Given the growing recognition of the importance of total fat, from the point of view of both disease risk and eating patterns, the primary focus of the intervention was to reduce the percentage of calories in the diet from fat. Four hundred households were recruited and randomly assigned to either an active intervention or observation group for a period of 18 months. Dietary change consistent with specific recommendations made to the American public for reducing cardiovascular (CV) risk was encouraged, namely, reduction in total fat, saturated fat (SFA), and cholesterol (Chol). A practical, community-based program was developed which could be taken into households. Nutrition education and enhancement of skills helpful in making behavioral change formed the basis of the intervention. Lay educators, recruited from the target neighborhoods, worked under the close supervision of a community nutritionist. Changes in reported dietary intake, serum lipids/lipoproteins and body weights were measured. In addition to the formal evaluation of the trial outcome, an important secondary goal was to obtain detailed information about eating patterns in this community and characterize behavior associated with the achievement and maintenance of target nutrient goals.