Noting that persistent poverty, hunger, and food insecurity remain an important challenge in the United States, this report of the Food Research and Action Center details food and nutrition programs throughout the country. The report, designed for use by governments, advocates, religious organizations, schools, service providers, and non-profit organizations, presents data on the extent of hunger and on nutrition usage for the nation as a whole and for the 50 states and the District of Columbia. The following programs are described: (1) Food Stamp Program; (2) National School Lunch Program; (3) National School Breakfast Program; (4) Summer Food Service Program; (5) Child and Adult Care Food Program; (6) Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC); and (7) The Emergency Food Assistance Program. National and state profiles are presented detailing participation in each of the above programs as well as information on demographics, poverty, unemployment, and financial benefits for needy families. Additional data tables include information on food stamp program participation from 1995 to 2000 and state food stamp agency expenditure of federal employment and training funds. The data indicate increased participation in most of the programs examined since 1996. (KB)