In 1958 a project was begun in a small, isolated, rural farm community in Puerto Rico to provide nutrition education and improve other conditions of home and community living. Preliminary meetings, interviews, and examinations revealed the interest and great need of the 100 families. Progress reports were made after 1 year, 2 years, and 5 years. The 90 children were given 3 meals a day at the 2-room elementary school, along with instruction about good foods. The families were given information and demonstrations on home food production and nutrition. Housing, school, and public facilities (such as roads and water supply) were repaired or newly constructed. The community attitude toward self help was raised considerably. Although all problems were not solved, many deficiencies began to be corrected. Partly because of the on-going improvements at Dona Elena, the Governor of Puerto Rico in 1960 established a Commission for Improvement of Isolated Communities to administer other programs similar to the Dona Elena Project. (JAM)