Food intakes, nutrition knowledge and selected demographic and personal information were collected from a group of 169 participants in the National Nutrition Program for the elderly in Prince George's County, Maryland. Mean intakes of most nutrients were high, relative to the RDA's, but the ranges of nutrients consumed showed a considerable variation among the group. Intakes of calcium and thiamin, by females were lowre than those of males. Scores on a nutrition knowledge test were generally low, indicating a need for improved nutrition education efforts in the meal program. Other factors related to dietary status and nutrition knowledge are reviewed and discussed.