“Meals on Wheels of America partnered with Brown University’s Center for Gerontology and Healthcare Research to conduct the More Than A Meal research study. The primary objective was to assess the impact of home-delivered meals on the health and well-being of older adults. The study, which was funded by the AARP Foundation, involved more than 600 older adults over a period of 15 weeks. Participants received three different levels of service: daily traditional meal delivery, once-weekly frozen meal delivery and continuance on a waiting list for meals.”

“The national Meals on Wheels network continues to face limited funding, rising costs, unprecedented demand and need and increasing for-profit competition. That is why Meals on Wheels America set out to compare the experience and health outcomes realized by older adults who receive three different levels of service: daily traditional meal delivery, once-weekly frozen delivery and individuals on a waiting list.

“This study, funded by AARP Foundation and conducted by researchers at Brown University, implemented a groundbreaking approach to investigating the impact of meal service delivery on homebound seniors receiving Meals on Wheels. The study’s findings validate what we’ve all known for decades anecdotally through firsthand experience: that Meals on Wheels does in fact deliver so much more than just a meal.” - SOURCE: Meals on Wheels America Website

“In a randomized, controlled trial commissioned by Meals on Wheels America, a Brown University public health researcher found that home-delivered meals provide health and psychological benefits to seniors beyond basic nutrition.” - SOURCE: Brown University