Pilot projects to evaluate health and nutrition promotion in the supplemental nutrition assistance program

(A) In general In carrying out this subsection, the Secretary may enter into competitively awarded contracts or cooperative agreements with, or provide grants to, public or private organizations or agencies (as defined by the Secretary), for use in accordance with projects that meet the strategy goals of this subsection.

(B) Application To be eligible to receive a contract, cooperative agreement, or grant under this paragraph, an organization shall submit to the Secretary an application at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may require.

(C) Selection criteria Pilot projects shall be evaluated against publicly disseminated criteria that may include— (i) identification of a low-income target audience that corresponds to individuals living in households with incomes at or below 185 percent of the poverty level; (ii) incorporation of a scientifically based strategy that is designed to improve diet quality through more healthful food purchases, preparation, or consumption; (iii) a commitment to a pilot project that allows for a rigorous outcome evaluation, including data collection; (iv) strategies to improve the nutritional value of food served during school hours and during after-school hours; (v) innovative ways to provide significant improvement to the health and wellness of children; (vi) other criteria, as determined by the Secretary.

(D) Use of funds Funds provided under this paragraph shall not be used for any project that limits the use of benefits under this chapter.

Pilot projects carried out under paragraph (1) may include projects to determine whether healthier food purchases by and healthier diets among households participating in the supplemental nutrition assistance program result from projects that—

(A) increase the supplemental nutrition assistance purchasing power of the participating households by providing increased supplemental nutrition assistance program benefit allotments to the participating households;

(B) increase access to farmers 2 2 So in original. Probably should be “farmers’ ”. markets by participating households through the electronic redemption of supplemental nutrition assistance program benefits at farmers’ markets;

(C) provide incentives to authorized supplemental nutrition assistance program retailers to increase the availability of healthy foods to participating households;

(D) subject authorized supplemental nutrition assistance program retailers to stricter retailer requirements with respect to carrying and stocking healthful foods;

(E) provide incentives at the point of purchase to encourage households participating in the supplemental nutrition assistance program to purchase fruits, vegetables, or other healthful foods; or

(F) provide to participating households integrated communication and education programs, including the provision of funding for a portion of a school-based nutrition coordinator to implement a broad nutrition action plan and parent nutrition education programs in elementary schools, separately or in combination with pilot projects carried out under subparagraphs (A) through (E).

(A) Evaluation (i) Independent evaluation (I) In general The Secretary shall provide for an independent evaluation of projects selected under this subsection that measures the impact of the pilot program on health and nutrition as described in paragraph (1). (II) Requirement The independent evaluation under subclause (I) shall use rigorous methodologies, particularly random assignment or other methods that are capable of producing scientifically valid information regarding which activities are effective. (ii) Costs The Secretary may use funds provided to carry out this section to pay costs associated with monitoring and evaluating each pilot project.

(B) Reporting Not later than 90 days after the last day of fiscal year 2009 and each fiscal year thereafter until the completion of the last evaluation under subparagraph (A), 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 includes a description of— (i) the status of each pilot project; (ii) the results of the evaluation completed during the previous fiscal year; and (iii) to the maximum extent practicable— (I) the impact of the pilot project on appropriate health, nutrition, and associated behavioral outcomes among households participating in the pilot project; (II) baseline information relevant to the stated goals and desired outcomes of the pilot project; and (III) equivalent information about similar or identical measures among control or comparison groups that did not participate in the pilot project.

(C) Public dissemination In addition to the reporting requirements under subparagraph (B), evaluation results shall be shared broadly to inform policy makers, service providers, other partners, and the public in order to promote wide use of successful strategies.

(A) Authorization of appropriations There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as are necessary to carry out this section for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2012.

(B) Mandatory funding Out of any funds made available under section 2027 of this title , on October 1, 2008 , the Secretary shall make available $20,000,000 to carry out a project described in paragraph (3)(E), to remain available until expended.