Results are presented from a nutritional and food intake evaluation done in families from the State of Veracruz-México. A survey was made of 2495 families, and anthropometric measurements were made on 1753 children of less than 6 years in age. The correlation between socioeconomic variables and habitual diet and anthropometric indicators was studied. Family food expenses were similarly studied in relation to the socioeconomic level and municipality of residence. The usual diet of most of the population is based on the consumption of corn and beans. Also included were tomatoes, onions, chilies, oranges, lemons and bananas. Better economic conditions were associated with people who own a refrigerator (r=0.60) and who have higher consumption of dairy products, packaged cereal, mayonnaise, carrots and meats. 17.8% of the preschool population shows malnutrition according to the weight/age index suggested by the WHO/NCHS reference population for Z ≤ -2. For the same preschool population, the analysis of the height/age index shows that 23.2% show retarded growth. Significant differences were found between boys and girls, according to the weight/age and the height/age indexes. It is concluded that 65% of the families are located in the lower class, and only 2% in the upper class, which is reflected in the degree of schooling, characteristics of dwellings and habitual diet, which produces the present nutritional state of the juvenile population.