A Trend Analysis of Home-Delivered Meal Programs in the US.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction/objectives

Home-delivered meals improve diet quality and increase independence in homebound individuals. Yet, home-delivered meal service data at a US national level remains scarce.

Methods

Based on NHANES (National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys) data from 23 000 participants (2009-2023), we performed a secular trend analysis and reviewed the prevalence of home-delivered meals from community programs, "Meals on Wheels," and other government programs in adults aged ≥60 years. A special focus was put on sociodemographic characteristics and physical disabilities of home-delivered meal recipients.

Results

Up to 4% of the older US population reported home-delivered meals in the 2021 to 2023 NHANES cycle - the highest weighted proportion in all exami

SUBMITTER: Storz MA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12464412 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jan-Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature