The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) administers 15 domestic food and nutrition programs that provide a nutritional safety net for millions of children and low-income adults. The programs, which serve one in four Americans at some point during the year, are especially important during economic downturns. Accounting for over two-thirds of USDA’s budget, the programs represent a significant Federal investment. USDA’s Economic Research Service (ERS) conducts studies and evaluations of these programs. This report is based on preliminary data from USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS), the agency responsible for managing the programs. Trends in the food and nutrition assistance programs through fiscal 2010 (October 1, 2009 to September 30, 2010) are examined. ERS research reports released in 2010 also are summarized.