Abstract: A national food consumption survey was conducted by the USDA in 1965 to help determine nutritional status and to provide information to public program administrators, food manufacturing and research groups, and nutritionists. The nutritive value of diets was calculated for urban, rural, farm and nonfarm households per person and per unit; money value and nutrients containing specified amounts of nutrients. Some findings were that the average American diet was sufficient in calories and protein; that 90% provided the recommended amounts of iron, thiamine and riboflavin; and 50% deficient were calcium, vitamin A and ascorbic acid. Higher income levels correlated with a higher percentage of good diets, though fewer households overall had a good diet compared with 1955.