Which government body establishes guidelines for planning nutritional snacks and meals?

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is the government body responsible for establishing guidelines for planning nutritional snacks and meals. The USDA develops and promotes dietary standards and recommendations that help individuals and families make informed food choices. This includes the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, which provide science-based advice on food and nutrition to promote health and prevent disease.

The USDA also oversees programs such as the National School Lunch Program and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which are designed to ensure that meals served, particularly in schools and community settings, align with these nutritional guidelines. This focus on nutrition for diverse age groups and populations is crucial for fostering healthy eating habits and ensuring adequate nutrition, particularly for children and vulnerable populations.

In contrast, while the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) plays a significant role in public health and disease prevention strategies, it does not specifically establish nutrition guidelines. The World Health Organization (WHO) focuses on global health policies and may offer recommendations on nutrition, but they are not focused on the U.S. context or directly establish U.S. meal guidelines. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is concerned more with food safety, labeling, and regulations surrounding food products rather than with establishing meal planning guidelines.