Noting that children of all socioeconomic levels are at risk for poor nutrition, and that hunger and poor nutrition in America are on the rise, this report reviews what is known about the link between nutrition and learning in children and between nutrition education and eating habits. It describes several federal and non-federal government initiatives intended to address children's nutritional status, and examines their effectiveness and deficits. Federal programs discussed are the: (1) Food Stamp Program; (2) Special Supplemental Food Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC); (3) Child and Adult Food Care Program; (4) National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program; (5) Summer Food Service Program for Children; and (6) Nutrition Education and Training Program. Non-federal programs discussed are the Training Table (Oregon), the LunchPower! Program (Minnesota), and the Healthy EDGE: Eating, Dietary Guidelines and Education program. Also discussed are the National Food Service Management Institute, a nutrition guide, and a set of nutrition education curricula. The report recommends collaboration and cooperation between public and private agencies, parents, schools, and health professionals in order to help increase funding for and to expand effective child nutrition programs, reduce the red tape and administrative requirements for federal programs, and expand and enhance child nutrition initiatives. Contains 46 references. (SM)