A 1974 compilation of 17 previously published articles dealing with contemporary issues in food and nutrition was prepared as a set of key papers for use by the US Select Committee on Nutrition and Human Needs. The articles are grouped among 5 themes: the aged; American Indians; blacks; migrant workers; and children (preschool, adolescent, and handicapped). It is argued that the material presented is representative of the understandings being developed in the expanding literature on national and international food and nutrition policy.