The purpose of this research was to compare the 24-hour recall with the food record method and assess its validity as applied to elderly populations in institutionalized settings. The population studied was a group if 89 elderly residents in the Loretto Geriatric Center, Syracuse, New York. The major hypothesis was that the 24-hour recall is a valid dietary survey method for obtaining information on food intake. The 24-hour recall method was compared with a food intake record. Qualitative analysis of the data was based on recalled frequencies of 18 food groups. The validity coefficients, ranging from .23 (butter/cream) to .64 (eggs) were low for most items. Ther2, which indicates unobserved erros, varied from .05 (butter/cream) to .41 (eggs.) These findings suggest the need for continued research into valid methods of dietary assessment.