Despite recognition of the importance of good nutrition for children's cognitive development, many children in America are poorly nourished. This digest reviews programs designed to address this problem and suggests ways to improve child nutrition and school meal programs. Federal programs administered by the Food and Nutrition Service of the United States Department of Agriculture include the: (1) Special Supplemental Food Program for Women, Infants and Children, which provides food and nutrition education to eligible women, and children up to age 5; (2) Child and Adult Care Food Program, which provides nutritious meals for children to age 12 and the elderly; (3) National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program, which provide school meals, most at reduced or no cost; (4) Summer Food Service Program for Children, which provides meals to children from low-income families when school is not in session; and (5) Nutrition Education and Training program, which provides nutrition education to teachers and school food service personnel. Other federal programs are the USDA's Food Stamp Program and the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program, which teaches food and nutrition information and skills to families with limited resources. The National Food Service Management Institute serves as a resource center for child nutrition programs. Other national initiatives include projects undertaken or curriculum materials produced by the American School Food Service Association, the American Cancer Society, and the National Dairy Council. The administrative burdens of some nutrition programs can be reduced through the implementation of a universal school meal program. School personnel, parents, and dietitians can encourage children's participation in nutrition programs. (BC)