Food stamps given without nutrition education did not improve nutrition status in a group of disadvantaged women in the Southeast. Anthropometric, dietary, and biochemical data were collected from 123 low income women. Sixty-three women participated in the Food Stamp Program, and 60 women did not receive food stamps (control group). Ages ranged from 15 to 67. Mean body mass index of food stamp recipients was significantly higher (p⩽0.003) than the control group (31.7±29.2 versus 27.0±9.8). Mean percent body fat was significantly higher (p⩽0.005) in food stamp recipients (34.6±7.7) than those not receiving food stamps (30.1+8.9). Hemoglobin concentrations ranged from 8.7 to 19.7 for the total sample; mean hemoglobin for both groups was within normal limits at approximately 15 Hematocrit ranged from 19.5 to 50; the mean for both groups was below normal limits, 35.4+6.1 for food stamp recipients, and 36.6±5.4 for the control group. Mean diastolic and systolic blood pressures were less than 140 and 90 for both groups. Food stamp recipients had a lower mean energy intake (1727±818) than the control group (1858±799) as measured by 24 hour recall. Mean protein intake for both groups exceeded 100% of the Recommended Dietary Allowances. Both groups reported ingesting approximately 15% of their total energy intake as protein, 36% as fat and 49% as carbohydrate. Reported intakes of vitamins A, E, B6, and folate were below 100% of the RDA, but only vitamin D fell below two-thirds of the RDA for both groups. Reported intakes of thiamin, niacin, and riboflavin were at least 90% of the RDA; vitamin B12 was reported to be more than 150% of the RDA for both groups. On the other hand, calcium, iron, and zinc intake was reported to be less than 75% of the RDA in both groups. Two sample t-test results indicated no significant differences in the two groups’ dietary intakes, with the exception of the control group having significantly higher intakes of thiamin and niacin. Disadvantaged women appear to need nutrition education; availability of food stamps alone did not result in improvement in nutrition status.