Childhood obesity has reached epidemic proportions in the U.S. University health and physical education programs have a unique opportunity to assist in childhood obesity prevention through service-learning programs. However, prior to the implementation of service-learning curricula, it is imperative to gain insight in the unique needs of the selected community. The purpose of this study was to understand a service-learning community through exploring parent, teacher, and student perceptions about healthy lifestyles, barriers to achieving healthy lifestyles, and what families and schools can do to help prevent childhood obesity. During the spring and summer of 2004, researchers conducted focus groups of children, parents, and teachers in a minority, low-income neighborhood located within a West Texas city. Results revealed that childhood obesity prevention was a challenge for the population in this study. The complex interplay between personal factors, environment and situations, and the underlying issue of poverty all interacted to influence behavior in a striking way. University service-learning programs can play a unique role in childhood obesity prevention through teaching university students how to develop essential cultural competencies and communication skills that can enhance relationships and strengthen family involvement in the health education process. (Contains 1 figure.)