http://www.ers.usda.gov/Publications/ERR83/

Reports that 15% of American households did not have adequate access to food during the past year and 5.7% had very low food security. Low food security means that eating patterns were interrupted or some members of the household did not have enough food to eat because of lack of money. Also discusses use of federal food and nutrition programs by needy households. From the Economic Research Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

http://www.fda.gov/Food/FoodSafety/RetailFoodProtection/FoodCode/FoodCode2009/

The latest version of the model code and reference document used by state, city, county and tribal agencies to regulate restaurants, retail food stores, vending operations, and food service operations in schools, hospitals, nursing homes, and child care centers to prevent foodborne illness. From the Food and Drug Administration.

http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=12751

Argues that the National School Lunch Program and the School Breakfast Program should adopt a new set of nutrient targets and standards to improve the ability of the programs to meet children's nutritional needs. The new standards would limit sodium and calories and encourage children to eat more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. From the Institute of Medicine.

http://www.ers.usda.gov/Publications/ERR82/ERR82.pdf

Examines the structure, costs, and challenges of organic milk production. Compares organic and conventional milk production methods and costs. Concludes that economic forces have made organic operations more like conventional operations and that the future of organic operations may depend on the interpretation of new pasture rules. From the Economic Research Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

http://www.ers.usda.gov/Publications/ERR85/

Examines household food access for several months prior to initial receipt of federal assistance through Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and for several months after joining the program. Concludes that the SNAP program reduces very low food security by about one-third. From the Economic Research Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

http://www.fns.usda.gov/ORA/menu/Published/CNP/FILES/NSLPDirectCertification2009.pdf

Reports on the progress made by states and school districts in directly certifying eligibility for free school lunch programs for children from households that receive benefits under the Supplemental Nutrition Asssistance Program (formerly known as the Food Stamp Program). Reports that 78% of all school districts directly certified some SNAP participants. From the Food and Nutrition Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

http://www.ers.usda.gov/Publications/EIB61/EIB61.pdf

Traces trends in the declining percent of spending by households on food and a corresponding increase in food insecurity in low-income and even middle-income households. From the Economic Research Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture

http://docustore.wfp.org/stellent/groups/public/documents/newsroom/wfp209430.pdf

Represents the 10th progress report on world hunger since the 1996 World Food Summit. Reports that the global economic crisis has confronted poor developing countries with declines in export earnings and foreign aid. Estimates that 1.02 billion people are undernourished in 2009. From the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.

http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d09873.pdf

Examines how several federal agencies are trying to assure the safety of imported foods and describes what problems remain to be resolved. From the Government Accountability Office

http://www.ams.usda.gov/AMSv1.0/getfile?dDocName=STELPRDC5079490&acct=wdmgeninfo

Reports that more than 4,900 farmers markets are currently in operation, up from fewer than 1800 fifteen years ago. They provide access to locally grown food, revitalize neighborhoods, and enhance social interaction. This guide describes how market operators and building managers can establish and operate farmers markets on federal property which is often located in central business districts. From the Department of Agriculture and the General Services Administration.

http://www.bls.gov/news.release/pdf/cesan.pdf

Reports that average annual consumer expenditures rose 1.7% in 2008 following an increase of 2.6% in 2007. Increases in spending for housing and food were somewhat offset by decreases in spending for transportation, and apparel. From the Bureau of Labor Statistics.