New initiatives in home economics research, extension, and higher education are proposed in order to influence national goals for family well-being measurably within five to ten years. The proposals are for work to be conducted cooperatively by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the land-grant colleges and universities, cooperative extension services, and other cooperating institutions with programs in the food and agricultural sciences. Proposed initiatives with specific focus groups are organized under four thrusts: family economic stability and security, energy and environment; food, nutrition, and health; and family strengths and social environment. An implementation plan was developed for each initiative, with suggested performers, integration of research, extension, and higher education activities, and two-, five-, and ten-year targets for the proposed plan. The plan rests on three premises: home economics, human nutrition, and family living form an integral part of food and agriculture; priority needs of the clientele are known; and federal leadership and support are vital to a strong research and education program. The program purpose of each new initiative and the proposed clientele are based on analysis and recommendations of earlier studies and the assessment and review by users, scientists, educators, and administrators. Background information for each thrust is presented, which includes: present national situation, assumptions on which proposed initiatives were based, and implications for new program initiatives. Current programs related to proposed initiatives are described, and the process of developing the new initiatives is outlined. (SW)