Center of Excellence for Food Safety Research in Child Nutrition Programs

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) seeks to establish a Center of Excellence for Food Safety Research in Child Nutrition Programs. FNS provides assistance for the National School Lunch Program (NSLP), School Breakfast Program (SBP), Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP), Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP), Summer Food Service Program (SFSP), Special Milk Program (SMP), Seamless Summer, and Afterschool Snacks. There currently is a paucity of research focusing on food safety related to these programs, and schools, in particular, which continue to change and expand. Performance will take place at the funded university. Center staff will work closely with the FNS Food Safety Staff (FSS) to accomplish the goals of the Center and specific projects. FSS may serve as technical advisors on specific projects, as appropriate. The Center will follow all guidelines of its university. FNS plans to award a cooperative agreement to one university by March 15, 2011. The performance period of the grant will be from March 15, 2011 to March 15, 2013.