Which federal agency establishes guidelines for nutrition in military settings?

The correct answer is the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). This agency plays a crucial role in establishing dietary guidelines and nutrition standards that can be applied in various settings, including military environments. The USDA is responsible for promoting nutrition and food safety initiatives that ensure individuals, including service members, have access to a balanced diet that is essential for maintaining health and performance.

The USDA develops dietary guidelines that incorporate scientific evidence to help Americans make informed food choices. These guidelines are also utilized within military food service programs to provide nutritionally adequate meals, ensuring that the dietary needs of personnel are met while also considering the unique challenges of military life, such as deployment and training conditions.

While other agencies, like the FDA and CDC, have significant roles in food safety and public health, their focus is not specifically on nutrition standards for military settings. The Department of Defense also plays a role in overall military operations and can implement nutrition programs, but the foundational nutritional guidelines originate from the USDA.