The OTA (Office of Technology Assessment) reports that the Federal Government has failed to adjust the emphasis of its human nutrition research activities to deal with changing U.S. health problems. Three key issues in changing policy are: 1) maintain the status quo; 2) make small alterations in the system; or 3) change the emphasis of federally fundednutrition research based on OTA, General Accounting Office (GAO) or Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) recommendations for strategies and options. Each strategy details research priorities, definition and funding, personnel requirements and proposed research organization. More information is needed on Federal expenditures and available personnel. Provision must be made for public nutrition education and food programs that emphasize the application of existing knowledge.