Location: Food for Health of People and the Environment Lab
Project Number: 8040-52530-001-031-S
Project Type: Non-Assistance Cooperative Agreement
Start Date: Sep 1, 2026
End Date: Aug 31, 2027
Objective:
The USDA Foods Database enables implementation of school nutrition programs by state agencies and school districts, as required by the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act. The database provides vendor-specific nutrition, allergen and ingredient information, which is used to manage menu planning, meet meal pattern requirements and nutrition standards, and provide safe meals for students with special dietary needs.
Approach:
Enhance product data and use of the USDA Global Branded Food Products Database (GBFPD) with other U.S. government agencies as well as other countries and identified/approved. This includes data collection for foods and beverages in support of domestic nutrition programs administered by CNS and specifically, the FNA Databases. Understanding agency needs for nutrition programs/initiatives and identifying how to meet these needs by expanding the database, with food categories, additional data collection, and new data validations. Drive awareness and education of the USDA GBFPD with other U.S. government agencies and external stakeholders.