Evaluating the Long-Term Health Outcomes of a Medically Tailored Meal Provider: A Pilot Program Evaluation for MANNA

MANNA provides medically tailored meals (MTM) and nutrition counseling to individuals at risk for disease-related malnutrition in the Philadelphia region. A pilot program evaluation was conducted to measure the long-term health outcomes of the MTM intervention to facilitate evidence-based program improvement. The aims of the evaluation were to (1) assess malnutrition risk, food insecurity risk, and the physical health status of former clients; and (2) understand perceptions, risk factors, and protective factors of achieving long-term health outcomes post-services. The Malnutrition Screening Tool, Hunger Vital Sign, PROMIS Scale v1.2 – Global Health Physical 2a, and a semi-structured interview were conducted with clients who completed services 2 to 3 months prior. Results (N=21) showed moderate evidence of reduced risk for malnutrition from program intake to program exit, and risk remained low at follow-up. There was high prevalence of food insecurity and poor physical health during and after the program. Thematic analysis of interviews indicated that clients experienced improved dietary awareness and initiated positive behavior changes during the program, however issues such as food insecurity, physical disability, and complex dietary restrictions adversely affected dietary maintenance post-services. Factors associated with maintained dietary improvements included family support, participation in other food programs, and prior participation in nutrition counseling services. In summary, results suggested that program participation was associated with improved nutritional status during the program, and improving long-term outcomes may be possible by involving family members in MANNA’s care process, connecting clients to other food programs, and increasing uptake of nutrition counseling