‘ Marshall Islands: A Study of Diet and Living Patterns J. R. Naidu, N. A. Greenhouse, G. Knight*, and E. C. Craighead** ABSTRACT This study summarizes information on diet and living patterns for the Marshallese. The data used was derived from literature, personal observations through living with the Marshallese for periods extending from months to years, answers to questionnaires and from direct participation in their activities. The results reflect the complex interactions of parameters, such as, the Marshallese being primarily food gatherers, recipients of food aid through programs like the school-lunch, typhoon-relief, food distributed to populations displaced as a result of nuclear testing, and in recent times the availability of cash for the purchase of imported foods. The results identify these influences and is therefore restricted to local food diets while recognizing that the living patterns are changing as faod gathering is replaced by food aid. The data will therefore provide the necessary information for input into models that will assess the radiological impacts consequent to this study be continued predictable trends in inhabi~ing the Marshall Islands. for at least two to three years local food consumption and living * Majuro, Marshall Islands ** Fairfield, Connecticut It is recognized that in order to identify patterns.