42 USC 1769d - Childhood hunger research

U.S Code last checked for updates: Nov 22, 2024

§ 1769d.

Childhood hunger research

(a)

Research on causes and consequences of childhood hunger

(1)

In general

The Secretary shall conduct research on—

(A)

the causes of childhood hunger and food insecurity;

(B)

the characteristics of households with childhood hunger and food insecurity; and

(C)

the consequences of childhood hunger and food insecurity.

(2)

Authority

In carrying out research under paragraph (1), the Secretary may—

(A)

enter into competitively awarded contracts or cooperative agreements; or

(B)

provide grants to States or public or private agencies or organizations, as determined by the Secretary.

(3)

Application

(4)

Areas of inquiry

The Secretary shall design the research program to advance knowledge and understanding of information on the issues described in paragraph (1), such as—

(A)

economic, health, social, cultural, demographic, and other factors that contribute to childhood hunger or food insecurity;

(B)

the geographic distribution of childhood hunger and food insecurity;

(C)

the extent to which—

(i)

existing Federal assistance programs, including title 26, reduce childhood hunger and food insecurity; and

(ii)

childhood hunger and food insecurity persist due to—

(I)

gaps in program coverage;

(II)

the inability of potential participants to access programs; or

(III)

the insufficiency of program benefits or services;

(D)

the public health and medical costs of childhood hunger and food insecurity;

(E)

an estimate of the degree to which the Census Bureau measure of food insecurity underestimates childhood hunger and food insecurity because the Census Bureau excludes certain households, such as homeless, or other factors;

(F)

the effects of childhood hunger on child development, well-being, and educational attainment; and

(G)

such other critical outcomes as are determined by the Secretary.

(5)

Funding

(A)

In general

(B)

Receipt and acceptance

(b)

Demonstration projects to end childhood hunger

(1)

Definitions

In this subsection:

(A)

Child

(B)

Supplemental nutrition assistance program

(2)

Purpose

(3)

Projects

Demonstration projects carried out under this subsection may include projects that—

(A)

enhance benefits provided under the supplemental nutrition assistance program for eligible households with children;

(B)

enhance benefits or provide for innovative program delivery models in the school meals, afterschool snack, and child and adult care food programs under this chapter and the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (42 U.S.C. 1771 et seq.); and

(C)

target Federal, State, or local assistance, including emergency housing or family preservation services, at households with children who are experiencing hunger or food insecurity, to the extent permitted by the legal authority establishing those assistance programs and services.

(4)

Grants

(A)

Demonstration projects

(i)

In general

(ii)

Requirement

(B)

Application

(C)

Selection criteria

Demonstration projects shall be selected based on publicly disseminated criteria that may include—

(i)

an identification of a low-income target group that reflects individuals experiencing hunger or food insecurity;

(ii)

a commitment to a demonstration project that allows for a rigorous outcome evaluation as described in paragraph (6);

(iii)

a focus on innovative strategies to reduce the risk of childhood hunger or provide a significant improvement to the food security status of households with children; and

(iv)

such other criteria as are determined by the Secretary.

(5)

Consultation

In determining the range of projects and defining selection criteria under this subsection, the Secretary shall consult with—

(A)

the Secretary of Health and Human Services;

(B)

the Secretary of Labor; and

(C)

the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development.

(6)

Evaluation and reporting

(A)

Independent evaluation

The Secretary shall provide for an independent evaluation of each demonstration project carried out under this subsection that—

(i)

measures the impact of each demonstration project on appropriate participation, food security, nutrition, and associated behavioral outcomes among participating households; and

(ii)

uses rigorous experimental designs and methodologies, particularly random assignment or other methods that are capable of producing scientifically valid information regarding which activities are effective in reducing the prevalence or preventing the incidence of food insecurity and hunger in the community, especially among children.

(B)

Reporting

Not later than December 31, 2013 and each December 31 thereafter until the date on which the last evaluation under subparagraph (A) is completed, the Secretary shall—

(i)

submit to the Committee on Agriculture and the Committee on Education and Labor of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate a report that includes a description of—

(I)

the status of each demonstration project; and

(II)

the results of any evaluations of the demonstration projects completed during the previous fiscal year; and

(ii)

ensure that the evaluation results are shared broadly to inform policy makers, service providers, other partners, and the public in order to promote the wide use of successful strategies.

(7)

Funding

(A)

In general

(B)

Receipt and acceptance

(C)

Use of funds

(i)

In general

(ii)

Indian reservations

(iii)

Report

Not later than 1 year after December 13, 2010, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate a report that—

(I)

describes the manner in which Federal nutrition programs can help to overcome child hunger nutrition problems on Indian reservations; and

(II)

contains proposed administrative and legislative recommendations to strengthen and streamline all relevant Department of Agriculture nutrition programs to reduce childhood hunger, obesity, and type 2 diabetes on Indian reservations.

(D)

Limitations

(i)

Duration

(ii)

Project requirements

(iii)

Hunger-free communities

(iv)

Other benefits

Funds made available under this subsection may not be used for any project in a manner that is inconsistent with—

(I)

this chapter;

(II)

the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (42 U.S.C. 1771 et seq.);

(III)

the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2011 et seq.); or

(IV)

the Emergency Food Assistance Act of 1983 (7 U.S.C. 7501 et seq.).

(June 4, 1946, ch. 281, § 23, as added Pub. L. 111–296, title I, § 141, Dec. 13, 2010, 124 Stat. 3206.)

cite as: 42 USC 1769d