Abstract: Nutrition is a critical factor in promoting health, preventing disease, and recovering from illness. The impact of sub-optimal nutrition is evidenced throughout the life cycle; seven of the leading causes of death in the U.S. have dietary implications. Iron-deficiency anemia, obesity, and child retardation in poverty families is prevalent. Nutrition services should be built into all health care delivery systems to provide continuity of care. Five basic services are necessary components for quality nutrition services: screening and assessment, intervention, assessing quality nutrition services, data collection, and monitoring and evaluation. The need for effective nutrition planning and policy formation becomes more evident as more demands are placed on national resources.