Bringing Scientific Evidence into Any Beat: Food, Restaurants & Agriculture

Inform Your Food Reporting with Data

Here are some data sources you can use to bolster your reporting with evidence. Whenever you’re using data, ask experts how those data are gathered and what their limitations are. 

• National Agriculture Statistics Service (U.S. Department of Agriculture): Publishes regular reports on nearly every aspect of the agricultural industry, such as egg production, farm labor, and chemical use.
  • The Census of Agriculture (every 5 years) features detailed data on farm size, livestock inventory, producer demographics, and more for every U.S. state and county.
  • Quick Stats allows you to search for data by year, region, and commodity, such as specific fruits and vegetables or livestock.
• Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Data: Databases of workplace inspections, injuries, fatalities, and chemical exposures in every U.S. state and territory. Search for data from agriculture or food service industries.
• Feeding America’s Map the Meal Gap study: Estimates U.S. county-level food insecurity rates, eligibility for assistance programs, and average meal costs.
• Sustainable Management of Food Dashboard (EPA): Publishes data and reports on food waste, such as consumer costs, methane emissions from food in landfills, and sources of excess food.
• The Consumer Price Index (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics): Tracks fluctuations in the price of services and goods, including specific foods, over time.
• National Restaurant Association’s Research and Statistics: Publishes state-level and national statistics using data from federal agencies. It also releases annual reports and economic analysis on the state of the restaurant industry.