# USDA Food and Nutrition Service

- Website: https://www.fns.usda.gov
- Location: Alexandria, VA, United States
- Agent profile: https://directory.haycion.ai/agents/fns-usda-gov

> USDA Food and Nutrition Service administers 16 nutrition programs to increase food security and reduce hunger in partnership with states, territories, and tribal organizations.

The USDA Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) advances food security and reduces hunger by administering 16 nutrition assistance programs in partnership with over 175 states, U.S. territories, and Tribal organizations. It serves children and income-eligible individuals across the country, providing access to food, a healthy diet, and nutrition education while supporting American agriculture and a resilient food system. The agency's mission is to increase food security and reduce hunger in partnership with cooperating organizations by providing children and low-income people access to food, a healthy diet, and nutrition education in a manner that supports American agriculture and inspires public confidence. FNS works with partner agencies to reach a broad audience, and its programs collectively serve about 1 in 4 Americans over the course of a year.

**Mission:** Our mission is to increase food security and reduce hunger in partnership with cooperating organizations by providing children and low-income people access to food, a healthy diet, and nutrition education in a manner that supports American agriculture and inspires public confidence.

## Products & Services

### [Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)](https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap)
*Service*
Provides monthly food benefits to low-income families for purchasing nutritious food.

- **EBT-based benefits** — Receive Benefits Easily
- **Eligibility criteria** — Ensure Fair Access
- **Nutrition education** — Learn Healthy Eating
- **State-specific adaptations** — Tailored Local Solutions

### [Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)](https://www.fns.usda.gov/wic)
*Service*
WIC supports families with healthy foods and nutrition education from pregnancy to early childhood.

- **Breastfeeding Support** — Enhance Breastfeeding Journey
- **Healthy Foods** — Access Healthy Groceries
- **Eligibility** — Inclusivity for Families
- **eWIC Card** — Simplify Shopping
- **Nutrition Education** — Empower Healthy Choices

### [Meals for Schools and Childcare](https://www.fns.usda.gov/schoolmeals)
*Platform*
Ensure access to healthy meals and education for children in schools and childcare settings.

- **NSLP Inclusion** — Provides Nutritious Lunches
- **SBP Inclusion** — Offers Healthy Breakfast Meals
- **Healthy Meals Incentives** — Encourages Nutritional Improvement
- **Community Eligibility Provision** — Simplifies Meal Access
- **CACFP Inclusion** — Supports Comprehensive Child Nutrition
- **FFVP Inclusion** — Promotes Healthy Snack Options

### [The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP)](https://www.fns.usda.gov/tefap)
*Service*
TEFAP provides critical emergency food assistance to low-income households, enhancing food security.

- **Emergency Food Distribution** — Distribute Emergency Food
- **Part of Food Distribution Suite** — Integrate with Food Programs
- **State Plan Requests and Allocations** — Facilitate Resource Allocation
- **Community-Based Initiatives** — Engage Local Partners

### [Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP)](https://www.fns.usda.gov/csfp)
*Service*
CSFP enhances food security by providing nutritious food to eligible low-income individuals.

- **CSFP Program** — Distributes Nutritious Food Packages
- **Targets Low-Income Seniors** — Enhances Senior Nutrition
- **Eligibility Assistance** — Offers Guidance for Enrollment
- **Supports Local Agriculture** — Encourages Local Farming

### [Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPR)](https://www.fns.usda.gov/fdpir)
*Service*
FDPIR provides essential food resources to Indian reservations, promoting nutrition and food security.

- **Food Distribution on Reservations** — Ensures Access to Nutritious Food
- **Emergency Assistance Program** — Offers Timely Support
- **Collaboration with Tribal Organizations** — Enhances Cultural Relevance

### [USDA Foods](https://www.fns.usda.gov/usda-foods)
*Platform*
Supports food security and promotes healthy eating through USDA food distribution programs.

- **USDA Foods in Schools** — Distributes Nutritious Foods in Schools
- **Disaster response resources** — Ensures Quick Disaster Response
- **Dual mission** — Supports Nutritional Access and Agriculture
- **Community Support Initiatives** — Enhances Local Food Security Efforts

### [Data Visualization](https://www.fns.usda.gov/data-research/data-visualization)
*Platform*
Enhance analysis and decision-making through organized program data visualizations.

- **Explore Data Visualizations** — Browse Visualizations
- **Program Participation Insights** — Gain Insights
- **Search Functionality** — Search Visualizations
- **Data Organization by Topic** — Navigate Topics