Direct certification simplifies the process of certifying certain children for free school meals by eliminating the need for households to apply. The 2004 Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization Act required all local educations agencies (LEAs) to establish a system of direct certification by...

The Food Stamp Program provides assistance to millions of families each month. This report examines how long families tend to receive food stamps, and what circumstances lead them to enter and exit the program. About half the families that begin receiving benefits participate for eight months or...

This report contains the initial findings of the committee charged with identifying the nutrients and food groups that should be given priority attention when changes are recommended in WIC food packages. The committee recommends that vegetables, fruits, and dairy products be given priority. The...

This report presents participation rate estimates that measure the effectiveness of SNAP from 2005 to 2007 and estimates participation rates for the “working poorâ€â€”those eligible for SNAP who live in households in which someone earned income from a job. It also provides details...

In 2004, Florida’s Department of Children and Families modernized its approach to administering the food stamp, cash assistance, and Medicaid programs by replacing the caseworker model with ACCESS Florida, a technology-driven system emphasizing self-service. This report examines ACCESS Florida...