The primary purpose of this guidebook is to identify effective ways for parents to contribute to school food and nutrition programs. Meaningful parent involvement in such programs is said to have potential for increasing awareness of good nutrition, clarifying conflicting information, coordinating home and school nutrition teachings, and helping children make wise food choices. To help parents work effectively with school personnel, the guide provides a brief explanation of lines of school authority and the differing responsibilities of school personnel for food and nutrition programs. Also presented is a list of the major health and meal requirements under which school nutrition programs operate. A step-by-step action plan is outlined whereby a PTA nutrition committee can become actively involved in school programs. A checklist for observing the school food system, an evaluation form for parent projects, brief articles on "Health Foods vs. Healthy Foods" and "Breaking Communication Barriers," and a glossary are appended. (Author/JA)