The agency works closely with the States to ensure that they issue benefits in the correct amounts, and only to people who are eligible. EBT has enhanced FNS's ability to catch those who abuse the program by selling their benefits or purchasing nonfood items, and penalties have been increased for people who are caught. In addition, the agency now has broader authority to review the performance of food retailers who participate in the program, and to quickly remove those who fail to follow program rules.
USDA also provides educational materials and financial support to help States integrate nutrition into the Food Stamp Program and to help food stamp recipients make better use of their benefits.
Eligibility: Food stamp eligibility and allotments are based on household size and income, assets, and other factors. A household's gross monthly income cannot exceed 130 percent of the Federal poverty guidelines, and its net income cannot exceed 100 percent of the guidelines. Illegal aliens are not eligible to receive food stamp benefits, and the welfare reform law of 1996 excluded many legal aliens from eligibility as well. In addition, the law limited many unemployed able-bodied adults without dependents to 3 months of benefits in a 36-month period.
Benefits: The level of benefits a household receives is based on its household income. Average monthly benefits were more than $71 per person in 1997. Households with no income receive the maximum monthly allotment of food stamps--$408 for a family of four in FY 1998. The allotment is based on the cost of the Thrifty Food Plan, a low-cost model diet plan. The Food Stamp Program served an average of more than 20 million people each month in the first months of FY 1998.
Funding: The total Food Stamp Program appropriation was $25.1 billion in FY 1998.
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The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) is a federally assisted meal program operating in more than 95,000 public and nonprofit private schools and residential child care institutions. It provides nutritionally balanced, low-cost or free lunches to more than 26 million children each school day.
The NSLP is usually administered by State education agencies, which operate the program through agreements with local school districts. FNS administers the program at the Federal level. School districts and independent schools that choose to take part in the lunch program receive cash reimbursement and donated commodity assistance from USDA for each meal they serve. In return, they must serve lunches that meet Federal nutrition requirements, and they must offer free and reduced-price lunches to eligible children.
In 1994, to increase the nutritional quality of school meals, FNS launched Team Nutrition. New regulations issued in 1995 updated nutrition standards so that all school meals will meet the recommendations of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. This is the first full-scale reform of the school lunch program since it was established in 1946. The program also makes training and technical support available to school nutrition and food service staffs.
In support of Team Nutrition, the Healthy Meals for Healthy Americans Act was enacted in 1994, requiring that all school meals conform to the Dietary Guidelines by school year 1996-97. The Healthy Meals for Children Act, in 1996, expanded the range of menu planning options for schools, and reinforced the requirement that all school meals must meet the Dietary Guidelines.
USDA has also placed special emphasis on improving the quality of commodities donated to the National School Lunch Program. The Commodities Improvement Council was established in 1995 to promote the health of school children by improving the nutritional profile of USDA commodities while maintaining USDA's support for domestic agricultural markets. Based on the council's recommendations, USDA reduced the fat, sodium, and sugar content of commodities, and is now offering a wider variety of new low-fat and reduced-fat products.
USDA has also greatly increased the amount of fresh produce provided to schools, and is now offering unprecedented amounts and varieties of fresh fruit and vegetables. A cooperative project with the Department of Defense (DOD) has allowed USDA to increase the variety of produce available to schools by utilizing DOD's buying and distribution system. The Department is also exploring ways to connect schools to small-resource farmers in their areas, to help the schools purchase fresh, local produce directly from the producers.
Eligibility: Any child, regardless of family income level, can purchase a meal through the NSLP. Children from families with incomes at or below 130 percent of the Federal poverty level are eligible to receive free meals. Children from families with incomes between 130 and 185 percent of poverty are eligible for reduced-price meals. Children from families with incomes over 185 percent of poverty pay the full, locally established price.
Benefits: Children receive meals free or at low cost because of USDA support for the school meals programs. Most of the support USDA provides comes in the form of cash reimbursements for meals served. The reimbursement is highest for meals served to students who qualify to receive their meals free, and the lowest reimbursement is for students who pay full price. The cash reimbursement rates for school year 1997-98 are: free, $1.89; reduced price, $1.49; and full price, 18 cents. Schools may charge no more than 40 cents for a reduced-price meal. They set their own prices for full-price meals.
In addition to cash reimbursements, schools are entitled to receive commodity foods, called "entitlement" foods, at an annually adjusted per-meal rate (currently 15 cents) for each meal they serve. Schools can receive additional commodities, known as "bonus" commodities, when these are available from surplus stocks purchased by USDA under price support programs. USDA commodities make up approximately 17 percent of the cost of the food served by the average school food authority. The remaining 83 percent is purchased locally by the school food authority.
Funding: For FY 1998, Congress appropriated $4.2 billion for the National School Lunch Program.
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The School Breakfast Program (SBP) provides cash assistance to States to operate nonprofit breakfast programs in eligible schools and residential child care institutions. The program operates in more than 68,000 schools and institutions, serving a daily average of some 6.9 million children. The program is administered at the Federal level by FNS. State education agencies administer the program at the State level, and local school food authorities operate it in schools.
Eligibility: Any child at a participating school may purchase a meal through SBP. Children from families with incomes at or below 130 percent of the Federal poverty level are eligible for free breakfasts. Children from families with incomes between 130 and 185 percent of the poverty level are eligible for reduced-price breakfasts. Children from families with incomes over 185 percent of poverty pay the full locally established price for their breakfasts.
Benefits: Students receive their meals free or at low cost because USDA supports the School Breakfast Program with cash reimbursements for meals served. For school year 1997-98, schools receive reimbursements of $1.045 for a free meal; 74.5 cents for a reduced-price meal; and 20 cents for a paid meal. Schools may charge no more than 30 cents for a reduced-price breakfast. There is no Federal limit placed on how much a school may charge for breakfast served to students who pay the full price.
Funding: For FY 1998, Congress appropriated $1.3 billion for the SBP.
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The Nutrition Education and Training Program (NET) is a direct grants-to-States program that provides the nutrition education and food service training component of the Child Nutrition Programs. Team Nutrition is a federally directed nutrition promotion and technical assistance effort to support implementation of new nutritional requirements and menu planning options in the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs. NET provides the vehicle to transport Team Nutrition benefits to 94,000 schools across the Nation in an educationally effective and cost-efficient way.
Under NET, all funds are distributed to States. State and local school authorities leverage these limited resources into effective and innovative educational and training programs for children, educators, food service personnel, and parents. Over the past 19 years, NET has promoted an infrastructure and quality standards that support local schools in providing nutritious meals and improving the health and nutrition behavior of our Nation’s children. State and local NET coordinators have been responsible for much of the local success of the Team Nutrition effort.
Team Nutrition has been successful in gaining grassroots support for implementation of the new nutritional requirements and menu planning options at the local level, and has provided many high-quality training and technical assistance resources. These resources enable NET to better accomplish its mandated mission to provide technical assistance to food service professionals and teachers, and to educate students on how to be informed consumers who have the necessary knowledge, skills, and attitudes to choose a nutritious diet that can positively affect their long- term health outcomes, as well as their productivity as students and citizens.
Eligibility: All children participating in or eligible to participate in the USDA Child Nutrition Programs may receive nutrition education through NET or Team Nutrition. WIC and food stamp participants may receive nutrition information available through those programs.
Funding: In FY 1998, Congress appropriated $3.75 million for the NET Program, and $8 million for Team Nutrition.
The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) is a grant program whose goal is to improve the health of low-income, at-risk pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women, infants, and children up to 5 years old, by providing supplemental foods, nutrition education, and access to health care. A few State agencies provide food directly to participants, but most States provide WIC vouchers that can be redeemed at authorized food stores for approved foods.
WIC provides each State with a grant of funds to serve its WIC population. Because of documented successes of the WIC Program in improving the nutritional well-being of participants, it has expanded significantly. In FY 1997, WIC served about 7.4 million people each month.
Eligibility: To be eligible for WIC, an applicant must meet State residency requirements, meet an income standard (or be a member of a family receiving Food Stamps, Medicaid, or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families), and have been determined by a health professional to be at nutritional risk.
Benefits: In most States, WIC participants receive vouchers that allow them to purchase a monthly food package specially designed to supplement their diets. The foods provided are high in protein, calcium, iron, and vitamins A and C. WIC foods include iron-fortified infant formula and infant cereal; iron-fortified adult cereal; vitamin C-rich fruit or vegetable juice; eggs, milk, and cheese; and peanut butter, dried beans, or peas. Special therapeutic formulas and foods are provided when prescribed by a physician for a specified medical condition.
The Food and Nutrition Service also encourages WIC mothers to breastfeed their babies whenever possible, because it is the preferred infant feeding method. Women who exclusively breastfeed their babies receive an enhanced WIC food package that includes tuna and carrots, as well as increased quantities of other WIC foods.
Funding: The appropriation for the WIC program in FY 1998 was $3.9 billion.
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The WIC Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (FMNP), established in 1992, is funded through the WIC appropriation. The program has two goals: To provide fresh, nutritious, unprepared food, such as fruits and vegetables, from farmers markets to WIC participants who are at nutritional risk; and to expand consumers' awareness and use of farmers markets. This program, operated in conjunction with the regular WIC Program, is offered in 35 States and other jurisdictions.
Eligibility: Women, infants over 4 months old, and children who receive WIC program benefits, or who are WIC-eligible, may participate.
Benefits: Fresh produce can be purchased with FMNP coupons. State agencies may limit FMNP sales to specific foods that are locally grown to encourage participants to support the farmers in their own State.
Funding: The amount set aside in the WIC appropriation for FMNP for FY 1998 was $12 million.
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The Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) is administered by FNS at the Federal level. CSFP provides commodity foods to supplement the diets of low-income infants; children up to the age of 6; pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women; and persons 60 years of age and older.
CSFP operates at more than 70 sites in 17 States, the District of Columbia, and two Indian tribal organizations. USDA donates commodity foods to the State agencies for distribution, and provides funds to State and local agencies to cover certain administrative costs. The program served an average of more than 370,000 people each month in FY 1997.
Eligibility: State agencies that administer CSFP may establish a residency requirement and/or require applicants to be determined to be at nutritional risk in order to be eligible for program participation. To be income eligible, women, infants, and children must be eligible for benefits under existing Federal, State, or local food, health, or welfare programs, and must not currently be receiving WIC benefits. Income for elderly households cannot exceed 130 percent of the Federal Poverty Income Guidelines.
Benefits: There are six food packages for different categories of participants. The food packages are not intended to provide a complete and balanced diet, but rather are supplements that are good sources of the nutrients often lacking in participants' diets.
Funding: The 1998 appropriation for CSFP was $96 million.
The Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) provides healthy meals and snacks in child and adult day care facilities.
CACFP ensures that children and adults in day care receive healthy meals by reimbursing participating day care operators for their meal costs and providing them with USDA commodity food. Family day care homes must be overseen by sponsoring organizations, which also receive reimbursements from USDA for their administrative expenses.
The program generally operates in child care centers, outside-school-hours care centers, family and group day care homes, and some adult day care centers. In return for Federal support, day care providers in the CACFP must serve meals that meet Federal guidelines, and must offer free or reduced-price meals to eligible people.
First authorized as a pilot project in 1975, the program was formerly known as the Child Care Food Program. It was made a permanent program in 1978, and the name was changed in 1989 to reflect the addition of an adult component. CACFP is administered at the Federal level by FNS. State agencies or FNS regional offices oversee the program at the local level.
In June 1997, CACFP provided meals to some 2.3 million children and nearly 58,000 adults.
Eligibility: At child and adult day care centers, participants from families with income at or below 130 percent of the Federal poverty level may qualify for free meals; those from families with income between 130 percent and 185 percent of the poverty level may qualify for reduced-price meals; and those from families with income above 185 percent of the poverty level pay full price.
The program targets benefits with minimal means-testing burden, via a two-tier system of reimbursements for family day care homes. Under the new system, day care providers located in low-income areas, or whose own households are low income, are reimbursed at a single rate (tier 1 reimbursement). Other providers are reimbursed at a lower rate (tier 2 reimbursement) unless they choose to have their sponsoring organizations identify children who are income eligible to receive free or reduced-price meals. Meals served to such income-eligible children are reimbursed at the higher tier 1 level.
Benefits: Children and adults who attend day care facilities receive nutritious meals and snacks. Care providers receive reimbursement for eligible meals. Family day care sponsoring organizations receive reimbursement for their administrative costs.
Funding: Congress appropriated $1.5 billion for the CACFP in FY 1998.
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The Homeless Children Nutrition Program is designed to provide free food service throughout the year to homeless children under the age of 6 in emergency shelters. Sponsoring organizations are reimbursed for the meals that they serve. First established as a demonstration project by the Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization Act of 1989, the Homeless Children Nutrition Program was made permanent by the Healthy Meals for Healthy Americans Act of 1994. A total of 86 sponsoring organizations operate the program in 117 shelters, providing meals to more than 2,500 preschool-age children every month.
Eligibility: Public and private nonprofit organizations that operate emergency shelters may participate, but they may operate no more than five food service sites and may feed no more than 300 children per day at each site.
Benefits: Children may receive up to three meals and a snack, and sponsors are reimbursed for the meals and snacks they serve. Meals are provided free to the children.
Funding: For FY 1998, Congress appropriated $3.4 million for the Homeless Children Nutrition Program.
The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) provides free meals to low-income children during school vacations. SFSP was first created as part of a larger pilot program in 1968, and became a separate program in 1975. The SFSP served almost 2.3 million children a day during the summer of 1997.
The program is administered at the Federal level by FNS. Locally, it is operated by approved sponsors, which receive reimbursement from USDA for the meals they serve. Sponsors provide meals at a central site such as a school or community center. All meals are served free.
The Summer Food Service Program operates primarily in low-income areas where half or more of the children are from households with income at or below 185 percent of the Federal poverty guideline. Homeless feeding sites that primarily serve homeless children may participate regardless of location. Residential children's camps also may get reimbursement for eligible children through the SFSP.
Eligibility: Children age 18 and under, and people over age 18 who are determined by a State educational agency to be mentally or physically handicapped, and who participate in a school program for the mentally or physically handicapped, may receive meals through the Summer Food Service Program.
Benefits: At most sites, participants receive either one or two meals a day. Residential camps and sites that primarily serve children from migrant households may be approved to serve up to four meals per day.
Sponsors are reimbursed for documented operating and administrative costs.
Funding: Congress appropriated $272.3 million for the Summer Food Service Program in FY 1998.
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The Special Milk Program provides milk to children in schools and child care institutions that do not participate in other Federal meal service programs. The program reimburses schools for the milk they serve.
Schools in the National School Lunch or School Breakfast Programs may also participate in the SMP to provide milk to children in half-day prekindergarten and kindergarten programs where children do not have access to the school meal programs.
Eligibility: Any child at a participating school or kindergarten program can get milk through the SMP. Children may buy milk or receive it free, depending on the school's choice of program options. When local officials offer free milk under the program, any child from a family that meets income guidelines for free meals and milk is eligible.
Benefits: Participating schools and institutions receive reimbursement from the Federal Government for each half-pint of milk served. They must operate their milk programs on a nonprofit basis. They agree to use the Federal reimbursement to reduce the selling price of milk to all children.
Funding: Congress appropriated $18.2 million for the program in FY 1998.
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The Nutrition Program for the Elderly (NPE) helps provide elderly persons with nutritionally sound meals through meals-on-wheels programs or in senior citizen centers and similar settings.
The NPE is administered by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and receives about a quarter of its total financial support and commodity foods from USDA under provisions of the Older Americans Act of 1965. USDA provided reimbursement for more than 20 million meals a month in FY 1997.
Eligibility: Age is the only factor used in determining eligibility. People age 60 or older and their spouses, regardless of age, are eligible for NPE benefits. There is no income requirement to receive meals under NPE.
Benefits: Each recipient can contribute as much as he or she wishes toward the cost of the meal, but meals are free to those who cannot make any contribution.
Under NPE, USDA provides cash reimbursements and/or commodity foods to organizations that provide meals through DHHS programs. Meals served must meet a specified percentage of the Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA's) in order to qualify for cash or commodity assistance.
Funding: Congress appropriated $140 million for NPE for 1998.
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The Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR) provides monthly food packages to low-income families living on reservations, and to Native American families living near reservations as an alternative to the Food Stamp Program. An average of nearly 124,000 Native Americans received food through FDPIR each month in 1997.
The program is administered at the Federal level by FNS in cooperation with State agencies and Indian Tribal Organizations (ITO’s). USDA provides food to the State agencies and ITO’s, which are responsible for program operations such as storage and distribution, eligibility certification, and nutrition education.
The food packages were updated in 1997 in a cooperative effort by USDA nutritionists, tribal leaders, and health advocates. Changes will make the food packages easier to use, and will better serve the health needs and preferences of Native Americans. USDA also provides nutrition information in the monthly food package, with suggestions for making the most nutritious use of the commodity foods.
Eligibility: To participate in FDPIR, the household must meet Federal income requirements, have assets within specified limits, and be located on or near an Indian reservation.
Benefits: USDA donates a variety of commodities to help participants maintain a balanced diet. These commodities include canned meats and fish products; vegetables, fruits, and juices; dried beans; peanuts or peanut butter; milk, butter, and cheese; pasta, flour, or grains; adult cereals; corn syrup or honey; and vegetable oil and shortening.
Each participating household receives a monthly food package that weighs 50 to 75 pounds and contains a variety of foods. For FY 1997, the cost to USDA of the monthly food package was almost $33 per person.
Funding: Congress appropriated $75 million for FDPIR in FY 1998.
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The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) provides food assistance to needy Americans through the distribution of USDA commodities. Under TEFAP, commodities are made available to States for distribution to organizations that provide them to low-income households for home consumption, and to organizations that use them in congregate meal service for the needy, including the homeless. Local agencies, usually food banks, shelters, and soup kitchens, are selected by the States to participate in the program.
TEFAP was first authorized in 1981 to distribute surplus commodities to households. Its aim was to help reduce Federal food inventories and storage costs while assisting the needy. The 1988 Hunger Prevention Act required the Secretary of Agriculture not only to distribute surplus foods, but also to purchase additional food for further distribution to needy households. Foods available vary depending on market conditions.
Eligibility: Each State sets its own income limits for household eligibility to receive food for home use. No means test is applied to recipients of meals at congregate feeding sites.
Each State can adjust the income criteria based on the level of need in order to ensure that assistance is provided only to those most in need.
Benefits: TEFAP has provided billions of pounds of food since its beginning. More than 1 billion pounds, valued at $846 million, was distributed at the program's height in 1987. In 1997, more than 290 million pounds of food, worth more than $150 million, was distributed.
Funding: Congress appropriated $145 million for TEFAP in FY 1998.
The Food Stamp Program in Puerto Rico was replaced in 1982 by a block grant program. American Samoa and the Northern Marianas in the Pacific also provide benefits under block grants. The territories now provide cash and coupons to participants rather than food stamps or food distribution. The grant can also be used for administrative expenses or for special projects related to food production and distribution.
Eligibility: The territories determine eligibility and allotments for their programs based on household size, income, assets, and other factors.
Benefits: The Nutrition Assistance Program (NAP) in Puerto Rico served an average of 1.37 million persons in FY 1995. Average monthly benefits were $66.30 per person.
In the Northern Marianas, the NAP served an average of 3,842 people each month in 1994, with average monthly benefits of $77.06 per person.
Funding: The appropriation for the NAP in Puerto Rico for FY 1998 was $1.2 billion. The appropriation for the Northern Marianas was $3.7 million; and for American Samoa $5.3 million.
FNS is the primary agency responsible for providing Federal food assistance in response to disasters. FNS provides assistance through the Food Distribution Program and the Disaster Food Stamp Program.
Food Distribution Program
FNS can provide USDA-donated food assistance through State distributing agencies. All States have some stocks of USDA food on hand for use in their commodity programs for schools or needy people. These stocks can be released immediately for use in a disaster situation.
Upon request from a State, FNS will procure additional food to meet the needs of people affected by a disaster. Nearby States also may be asked to release their stocks of USDA food to help feed disaster victims. State distributing agencies then distribute the food to preparation or distribution sites. Disaster relief agencies such as the American Red Cross prepare the food at shelters and other mass care facilities.
The State may also request that food be made available for household distribution in cases where such assistance is warranted (for example when commercial channels of food supply are not available because of the disaster).
Disaster Food Stamp Program
When commercial channels of food supply are still operable, or have been restored following a disaster, a State may request approval from the Secretary of Agriculture to operate the Disaster Food Stamp Program.
If approval is granted, FNS provides on-site guidance for establishing and operating the disaster program. FNS ensures that an adequate supply of food stamp coupons is available. State and local officials are responsible for determining the eligibility of households to receive disaster food stamps, and for issuing the benefits.
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For programs not listed above, State and local welfare agencies, health departments, or education agencies can provide information about what programs are available and how and where to apply. |
The Office of Consumer Affairs (OCA) links FNS, consumer groups, and FNS program stakeholders. OCA advises the Under Secretary for Food, Nutrition, and Consumer Services on consumer and constituent issues and concerns.
OCA arranges periodic meetings, briefings, and roundtables on USDA and FNS policy for the public, consumer representatives, and program stakeholders. It provides public access to a wide range of USDA and FNS documents such as speeches, regulatory proposals, and studies, through the Internet and other electronic media, and it responds to consumer requests for assistance and information on USDA policy and procedures.
The OCA director reports to the Under Secretary for Food, Nutrition, and Consumer Services, and receives managerial and administrative support from FNS.
The Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion (CNPP), established in December 1994, provides direction and coordination for USDA's nutrition education and policy activities. The Center helps enhance the nutritional status of Americans by serving as the focal point for the Department in linking scientific research to the dietary needs of consumers. It translates nutrition research into information and materials for health professionals, private companies, and consumers, to increase public knowledge and understanding of the importance of nutrition and healthful diet.
The Center works cooperatively with other parts of the Department to provide strategic planning and coordination for nutrition policy. The Center's Executive Director reports to the Under Secretary for Food, Nutrition, and Consumer Services, and receives administrative support from FNS. The Center's funding is $2.77 million for FY 1999.
| WHAT COUNTS AS A
SERVING? Food Groups |
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| Bread, Cereal, Rice, and Pasta | |||
| 1 slice of bread | 1 ounce of ready-to-eat cereal | 1/2 cup of cooked cereal, rice or pasta | |
| Vegetable | |||
| 1 cups of raw leafy vegetables | 1/2 cup of other vegetables, cooked or chopped raw |
3/4 cup of vegetable juice | |
| Fruit | |||
| 1 medium apple, banana, orange | 1/2 cup of chopped, cooked, or canned fruit |
3/4 cup of vegetable juice | |
| Milk, Yogurt, and Cheese | |||
| 1 cup of milk or yogurt | 1-1/2 ounces of natural cheese | 2 ounces of process cheese | |
| Meal, Poultry, Fish, Dry Beans, Eggs, and Nuts | |||
| 2-3 ounces of cooked lean meat, poultry,or fish | 1/2 cups of cooked dry
beans or 1 egg counts as 1 ounce of lean meat. 2 tablespoons of peanut butter or 1/3 cup of nuts count as 1 ounce of meat. |
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CNPP produces several consumer and technical publications, including the following:
A number of CNPP publications are available electronically via the Internet on the CNPP home page at http://www.usda.gov/cnpp For ordering information contact the Center at 1120 20th Street NW, Suite 200 North Lobby, Washington, DC 20036-3475. Telephone (202) 418-2312, Fax (202) 208-2321.
Food and Nutrition Service
Deputy Administrator, Office of Governmental Affairs and Public Information
Mike Haga 703-305-2039 3101 Park Center Dr.,#805PC
mike_haga@fcs.usda.gov Alexandria, VA 22302
FAX 703-305-2312
Director, Governmental Affairs 703-305-2010 3101 Park Center Dr., #806PC
Frank Ippolito Alexandria, VA 22302
Email frank_ippolito@fcs.usda.gov FAX 703-305-2464
Director, Public Information 703-305-2286 3101 Park Center Dr.,#819PC
Vacant Alexandria, VA 22302
@fcs.usda.gov FAX 703-305-1117
Chief, Publishing/AV Branch 703-305-2290 3101 Park Center Dr.,#814PC
Chris Kocsis Alexandria, VA 22302
chris_kocsis@fcs.usda.gov FAX 703-305-1117
Chief, News Branch 703-305-2286 3101 Park Center Dr.,#815PC
Phil Shanholtzer Alexandria, VA 22302
phil_shanholtzer@fcs.usda.gov FAX 703-305-1117
Freedom of Info Act Officer 703-305-2244 3101 Park Center Dr.,#308PC
Joseph Scordato Alexandria, VA 22302
joseph_scordato@fcs.usda.gov FAX 703-305-2921
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FNS Regional Public Information OfficesNortheast Reg. PA Dir. 617-565-6395 10 Causeway Street
Charles De Julius Boston, MA 02222-1068
charles_dejulius@fcs.usda.gov FAX 617-565-6472
Mid-Atlantic Reg. PA Director 609-259-5091 Mercer Corp. Park,
Walt Haake 300 Corporate Blvd
walt_haake@fcs.usda.gov Robbinsville, NJ 08691-1598
FAX 609-259-5147
Southeast Reg. PA Director 404-730-2588 77 Forsyth St.,SW,Suite 112
Sara Harding Atlanta, GA 30303
sara_harding@fcs.usda.gov FAX 404-730-2643
Midwest Reg. PA Director 312-353-1044 77 W. Jackson Blvd.,20th Fl.
Lawrence Rudmann Chicago, IL 60602
lawrence_rudmann@fcs.usda.gov FAX 312-353-0171
Mtn. Plains Reg. PA Director 303-844-0312 1244 Speer Boulevard, Rm903
Craig Forman Denver, CO 80204
craig_forman@fcs.usda.gov FAX 303-844-6203
Southwest Reg. PA Director 214-767-0256 1100 Commerce Street,Rm5C30
Judy Barron Dallas, TX 75242
judy_barron@fcs.usda.gov FAX2 14-767-6249
Western Reg. PA Director 415-705-1311 550 Kearny Street, Rm 400
Cordelia Morris San Francisco, CA 94108
cordelia_morris@fcs.usda.gov FAX 415-705-1364
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Center for Nutrition Policy and PromotionInformation Director 202-418-2312 Suite 200 North Lobby,
John Webster 1120 20th St., NW
john_webster@fcs.usda.gov Washington, DC 20036
FAX 202-208-2322
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