Thrifty Food Plan

Thrifty Food Plan
Name	Thrifty Food Plan
Date created	1975
Creator	United States Department of Agriculture
Purpose	Define cost of nutritionally adequate diet
Jurisdiction	United States

Thrifty Food Plan. It is a market basket of foods and beverages, defined and costed by the United States Department of Agriculture, that represents a nutritious, practical, minimal-cost diet. Developed to establish the basis for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits, the plan is revised periodically to reflect current dietary guidance, food prices, and consumption patterns. Its cost calculations directly influence the benefit levels for millions of American households participating in federal nutrition assistance programs.

Overview

The plan serves as the fundamental benchmark for determining the dollar amount of SNAP benefits, ensuring households can afford a basic diet. It is one of four official food plans developed by the USDA, alongside the Low-Cost Food Plan, Moderate-Cost Food Plan, and Liberal Food Plan. The cost of the plan is calculated using data from the Consumer Price Index and national food consumption surveys. Administration of the related programs often involves collaboration with state agencies like the Florida Department of Children and Families.

History and development

The concept originated from earlier food plans developed during the Great Depression and was formally established in 1975 following the Food Stamp Act of 1964. Initial development was influenced by research from the Agricultural Research Service and recommendations from the National Academy of Sciences. Major legislative changes, including the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996, have directly impacted its role and implementation. The plan's evolution reflects shifting federal policy priorities under various administrations, from the Johnson administration to the Biden administration.

Calculation and methodology

Economists and nutritionists at the USDA Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion use a complex linear programming model to construct the plan. This model incorporates constraints from the Dietary Guidelines for Americans and nutrient standards set by the Food and Nutrition Board. Data inputs are sourced from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey and the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The resulting market basket specifies weekly quantities for categories like fruits, vegetables, and proteins, priced using data from the Economic Research Service.

Nutritional adequacy

The plan is designed to meet the nutrient recommendations established by the Institute of Medicine and align with the MyPlate dietary guidance. It aims to provide sufficient levels of key nutrients as outlined in the Dietary Reference Intakes while respecting cost constraints. Evaluations of its adequacy are often reviewed in publications like the Journal of the American Dietetic Association. The plan's nutrient profile is compared to other standards such as the Healthy Eating Index.

Impact and usage

The cost of the plan directly sets the maximum SNAP benefit for households, affecting participants in programs like the National School Lunch Program and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children. Research on its effectiveness is frequently published in journals like the American Journal of Public Health. The plan influences the work of anti-hunger organizations such as the Food Research & Action Center and policy debates in the United States Congress. Its calculations also interact with other assistance measures like the Poverty threshold.

Updates and revisions

The plan is statutorily required to be reassessed every five years, a process led by the USDA Food and Nutrition Service. A significant update occurred in 2021, resulting in the first permanent increase to the real value of SNAP benefits since the Food Stamp Act of 1977. These revisions consider new findings from the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee and changing food preferences documented in surveys like What We Eat in America. Legislative oversight of updates often involves committees like the United States House Committee on Agriculture.

Category:United States Department of Agriculture Category:Social programs in the United States Category:Nutrition