Introduction

The Program Data site provides selected statistical information on activity in all major Food and Nutrition Service Programs (FNS).  These include the Food Stamp Program; the Special Supplemental Food Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC); Child Nutrition Programs (National School Lunch, School Breakfast, Child and Adult Care, Summer Food Service and Special Milk); and Food Distribution Programs (Schools, Emergency Food Assistance, Indian Reservations, Commodity Supplemental, Nutrition for the Elderly, and Charitable Institutions).  

Four types of tables are provided:  historical summaries, annual state level data for selected elements,  monthly national level data for major programs, and the latest available month for state-level participation in major  programs.  The summaries begin with 1969, the year that FNS was established to administer the Department of Agriculture's nutrition assistance programs.  Data are provided by federal fiscal year rather than calendar or school year.  This includes the months of October through September (prior to FY 1977, it covered July through June).  Annual state-level tables include data for the five most recent complete years (1999-2003).  The latest month for state-level activity is July 2004.  In addition to the normal prior year revisions, this month's release incorporates changes in historical data (FY 1989 through FY 2002)due to a major upgrade of the FNS database.  Data are as of September 23, 2004; FY 2004 numbers are preliminary.

If you need additional information or have any questions, please e-mail us.  The following program area pages provide detailed program explanations and information:  Food Stamp, Child Nutrition, WIC and Food Distribution.

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