The Domestic Task Force of the House Select Committee on Hunger met to hear testimony on women and hunger in Appalachia and on food assistance programs and legislation, including H.R. 2100, the 1985 farm bill. Introductory remarks by task force members outline the bill's food assistance provisions, which include increased funding for food stamp programs, reauthorization of surplus commodity distribution, improvement of nutrition monitoring and education programs for low-income groups, and an employment and training program for food stamp recipients. This report includes transcriptions of the hearing proceedings and numerous prepared statements from health professionals, private citizens, and local program leaders. Testimony and answers to questions by Robert E. Leard of the Food and Nutrition Service explain and defend the agency's food assistance programs and policies. Topics include definitions of hunger, health and nutritional status of the rural poor in Appalachia, infant mortality rates, health care during pregnancy, and health and nutrition for infants and young children. Several nutrition programs are briefly described, e.g., school lunch and breakfast; supplemental food for women, infants, and children (WIC); and the Buy Smart, Eat Smart campaign. (JHZ)