This paper reports a medical evaluation of a federal program providing funds for special nutritious food supplements to low income pregnant and lactating women, infants, and children up to four years of age who are nutritional risks. Growth, dietary intake, and biochemical measures were obtained for study infants at the time of enrollment in the program, and after receiving food supplements for 6 and 11 months. Vital statistics, medical complications of pregnancy, weight gain during pregnancy, birth weight of baby, dietary intakes and biochemical indices were the evaluation indices selected for mothers. Mothers were examined at time of enrollment, approximately every three months thereafter until time of delivery, and once after delivery (usually between four and eight weeks postpartum). Results are tabulated and their significance to public health discussed. It is concluded that the program was associated with accelerated growth in weight and height, and reduction of anemia in children. The program impact was greater on black and Spanish American babies than on white babies. Pregnant women participating in the program gained more weight during pregnancy than women in the initial population and had a reduced rate of anemia. (SB)