• identify the prevalences of childhood obesity among low-income households;
• investigate and assess the likelihood of participation in food assistance programs, and maternal and household characteristics that may influence childhood obesity such as maternal obesity and diet and nutrition knowledge;
• estimate and quantify the effects on weight status of selected socioeconomic factors, dietary patterns such as intakes of fat and cholesterol, and diet quality represented by the Healthy Eating Index.

The growing prevalence of obesity and its occurrence at earlier ages are concerns of public health officials. Most previous studies have focused primarily on the causes and effects of obesity, and on issues related to health and nutrition. Similarly, studies of food assistance programs have emphasized factors that affect participation in the programs, and the effects of food programs on food purchasing behaviors and nutrient intakes. In addition, those studies have been based on relatively dated data such as the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey III or the 1977-78 National Food Consumption Survey. The data to be analyzed are from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's 1994-96 surveys of the Continuing Survey of Food Intakes by Individuals. Few studies have attempted to link childhood obesity with food assistance programs. Research is needed on the determinants of childhood obesity and the effect of food assistance programs on the likelihood of obesity for the children. A cooperative research agreement was awarded to The University of Georgia Research Foundation, Inc., at a cost of $99,828 in fiscal 1999. The work is expected to be completed in January 2002.