How does the U.S. Food Supply Series Differ from USDAs Dietary Survey?
A. Food supply data measure food and nutrient availability as national totals, whereas dietary survey data (such as USDA’s Continuing Survey of Food Intakes by Individuals) provide data on food and nutrient intakes reported by individuals and households. Also, dietary food intake survey record food intake data over specific time period and combine it with demographic information. These data are used to assess food consumption behavior and the nutritional content of diets for policy implications relating to food production and marketing, food safety, food assistance, and nutrition education. Food supply data best serve the purpose of trend analysis of food and nutrient consumption over time.
