At A Glance
Noteworthy Characteristics
- Nutrient availability data represent the nutritional values associated with food availability data.
- Data can be used as a useful adjunct to actual food and nutrient consumption.
- Loss-adjusted food availability data adjust food availability data for spoilage and other losses and convert the data to MyPyramid equivalents (formerly called servings) and calories.
- Food availability data are based on records of annual commodity flows from production to end uses, that is, the amount of food produced plus imports and beginning inventories, minus exports, ending stocks and nonfood uses.
- The methodology for each series is internally consistent year to year, which makes these data particularly valuable for assessing trends in the U.S. food supply and demand.
Website
https://www.ers.usda.gov/data-products/food-availability-per-capita-data-system/
Purpose
To collect estimated data regarding foods and nutrients and calories available for consumption for each individual in the United States (U.S.).
Target Population
Commodity foods and nutrients available for consumption in the U.S.
Conducted
Began in 1909 for most commodities. Conducted annually. Most recent year updated is 2019.
Sponsor
Economic Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture
Special Note(s)
Contact:
Jeanine Bentley
Email: jbentley@ers.usda.gov
Phone: +1 (202) 694-5342
Or
Linda Kantor
Email: linda.kantor@ers.usda.gov
Phone: +1 (202) 694-5392
Sampling
Sample Design
Sampling is not performed for this system. Data are compiled rather than collected through a survey. For further information on methodology:
Food Availability
Nutrient Availability
Loss-adjusted Food Availability
Sample Size
Approximately 200 commodities (types of foods) covered in 2012.
Approximately 27 nutrients and dietary components of commodities in 2009.
Key Variables
Diet-Related
| Name | Methods of Assessment |
|---|---|
| Daily loss-adjusted* availability of energy from food (1970-2010) | Food availability data adjusted for loss and spoilage |
| Daily MyPyramid equivalents loss-adjusted* food availability (1970-2010) | Food availability data adjusted for loss and spoilage |
| Per capita availability of commodity foods (1909-2012) | Food balance calculations |
| Per capita per day availability of 27 nutrients and calories (1909-2006) | Food availability data linked to nutrient composition data |
| Per capita per day availability of nutrients by food group (1970-2004) | Food availability data linked to nutrient composition data |
| Loss from primary, retail, and consumer levels (1970-2012) | Estimates** |
Special Note(s)
* The Economic Research Service adjusts the per capita food availability data for food spoilage, plate waste, and other losses to more closely approximate actual per capita intake.
** Details on how food loss is estimated for each level are available through the ERS website
Data Access and Cost
Data Availability
Data can be obtained on the Food Availability Data System website
Cost
Free of charge.
Geocode/Linkage
Geocode Variable(s)
None available.
Existing Linkages
Food supply nutrient availability data are the result of linking food availability data and nutrient composition data.
Selected Publications
Click here for a full list of publications.
Diet-Related
Hiza HAB, Bente, L. Nutrient content of the U.S. food supply, 1909-2004: A summary report. Washington (DC): U.S. Department of Agriculture, Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion, 2006. Home Economics Research Report No. 56.
Kantor L. A dietary assessment of the U.S. food supply. Washington (DC): U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Economics Division, Economic Research Service, 1998. Agricultural Economic Report No. 772.
Kiyah JD, Popkin BM. High-fructose corn syrup: Is this what's for dinner? American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 2008;88(6):1722S-1732S.
Krebs-Smith SM, Reedy J, Bosire C. Healthfulness of the U.S. food supply: Little improvement despite decades of dietary guidance. American Journal of Preventive Medicine 2010;38(5):472-477.
Wells HF, Buzby JC. Dietary assessment of major trends in U.S. food consumption, 1970-2005. Washington (DC): U.S. Department of Agriculture, Economic Research Service, March 2008. Economic Information Bulletin No. (EIB-33).
Weight-Related
Hall KD, Guo J, Dore M, Chow CC. The progressive increase of food waste in America and its environmental impact. PLoS ONE 2009;4(11):e7940.
