LEARNING OUTCOME: To compare changes in dietary patterns based on food pyramid/CSFII groupings rather than Recommended Dietary AllowancesPeople select and consume foods not nutrients. Nutritionintervention appears to be most effective when clients are instructed about specific foods to eat and not eat. Yet when programs are evaluated for effectiveness, pre- and post-intervention intakes are compared based on specific nutrients in the Recommend Dietary Allowances However the RDA do not sensitively measure desired food intake changes when nutrient intake is above 100% of the recommendations. Data were collected on 16 subjects who received nutrition intervention as part of the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) and 12 control subjects. Nutrition assessment data included 24-hour recall diet histories for both groups prior to intervention and one year later. Pre- and post-intervention dietary intake data were compared using RDA and defined food groups adapted from food pyramid and USDA Continuing Survey of Food Intakes by Individuals (CSFII). Baseline mean intakes for both groups were approximately 100% of RDA for water soluble vitamins and approximately two-thirds of RDA for fat soluble vitamins and minerals. One year later, the EFNEP group reported lower intakes of vitamins D and E, and calcium, while the control group reported significantly lower (p <0.05) vitamin E intakes and increased calcium intake. When data were analyzed using food pyramid/CSFII groupings, differences in dietary patterns became apparent. The EFNEP group reported ingesting less whole milk, cheese, fats, white bread (p < 0.03), vegetables, fruits, and cereals, but more 2% milk, meats, whole grain products, starchy vegetables, biscuits and muffins, and high fat and sugar snacks. The control group reported ingesting more whole milk, cheese, meats, fats, fruits, but fewer vegetables, breads, cereals, and high fat and sugar snacks. Preliminary results indicate that food pyramid/CSFII food group parameters may more accurately measure changes in food intake behaviors than the RDA standard.