The 2024-2025 National School Foods Study
DIR, under subcontract to Mathematica Policy Research, is contributing to the 2024-2025 National School Foods Study, funded by the USDA’s Food and Nutrition Services, which examines school meal programs nationwide. The study evaluates program operations, nutritional quality, costs, plate waste, dietary intakes, and the impact of the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP). It also provides national estimates of food purchases and analyzes school food procurement practices.
DIR’s responsibilities include recruiting and coordinating data collection from approximately 235 school food authorities (SFAs) across the Southeast, Southwest, and West regions, as well as Hawaii, Guam, and Puerto Rico. This includes gathering food purchase data from 110 SFAs and conducting in-person interviews and observations in over 300 schools. Additionally, DIR will program and administer web surveys to approximately 1,400 SFA Directors and 1,100 principals, supported by a Computer Assisted Telephone Interviewing (CATI) based reminder effort. These activities will generate valuable insights into the operation and impact of school meal programs.