The New York Times article from February 24, 1969 discusses the impact of the nation's agricultural policies on the poor, highlighting the reemergence of nutritional diseases and mental retardation due to dietary deficiencies. While there have been some positive developments such as increased funding for investigations and plans to provide free food stamps in certain areas, there are still distressing aspects of the problem. The article criticizes the disproportionate spending on farm income stabilization programs compared to programs aiding the poor, as well as the refusal of the Agriculture Department to provide food or food stamps to the hungry in California. The article calls on Secretary of Agriculture Clifford M. Hardin to take action to address the widespread hunger in America.