• model the determinants of snacking and eating-away-from-home behaviors among 2-18 year olds stratified by income using data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's CSFII 1994-96;
• characterize maternal employment and household participation in food assistance programs and examine if these factors modify snacking and eating-out behaviors, nutrient intakes, or overall diet quality of 2-18 year olds;
• examine the effects of snacking and eating-out behaviors on nutrient intake and overall diet quality of children.

There is a need to focus attention on understanding how food choices have changed and what are some of the factors responsible for these changes. As a major contributor to the diet of millions of low-income children and their families, the food and nutrition assistance programs might be a major contributor to some of the negative as well as positive patterns and trends. A cooperative research agreement for $200,000 in fiscal 1999 was awarded to the Carolina Population Center at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. The work is expected to be completed in January 2002.