This survey of scientific literature briefly overviews findings on the relations between learning and behavior and hunger, undernutrition, and malnutrition. Topics examined include chronic undernutrition in the U.S., iron deficiency, obesity, and hyperactivity. School feeding programs, including school breakfast programs, are described. The list…

Describes research done by the Tulane University Early Childhood Research Center in New Orleans on children enrolled in Head Start programs--investigating the relationship between psychological development and nutrition. (DM)

Examines the research relating nutrition and diet to achievement in reading and language arts, and suggests ways teachers and parents can use this information. (ARH)

The characteristics of malnourished children bear a striking resemblance to a number of the known characteristics of "disadvantaged children," e.g. apathy, irritability, sickliness, and a reduced attention span. The combination of malnutrition and the other negative effects of poverty perpetuates a cycle of illness, educational failure, and more…