Analyzing Food Sales Trends at the State Level Using New Series

The USDA, Economic Research Service’s (ERS) Food Expenditure Series (FES) provides a comprehensive measure of the total value of all food purchases in the United States. The FES estimates food spending at both the national and State levels. The series tracks spending on food at home (FAH)—food often prepared at home, such as from grocery stores—and food away from home (FAFH)—food mostly prepared and consumed away from home, such as at restaurants. The series allows Government agencies, academic researchers, and industry stakeholders to assess and track developments in consumer food purchasing behaviors and the U.S. food supply.