An assessment of the Cooperative Extension Service (CES) Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program sought to determine the program's performance in: assisting low-income families to acquire knowledge, skills, and motivation; providing knowledge of public and private institutions and a positive impact on the family budget as well as on program aides; developing homemaking skills; and optimizing human resources contributing to the program. Through observations and interviews, data were collected in seven states at locations to include different geographic and urban areas and ethnic groups. The program has come into being with impressive speed and a minimum of false starts. Participant acceptance of the program is high and there are signs that it can achieve stated objectives. The use of indigenous aides has worked well. The target population is being reached but there ought to be increased concentration on people in greatest need. In addition, the program needs improvement of management techniques and interagency cooperation and adequate resources. (NL)