Evaluation and reporting

(A) Independent evaluation (i) In general The Secretary shall provide for an independent evaluation of projects selected under this section that measures, to the maximum extent practicable, the impact on health and nutrition. (ii) Requirement The independent evaluation under this subparagraph shall use rigorous methodologies, particularly random assignment or other methods that are capable of producing scientifically valid information regarding which activities are effective.

(B) Costs The Secretary may use funds not to exceed 7 percent of the funding provided to carry out this section to pay costs associated with evaluating the outcomes of the healthy fluid milk incentive projects.

Not later than December 31 of 2020, and biennially thereafter, 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—

(A) the status of each healthy fluid milk incentives project, and

(B) the results of any completed evaluation that— (i) include, to the maximum extent practicable, the impact of the healthy fluid milk incentive projects on health and nutrition outcomes among households participating in such projects, and (ii) have not been submitted in a previous report under this paragraph.

In addition to the reporting requirements under paragraph (2), evaluation results shall be shared publicly to promote wide use of successful strategies.