This monograph provides an interpretation of the work and ideas of Paulo Freire and describes an attempt to use his methods in a preliminary trial of a small scale nutrition program in four villages in Maranhao State, Northeast Brazil. The introductory chapter indicates the seriousness of the nutritional problems of the rural poor as well as the psychological effects of oppression and suggests that the philosophy and methods of Friere provide a framework for improving the villagers' lives. The next two chapters introduce Freire's educational ideas and methods and are followed by an application of these methods to nutrition education. An exploratory, three month study of the implementation of a nutrition education program is described and discussed in the four remaining chapters. The purpose and design of the study, aspects of the people and locale studied, transcripts of discussions in community meetings, as well as data on food availability, food consumption, clinical signs, anthropometric measurements, their correlations with dietary information, and the process of sharing findings with community members are reported. The final chapter reflects on and informally assesses the use of the Freire Method in the education project. Related materials are appended. (Author/RH)