Researchers are testing whether adding extra support to Meals on Wheels can help homebound older adults eat better and feel less lonely. The study gives some seniors the regular meal delivery program, while others get the same meals plus coaching calls from community health workers and bags of healthy groceries. Over 12 weeks, researchers will measure whether the extra help improves diet quality, food security, and overall well-being. This study could show whether simple additions to existing meal programs can make a bigger difference in seniors’ health and happiness.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether adding coaching calls and healthy grocery bags to Meals on Wheels helps homebound older adults eat better, feel less lonely, and improve their overall health.
  • Who participated: Homebound older adults in Rhode Island who are part of the Meals on Wheels program and at risk for poor nutrition. This pilot study included 12 participants to test the program before a larger study.
  • Key finding: This is a study protocol describing how researchers will test an enhanced Meals on Wheels program. The pilot with 12 people helped them refine their approach before testing with more participants.
  • What it means for you: If the full study shows positive results, Meals on Wheels programs across the country might add coaching and grocery deliveries to help seniors eat better and feel less isolated. This could be especially helpful for people who struggle with nutrition and loneliness.

The Research Details

This is a randomized controlled trial, which is considered one of the strongest ways to test whether a program works. Researchers randomly assigned participants to two groups: one receiving traditional Meals on Wheels (5 meals per week) and another receiving the same meals plus extra support. The enhanced group received four coaching calls from community health workers trained in motivational interviewing (a technique that helps people make positive changes) and three deliveries of healthy groceries over 12 weeks.

The researchers measured success using validated tools—these are questionnaires that scientists have already proven work well for measuring diet quality, food security, loneliness, and quality of life. They also asked participants about their satisfaction with the program. Before starting the full study, they tested everything with 12 people to make sure the program worked smoothly and made improvements based on what they learned.

Using a randomized controlled trial design is important because it helps prove that any improvements come from the program itself, not from other factors. By randomly assigning people to groups, researchers can be more confident that the two groups started out similar. The pilot study with 12 people was valuable because it allowed researchers to test their methods and fix any problems before investing in a larger, more expensive study.

This is a well-designed study protocol published in a reputable public health journal. The researchers tested their approach with a pilot group first, which shows they’re being careful and thoughtful. However, this is a study protocol—it describes the plan rather than results. The pilot sample of 12 people is small, so the full study with more participants will provide stronger evidence. The use of validated measurement tools increases confidence in the results.

What the Results Show

This document describes the study plan rather than actual results, since the research is currently underway (started June 2024). The main goal is to measure diet quality using a validated screening tool that has been proven to accurately assess what people eat. The researchers will compare diet quality between the group receiving traditional Meals on Wheels and the group receiving the enhanced program with coaching calls and grocery bags.

The study will also measure whether the enhanced program helps people feel less lonely, improves their food security (having enough healthy food to eat), and increases their overall quality of life. These secondary outcomes are important because good nutrition alone doesn’t guarantee health—feeling connected to others and having peace of mind about food access matter too.

Participants will be followed for 12 weeks, which gives enough time to see whether the coaching and grocery deliveries make a real difference. At the end, researchers will ask participants how satisfied they were with the program and whether they actually used the coaching calls and grocery bags.

Beyond diet quality, the study will examine food and nutrition security—whether people have reliable access to healthy food. This matters because homebound seniors may struggle to shop for groceries themselves. The study also measures loneliness, which is a serious health concern for older adults. Research shows that loneliness can be as harmful as smoking. Finally, the study looks at overall quality of life, which captures how people feel about their health and daily living.

Meals on Wheels programs have been shown to help homebound seniors get adequate nutrition, but research suggests many participants still struggle to meet their nutritional goals and often experience loneliness. This study builds on that knowledge by testing whether adding community health worker support and extra groceries can address these remaining gaps. The approach of using community health workers is promising because they often come from the same communities they serve and can build trust more easily than other healthcare providers.

This is a study protocol, so actual results aren’t available yet. The pilot study included only 12 people, which is a small number for testing a program. The full study will be larger, but we don’t yet know how many people will participate. The study takes place in Rhode Island, so results may not apply exactly the same way in other states with different resources or populations. The 12-week timeframe is relatively short—longer follow-up would show whether benefits last. Additionally, people who volunteer for studies like this may be more motivated than the general population, which could affect results.

The Bottom Line

This is a study protocol, so specific recommendations aren’t yet available. However, if the full study shows positive results, it would suggest that homebound seniors could benefit from: (1) Regular coaching calls focused on nutrition and motivation, (2) Supplemental healthy groceries beyond regular meal deliveries, and (3) Connection to community resources. These recommendations would have moderate confidence once the full study is complete and published.

Homebound older adults, their families, Meals on Wheels programs, healthcare providers serving seniors, and policymakers interested in senior nutrition should pay attention to this research. The findings could be especially relevant for seniors experiencing food insecurity, poor diet quality, or loneliness. However, people who are not homebound or not at nutritional risk may not benefit from this specific program.

The study began in June 2024 and follows participants for 12 weeks. Results will likely be published in 2025 or 2026. If the program works, it would take additional time for Meals on Wheels programs across the country to adopt these enhancements. Realistic expectations for seeing benefits in your own situation would be several weeks of consistent participation in coaching calls and using the grocery deliveries.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track weekly diet quality by logging meals received and noting how many servings of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains you consume. Rate your overall diet quality on a scale of 1-10 each week to see if it improves over the 12-week period.
  • Use the app to set specific nutrition goals based on coaching calls (for example, ‘add one vegetable to each meal’ or ‘drink more water’). Log when you use the healthy groceries delivered and note recipes or meals you create with them. This creates accountability and helps you see progress.
  • Create a simple weekly check-in where you rate three things: (1) How well you met your nutrition goals, (2) How often you felt lonely that week, and (3) Your overall satisfaction with your meals. Over 12 weeks, you’ll see patterns showing whether the program is helping. Share these check-ins with your community health worker to guide future coaching calls.

This article describes a research study protocol that is currently underway. Results are not yet available. This information is for educational purposes only and should not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider. If you are a homebound senior interested in nutrition support, speak with your healthcare provider or local Meals on Wheels program about available services. Community health worker coaching and grocery delivery programs may not be available in all areas. Always consult with a healthcare professional before making significant changes to your diet or nutrition plan, especially if you have existing health conditions or take medications that interact with food.