Reasoning & Evidence
While community meal delivery programs are essential for ensuring individuals have access to nutritious food, they also hold great potential for creating social connection. This can particularly be the case for groups most at risk of experiencing social isolation and loneliness, including homebound older adults.(77) For those living alone, meal deliveries may be one of their only sources of in-person social interaction.
Leveraging the trust that builds over time between a meal delivery program and its clients, delivery drivers can work conversing with clients into their deliveries. While brief, these regular, in-person interactions can have an effect on loneliness and social support. In one study, 92% of clients reported feeling less lonely as a result of their interactions with delivery drivers.(78) Given that the extent of impact can depend on the number of visits and length of conversation per visit, consider how connection during deliveries can evolve into friendly calling and friendly visiting efforts that focus solely on social connection. These involve regular phone calls or in-person time between older adults and meal delivery volunteers, significantly impacting feelings of social disconnectedness.(79)
Examples of Community Implementation
Meals on Wheels programs (various): 5,000+ local Meals on Wheels programs are demonstrating how meal delivery can do so much more than ensure access to nutritious food, including providing much-needed social connection. In addition to connecting with clients during deliveries, Meals on Wheels programs also offer wellness checks and friendly visits that have demonstrably reduced loneliness.(80) These efforts highlight how clients’ regular interactions with volunteers can significantly enhance their quality of life in more ways than one.
Massachusetts and Rhode Island: Critical and chronic illnesses can significantly impact our ability to connect with others, particularly in the context of food, as preparing meals becomes physically challenging and dietary needs evolve. In recognition of access to nutritious food as a fundamental human right, Community Servings annually provides more than 1.2 million medically tailored meals to chronically and critically ill individuals and their families. The organization’s meal delivery program is made possible by a wide range of initiatives that foster social connection in and of themselves, including a culinary job training program for individuals facing employment barriers and volunteering opportunities that make it all possible.
Reference: The SOCIAL Framework Report: Food and Nutrition Sector