Data from Ethiopia, the Philippines, and Pakistan are used in this paper to examine the complex interaction of illness and lack of food on malnutrition rates among preschool children. The paper finds that when diarrhea is prevalent, the effects of food shortages on malnutrition are worse, and when food is scarce, the effects of diarrhea on malnutrition are worse. Policymakers not only must aim to increase incomes and food consumption, but also to assure access to health care, clean water, and sanitation.