Maintaining physical function is important for preserving independence and quality of life in old age, especially for older women who generally live longer and are less physically active than men1-2. The association between healthy dietary patterns and physical function in healthy community-dwelling older adults is inconsistent and may be influenced by other factors, such as physical activity3. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the association between diet quality and physical function in healthy community-dwelling older women. This cross-sectional study includes 64 women (mean age 70.9 ± 4.0) that were recruited in Melbourne through community-based fitness centres, local newspapers and University newsletters, as part of a larger Healthy Ageing Project. No inclusion / exclusion criteria were applied other than participants were aged 65 years and over. Participants were assessed for hand grip strength (HG, handheld dynamometer), gait speed (GS) (4m), 5-repetition sit-to-stand (S-to-S), timed up and go (TUG) and the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB). Physical activity levels were assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire and diet quality evaluated using the Australian Eating Survey using their cut-off for diet quality (‘needs work’ = < 33 points, ‘getting there’ = 33-38 points, ‘excellent’ = 39-46 points, ‘outstanding’ = 47-73 points). Participants were categorised into eating patterns considered high (score of 39 and over, n=30) or low (score of 0 to 38, n = 34) quality. Variables were expressed as mean (95% confidence intervals, CI). Group differences in outcomes were considered present if the upper and lower limits of the 95%CI did not overlap. Mean diet scores for the two groups were; high 44 (42-45) and low 32 (30-34) but groups did not differ in relative protein intake, with both groups consuming above the Australian (1.0 g / kg body weight [BW]) and international (1.2 g / kg BW) recommendations (high, 1.4 g / kg BW; 1.3-1.5 vs 1.2 g / kg BW; 1.0-1.4). Groups did not differ in measures of physical function (HG; high mean, 25.5 kg; 23.8-27.2, low mean, 25.4 kg; 24.2-26.6), (GS; high mean, 1 (S-to-S; high mean, 10.1 sec; 8.9-11.3, low mean, 10.4 sec; 9.6-11.2), (TUG; high mean, 7.4 sec; 6.9-7.9, low mean, 7.3; sec 6.9-7.7), (SPPB; high mean, 10.6 points; 9.5-11.7, low mean, 10.3 points; 9.1-11.5) nor vigorous physical activity levels (number of weight training sessions per week; high mean, 1.7; 1.3-2.1, low mean, 1.3; 0.9-1.7). Among healthy community-dwelling older women with adequate protein intakes, diet quality was not related to physical function. Diet quality may be potentially more influential on physical function in vulnerable older adults in whom low diet quality may compromise protein intake.