https://mathematica.org/our-focus-areas/human-services/nutritionMathematica uses data science, social science, and technology to help people, communities, and organizations around the world improve public well-being.enMathematica Policy Research. All rights reserved. 2014https://mathematica.org/-/media/internet/logo.png?h=68&w=208https://mathematica.org/our-focus-areas/human-services/nutrition60{09F7A012-9BED-4FF6-869C-3A84C261E7EB}https://www.mathematica.org/en/publications/sustaining-coalitionsThis toolkit is designed to walk leaders in community-based organizations through the Learn, Innovate, Improve process to innovate and manage program change. An appendix shares a case study of how a community-based organizations used the toolkit to test a financial management intervention.Fri, 15 May 2026 18:05:14 Z{CE1698A0-5285-4809-B7D7-4D6910BBB8BB}https://www.mathematica.org/en/publications/strategic-planning-for-coalitionsThis resource supports community coalitions with strategic planning. It offers guidance on developing a shared vision, mission, goals, and objectives, and it provides an action-planning template to help coalitions translate goals and objectives into concrete and measurable steps.Fri, 15 May 2026 17:53:28 Z{580521AC-277C-41D1-AEFF-F1EA73E96AE4}https://www.mathematica.org/en/publications/fostering-results-oriented-coalitionsThis resource helps community coalitions use a tool called the Learning to Action Log to (1) determine whether their activities are helping them meet their goals and (2) identify opportunities to improve.Fri, 15 May 2026 17:40:21 Z{F67FD7FE-B29D-4495-BBDA-034E73B44826}https://www.mathematica.org/en/publications/the-role-of-coalitions-in-community-health-assessment-and-improvement-planningThis resource helps community coalitions engage in community health assessments and community health improvement plans, tools used to identify local health priorities and guide investments.Fri, 15 May 2026 17:27:43 Z{9AD25D51-90E2-42A3-9A9B-70FD787EDDA4}https://www.mathematica.org/en/publications/spotlight-reimagining-funding-for-healthy-eating-and-active-living-in-los-angeles-countyThis resource describes how Nutrition Access LA, a cross-sector coalition, secured new funding that helped sustain critical food access and nutrition programs for high-need and justice-impacted communities throughout Los Angeles County.Fri, 15 May 2026 17:00:07 Z{05D2497D-B254-40BB-8B00-F19C4A2A0DE4}https://www.mathematica.org/en/publications/establishing-healthcare-partnershipsThis resource helps coalitions build partnerships with healthcare organizations to support healthy eating and active living initiatives.Thu, 14 May 2026 21:24:40 Z{647ABB13-0482-4352-809C-0E094CE38CA6}https://www.mathematica.org/en/publications/evaluating-coalition-workThis resource helps community coalitions evaluate their work. It describes developing a theory of change, generating questions aligned with the theory of change, and determining what information to collect to answer those questions.Thu, 14 May 2026 20:01:09 Z{571DA48B-6CF9-401C-AF5D-6782099FC01D}https://www.mathematica.org/en/publications/engaging-local-policymakersThis resource summarizes tips that healthy eating and active living coalitions can use to engage local policymakers for support.Thu, 14 May 2026 17:08:15 Z{37B07AD2-7D90-42B6-B5EC-B583A61C49CE}https://www.mathematica.org/en/publications/spotlight-using-data-to-support-healthy-eating-active-living-coalition-in-ca-central-coastThis resource describes how the Nutrition and Fitness Collaborative of the Central Coast, a coalition led by the Monterey County Health Department that promotes healthy eating and active living, collects and uses data to sustain support and funding. Thu, 14 May 2026 15:52:32 Z{8A6451AD-CBE5-4334-8EC8-3795A735CD96}https://www.mathematica.org/en/publications/building-a-business-caseThis resource helps community coalitions develop a business case to demonstrate the financial benefits of funding or partnering with them.Wed, 13 May 2026 21:42:43 Z{10B33C9B-9793-45C9-B812-C7B4D7461FD0}https://www.mathematica.org/en/publications/braiding-and-blending-fundingThis resource explores the concepts of braiding and blending funding and describes how healthy eating and active living coalitions can incorporate these methods into their funding strategies to support long-term sustainability and coordination across initiatives.Wed, 13 May 2026 19:53:58 Z{EC1A81D6-FBE9-4852-93C1-02E7852DD587}https://www.mathematica.org/en/publications/spotlight-sustaining-parkrx-santa-cruz-county-through-funding-and-leadership-transitionsThis brief describes how Park Rx, a program in Santa Cruz County that helps connect people with nature and outdoor activities, was able to keep operating after funding cuts. It explains how the program found new sources of support and changed leadership to continue serving the community.Tue, 12 May 2026 19:51:49 Z{F61F79A5-283D-4FC4-96CA-EB483892B652}https://www.mathematica.org/en/news/zachary-parolin-wins-the-25th-david-kershaw-award-and-prizeZachary Parolin of Oxford University has received the David N. Kershaw Award for his research on poverty and opportunity and will deliver the Kershaw Lecture at APPAM’s 2025 Fall Conference.Wed, 01 Oct 2025 20:16:00 Z{AA51221A-98C8-4315-BB78-456AEA7487C6}https://www.mathematica.org/en/publications/wic-and-fmnp-modernization-annual-evaluation-report-2024This first annual report from the WIC and FMNP Modernization Evaluation provides an overview of the WIC and FMNP modernization efforts underway and highlights early implementation findings, covering activities from September 2022 – September 2024.Thu, 24 Apr 2025 14:20:54 Z{0CC8BB75-E568-4D1D-BF9D-50CF844C8939}https://www.mathematica.org/en/publications/empirical-bayes-shrinkage-estimates-of-state-supplementalThis report presents estimates of State SNAP participation rates for fiscal years 2020 and 2022. The estimates were derived using empirical Bayes shrinkage estimation methods and data from the Current Population Survey, the American Community Survey, SNAP Quality Control, and administrative records.Thu, 20 Feb 2025 22:15:00 Z{02BA1AF4-C64E-4F24-9504-99364FB18E62}https://www.mathematica.org/en/publications/reaching-those-in-need-estimates-state-supplemental-nutrition-assistance-program-participation-2022The research brief reviews estimated state SNAP participation rates--the percentage of eligible people who participate in the program--for fiscal year 2022. State SNAP participation rate estimates can be used to assess recent program performance and focus efforts to improve access.Wed, 05 Feb 2025 15:35:00 Z{7AF0B2CB-9A6C-47E6-A4C3-BCBD9EA33BEB}https://www.mathematica.org/en/publications/understanding-economic-risk-for-low-income-families-economic-security-program-benefits-and-decisionsMathematica conducted a survey of means-tested benefit recipients to understand what they consider when deciding whether to take a new job opportunity. Respondents evaluated fictional opportunities which varied in pay increase, benefit loss, job stability, and the ease of regaining lost benefits.Tue, 07 Jan 2025 16:53:00 Z{B2B2FA25-1706-480D-9210-8E76A20F38B2}https://www.mathematica.org/en/publications/evaluation-of-child-support-enforcement-cooperation-requirements-in-snapThis congressionally mandated report presents the most comprehensive picture to date about the implementation and effects of the cooperation requirements in SNAP, and how this policy requirement is experienced and perceived by families with low incomes.Thu, 06 Jun 2024 19:49:55 Z{FE7AFC8F-D7AA-4ACE-BDD4-DD9D479F3D5A}https://www.mathematica.org/en/publications/making-supplemental-nutrition-assistance-program-enrollment-easier-for-gig-workersApplying for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) can be challenging for gig workers, but SNAP is important for maintaining food security while they engage in precarious, poorly compensated labor. This article explores challenges and policy solutions for SNAP access for gig workers. Wed, 20 Dec 2023 15:02:00 Z{7C2017EC-33C4-40DA-8EE2-6F53F7B31E64}https://www.mathematica.org/en/publications/barriers-to-participation-in-the-child-and-adult-care-food-program-for-early-childhood-careThe Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) is one of eight child nutrition programs currently administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service, and participation trends have been consistently decreasing. This article explores barriers to participating in CACFP.Wed, 20 Dec 2023 13:44:00 Z{3674B091-00F8-4C59-A01E-6547E34D1CC9}https://www.mathematica.org/en/publications/2018-2020-empirical-bayes-shrinkage-estimates-of-state-supplemental-nutrition-assistance-programThis report presents estimates of State SNAP participation rates for fiscal years 2018 to 2020. The estimates were derived using empirical Bayes shrinkage estimation methods and data from the Current Population Survey, the American Community Survey, SNAP Quality Control, and administrative records.Tue, 15 Aug 2023 18:37:00 Z{4D538DE7-167B-4C84-B9E0-FED32661C3C6}https://www.mathematica.org/en/publications/estimates-of-state-supplemental-nutrition-assistance-program-participation-rates-in-2020The research brief reviews estimated state SNAP participation rates--the percentage of eligible people who participate in the program--for fiscal year 2020. State SNAP participation rate estimates can be used to assess recent program performance and focus efforts to improve access.Tue, 15 Aug 2023 17:54:00 Z{2A301C6A-66FD-49CE-B7A5-1B01179A7BE8}https://www.mathematica.org/en/publications/implementation-of-a-2-for-1-price-incentive-for-fruits-and-vegetables-in-a-grocery-retail-settingThere is growing interest in expanding healthy eating interventions in the retail setting. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the implementation of a successful 2-for-1 price incentive for fruits and vegetables (F&V), including frozen and canned, that took place in partnership with a large chain grocery retailer in Maine.Mon, 03 Jul 2023 12:48:00 Z{C1CFEFDD-C548-4F1E-917A-41CE8E090586}https://www.mathematica.org/en/publications/connecting-the-dots-between-barriers-to-wic-access-and-adult-and-child-food-insecurity-a-surveyPrevious research has explored the impact of W.I.C. on recipients’ health, but less is known about the connection between barriers to W.I.C. access and health outcomes.Sat, 27 May 2023 11:37:00 Z{87B9FB79-D88E-4B7C-8499-72CED5AD4D1F}https://www.mathematica.org/en/news/new-study-shows-federal-child-nutrition-program-waivers-helped-increase-access-to-meals-in-the-firstA new study conducted for the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) found that in the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic, federal waivers issued by FNS provided flexibility that enabled child nutrition program operators to feed children amid challenges brought on by the pandemic.Wed, 24 May 2023 00:00:00 Z{3C0EEE6C-BB5F-4F5C-8229-42E58A167EED}https://www.mathematica.org/en/publications/child-nutrition-program-operations-during-the-covid-19-pandemic-march-through-september-2020-schoolThis report shares key findings from an assessment of school meal operations and Child Nutrition Program participation from March through September 2020, the first months of the COVID-19 pandemic public health emergency.Tue, 23 May 2023 11:36:10 Z{4F914EC5-1FC0-4F69-AB30-EE07C4FD21D0}https://www.mathematica.org/en/publications/2016-to-2020-trends-in-supplemental-nutrition-assistance-program-participation-rates-fiscal-yearThis report presents estimated SNAP participation rates by economic and demographic subgroup for individuals eligible under Federal income and resource rules. It also presents household participation rates and benefit receipt rates.Fri, 30 Dec 2022 18:18:00 Z{9FDA2155-D23C-40E5-AE38-E55F550872A9}https://www.mathematica.org/en/publications/2019-reaching-those-in-need-estimates-of-state-supplemental-nutrition-assistance-programThe research brief reviews estimated state SNAP participation rates for all eligible people and eligible people in households with earnings in 2019. State SNAP participation rate estimates can be used to assess recent program performance and focus efforts to improve access.Wed, 30 Nov 2022 15:37:00 Z{FB6B4647-90A7-45F2-8969-628A17335D62}https://www.mathematica.org/en/publications/application-of-path-analysis-and-structural-equation-modeling-in-nutrition-and-dieteticsThis monograph is part of the statistics series intended to describe path analysis, structural equation modeling, and related methods in nutrition research. Tue, 01 Nov 2022 18:45:00 Z{A9BC5931-1F72-4F36-8CED-B37605653827}https://www.mathematica.org/en/publications/assessment-of-calories-purchased-after-calorie-labeling-of-prepared-foods-in-a-large-supermarketCalorie labels for prepared (i.e., ready-to-eat) foods are required in large chain food establishments in the US. Large evaluations in restaurants suggest small declines in purchases of prepared foods after labeling.Thu, 01 Sep 2022 13:30:00 Z{FB6B61DB-5B91-4385-BD70-116DA4E31839}https://www.mathematica.org/en/publications/dietary-intakes-of-children-enrolled-in-us-early-child-care-programs-during-child-care-and-non-childEarly-child-care (ECE) programs may substantially influence child diet quality.Wed, 01 Jun 2022 13:53:00 Z{3233785B-A21A-411A-8EC6-C9A9800F1B42}https://www.mathematica.org/en/publications/usda-direct-certification-with-medicaid-for-free-and-reduced-price-meals-dcm-frp-demonstrationThe demonstration of Direct Certification with Medicaid for Free and Reduced-Price Meals (DCM-F/RP) allows authorized States and school districts to use information from Medicaid data files to identify students eligible to receive meals under the NSLP and SBP for free or at a reduced price.Wed, 16 Mar 2022 12:13:00 Z{1675B549-D7E2-402C-BC5C-423057DC4964}https://www.mathematica.org/en/publications/2016-to-2019-trends-in-supplemental-nutrition-assistance-program-participation-rates-fiscal-yearThis report presents estimated SNAP participation rates by economic and demographic subgroup for individuals eligible under Federal income and resource rules. It also presents household participation rates and benefit receipt rates.Thu, 30 Dec 2021 16:29:00 Z{7433214E-FED0-4EC3-BB0A-84C430A9D37C}https://www.mathematica.org/en/publications/reaching-a-vulnerable-population-why-adolescents-participate-in-the-national-school-lunch-programFourteen percent of households with children under 18 years were food insecure in 2018. However, participation in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) is lower among adolescents compared to younger children. Wed, 01 Sep 2021 16:35:00 Z{F986FB31-E390-45FD-82EB-1370037F33E0}https://www.mathematica.org/en/publications/adolescent-participants-in-the-school-lunch-program-consume-more-nutritious-lunches-but-theirMeals offered through the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) give students access to nutritious foods and have been found to make positive contributions to their diets. Sun, 01 Aug 2021 19:19:00 Z{42BF50E4-F62C-4787-912D-3AF3C54290B8}https://www.mathematica.org/en/publications/the-effect-of-a-fresh-produce-incentive-paired-with-cooking-and-nutrition-education-on-healthyThis study pilot-tested combining financial incentives to purchase fruits and vegetables with nutrition education focused on cooking to increase the consumption of fruits and vegetables and improve attitudes around healthy eating on a budget among low-income adults.Tue, 01 Jun 2021 19:56:00 Z{5FED0D24-9918-497D-B169-0AE849ECCE56}https://www.mathematica.org/en/publications/maybe-its-still-good-a-qualitative-study-of-factors-influencing-food-waste-and-applicationAbout 31% of post-harvest food available for human consumption is lost or wasted annually in the United States. Tue, 01 Jun 2021 18:38:00 Z{3F1C3351-006A-46D1-95F6-D8A412FE4908}https://www.mathematica.org/en/publications/2018-reaching-those-in-need-estimates-of-state-supplemental-nutrition-assistance-programThe research brief reviews estimated state SNAP participation rates for all eligible people and eligible people in households with earnings in 2018. State SNAP participation rate estimates can be used to assess recent program performance and focus efforts to improve access.Sun, 30 May 2021 18:40:00 Z{07DEF5C8-4255-461A-983A-120BF98021E0}https://www.mathematica.org/en/publications/2016-to-2018-empirical-bayes-shrinkage-estimates-of-state-supplemental-nutrition-assistance-programThis report presents estimates of SNAP participation rates in each State for fiscal years 2016 to 2018. The estimates were derived using empirical Bayes shrinkage estimation methods and data from the Current Population Survey, the American Community Survey, SNAP QC, and administrative records.Sun, 30 May 2021 18:20:00 Z{6C4E38CF-D314-4650-B19E-C8051F0796BC}https://www.mathematica.org/en/publications/the-pass-through-of-a-tax-on-sugar-sweetened-beverages-in-boulder-coloradoThis paper estimates the pass-through of the largest tax on sugar-sweetened beverages enacted in the U.S., which is two cents per ounce in Boulder, Colorado. We find consistent evidence that the tax was largely, but not completely, passed through to consumers. Sat, 01 May 2021 19:25:00 Z{1DEE3DB3-0FE5-403F-9AE5-B075FF299C2E}https://www.mathematica.org/en/publications/assessment-of-the-quality-of-state-snap-administrative-dataMathematica standardized Illinois, Mississippi, and Tennessee administrative data files held by the U.S. Bureau of the Census and then compared tabulations of the standardized data files to data from the National Data Bank, to tabulations of SNAP Quality Control data, and across States. Fri, 12 Mar 2021 17:53:00 Z{4D847CF2-DE2D-4CC2-9269-E5DED9D89636}https://www.mathematica.org/en/publications/assessment-of-snap-unit-simulationThis report summarizes the methodology and findings from Mathematica's study of linked survey and SNAP administrative data in three States and considers their implications for the simulation of SNAP unit composition as part of an overall simulation of SNAP eligibility.Sun, 21 Feb 2021 18:01:00 Z{59EE9444-B5AE-4894-BCB1-DD14345B5C0A}https://www.mathematica.org/en/publications/added-sugars-in-school-meals-and-the-diets-of-school-age-childrenResearch is limited on added sugars in school meals and children’s dietary intakes after the 2015–2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA) recommended that added sugars be limited to less than 10% of total calories.Sat, 30 Jan 2021 15:02:00 Z{34DED49C-2A46-4D57-857A-407D427A4729}https://www.mathematica.org/en/publications/associations-among-food-security-school-meal-participation-and-students-diet-quality-in-the-firstUsing data from the first School Nutrition and Meal Cost Study, this analysis compared the contributions of school and non-school foods to the energy intakes and diet quality of students classified as food insecure, marginally secure, or food secure.Fri, 22 Jan 2021 16:42:00 Z{C84A78D2-90C8-49B5-AC79-396274D8A290}https://www.mathematica.org/en/publications/continued-participation-in-congregate-meal-programs-the-role-of-geographic-access-to-foodThe Nutrition Services Program is the largest program that provides prepared meals to older adults in need.Fri, 01 Jan 2021 19:27:00 Z{AE53BA18-C6C4-450D-AE89-3C66115A7C2C}https://www.mathematica.org/en/publications/a-cluster-randomized-controlled-trial-of-a-home-delivered-food-box-on-childrens-diet-qualityPoor diet quality among children can lead to poor health, development, and academic achievement. Child nutrition assistance programs aim to improve diet quality among children.Fri, 01 Jan 2021 19:21:00 Z{F4A170C4-2359-4EC8-BA0F-A53B3F794CE6}https://www.mathematica.org/en/publications/analyzing-the-association-between-student-weight-status-and-school-meal-participation-evidenceUsing data from the School Nutrition and Meal Cost Study, this paper seeks to re-examine the association between students’ (N = 1963) weight status and participation in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and School Breakfast Program (SBP) since the implementation of these policy changes to determine whether, and how, this relationship has changed.Fri, 01 Jan 2021 19:16:00 Z{B922DB1C-F633-4D51-915B-DF844FD4809F}https://www.mathematica.org/en/publications/a-cluster-randomized-controlled-trial-of-a-home-delivered-food-box-on-food-security-in-chickasawThe 2010 Child Nutrition reauthorization called for the independent evaluation of innovative strategies to reduce the risk of childhood hunger or improve the food security status of households with children.Fri, 01 Jan 2021 19:03:00 Z{5A731C96-CC35-487B-AEB9-1869AC457203}https://www.mathematica.org/en/publications/a-randomized-controlled-trial-of-three-school-meals-and-weekend-food-backpacks-on-food-securityFood insecurity is a concern for the health and well-being of low-income children in the United States. School-based nutrition assistance programs aim to reduce food insecurity; however, there is limited evidence of their combined impact on food insecurity among children (FI-C).Fri, 01 Jan 2021 18:47:00 Z{77DEAFD3-A9D3-4C2D-B362-2CFD689535DC}https://www.mathematica.org/en/publications/measuring-the-effects-of-a-demonstration-to-reduce-childhood-food-insecurity-a-randomized-controlledTo reduce childhood hunger, the US Department of Agriculture funded a set of demonstration projects, including the Nevada Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids (HHFK) project.Fri, 01 Jan 2021 18:34:00 Z