The Department of Agriculture's program for purchasing and distributing commodities for the school lunch program was reviewed in 15 school districts, one very large, one medium sized, and one small school district in each of five states--California, Kansas, Missouri, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. The objectives of the review were to (1) assess the responsiveness of the federal commodity program to the needs of school districts, (2) evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of school districts receiving cash in lieu of federal commodities under the school lunch program, and (3) assess the reasons for plate waste in the school lunch program and identify possible solutions to the problem. Among the recommendations made are (1) taking positive steps to make sure that the commodity program is more responsive to the problems and needs of local school districts, (2) greater promotion of nutrition education in school health programs to help reduce plate waste, (3) encouraging state and local school authorities to improve lunch facilities and atmosphere, and (4) including a nutrient standard as an option to the type A lunch pattern to provide greater flexibility in using commodities. (Author/MLF)