The state of nutrition education in USDA

This report presents the findings of the Working Group, which assessed the successes and barriers of USDA's nutrition education efforts, reviewed contemporary characteristics of effective delivery methods, and analyzed trends in programs, legislative history, and funding. The report recommends that USDA update its nutrition education and research strategic plan by renewing, retooling, and refueling its nutrition education program into a cost-effective, integrated, and comprehensive plan for the 21st century. It provides recommendations to address four major issues: strengthen communications at the federal, state and local levels to promote information technology transfer; enhance evaluation efforts to ensure nutrition education efforts are cost-effective; ensure USDA's nutrition education efforts reach all Americans; and create new funding mechanisms as an alternative to current program-driven funding in order to promote a healthful diet to all Americans.