Evaluation and reporting

(A) Evaluation (i) Independent evaluation (I) In general The Secretary shall provide for an independent evaluation of projects selected under this subsection that measures the impact of the pilot program on health and nutrition as described in paragraph (1). (II) Requirement The independent evaluation under subclause (I) shall use rigorous methodologies, particularly random assignment or other methods that are capable of producing scientifically valid information regarding which activities are effective. (ii) Costs The Secretary may use funds provided to carry out this section to pay costs associated with monitoring and evaluating each pilot project.

(B) Reporting Not later than 90 days after the last day of fiscal year 2009 and each fiscal year thereafter until the completion of the last evaluation under subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate a report that includes a description of— (i) the status of each pilot project; (ii) the results of the evaluation completed during the previous fiscal year; and (iii) to the maximum extent practicable— (I) the impact of the pilot project on appropriate health, nutrition, and associated behavioral outcomes among households participating in the pilot project; (II) baseline information relevant to the stated goals and desired outcomes of the pilot project; and (III) equivalent information about similar or identical measures among control or comparison groups that did not participate in the pilot project.

(C) Public dissemination In addition to the reporting requirements under subparagraph (B), evaluation results shall be shared broadly to inform policy makers, service providers, other partners, and the public in order to promote wide use of successful strategies.