This report uses data collected during the National Evaluation of School Nutrition Project (NESNP-II) in 1983-84 to describe the characteristics of students and households eligible for the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and School Breakfast Program (SBP), and the characteristics of NSLP and SBP participants and their households. The NESNP-II data represent the only extensive examination of the NSLP and SBP since passage of the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (OBRA) of 1981, which enacted a number of significant program reforms including the following changes: (1) a reduction in the reimbursement rates for paid and reduced-price meals; (2) tightened income eligibility requirements; (3) simplified program rules; and (4) increased verification requirements. Thus, an examination of the participants would highlight the changes resulting from OBRA. A description of the NSLP and SBP as they operated in the school year 1983-84 is presented. The following aspects of student and household characteristics are discussed: (1) program availability; (2) participation in school meal program; (3) distribution of meals by price status; (4) distribution of meals based on household characteristics; (5) household income; and (6) transfer income. Sixteen tables are included, along with three figures. Appendix A contains supplementary data tables. Appendix B contains tables concerning the differences in child nutrition program data and NESNP-II household survey data. (JS)