This paper addresses questions concerning the purpose and effectiveness of existing child nutrition programs. Chapter I introduces the major budget issues concerning these programs. Chapter II presents the historical development of the programs and focuses on the federal policies affecting the nutrition and health of children. Chapter III describes the major categorical programs. Chapter IV discusses the growth in costs, the complex financing scheme of the current programs, and the shifting burden of program costs among the federal, state, and local governments, and participants, over time. Chapter V reviews the impact of the programs on the agricultural sector, and analyzes the nutritional impact of the various child nutrition programs. This chapter also includes an analysis of child nutrition data from the first national Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. The cost and potential nutritional impact of alternative policies is presented in Chapter VI. Appendices include information on food distribution authorization legislation, biochemical analyses of children's diets, and expenditures and nutrient intake for child nutrition programs. (Author/SS)