In 1981, Congress enacted major legislative changes that affect the availability of child care for low-income families. In the name of economic recovery, tax cuts were enacted, social service programs were merged into a block grant, and government benefits for poor families were substantially reduced. This article reviews these statutory changes…

Using five key indicators of nutritional status (dietary intake, biochemical tests for circulating levels of nutrients or their metabolites, anthropometric measures, low birth weight and infant mortality rates, and food, health, and income assistance program participation rates and benefit levels), this 1-year research project identified national,…

The fourth annual secretary of agriculture report on rural development progress (prepared in response to a directive from the Rural Development Act of 1972) presents the most recently available status data on employment, income, population, housing, and community services and facilities, discusses examples of federal efforts to improve or expand…