More than one-third of Health Trust Meals On Wheels clients now identify as Asian, compared to just 19% pre-pandemic.
This September, The Health Trust, a Silicon Valley based operating foundation focused on building health equity and the largest non-governmental operator of Meals On Wheels in Santa Clara County, launched its first-ever Asian fusion menu for the program in response to the rise in Asian American clients.
Through the Ethnic Meals Choice pilot project, The Health Trust aims to meet the nutritional & dietary needs of its increasingly diverse population of over 1,100 clients which reflects the diversity of Santa Clara County. Currently, 76% of clients identify as non-white; however, the organization’s meal plans traditionally reflected a “Western” menu, which is customary in most meal delivery programs. However, program coordinators have found that these meals are not always palatable for all clients, especially clients of color.
With an influx of new COVID-19 clients over the last 18 months, The Health Trust also saw a change in client ethnicity demographics. More than one-third of their Meals On Wheels clients now identify as Asian, compared to just 19% pre-pandemic.
“The menu and meals previously delivered through the program, although nutritionally sound and full of flavor, sometimes lack the comforting feeling of foods familiar to Asian clients,” says Dr. Kelly Chau, Senior Vice President of Programs at The Health Trust. “Feedback from Asian clients and their caregivers regarding meal choices presented us with an opportunity to address the importance of cultural meals, especially in a diverse region such as Santa Clara County.”
“Our goal is to increase food security AND provide nutrition for homebound seniors and adults with disabilities,” says Michele Lew, CEO of The Health Trust. “In order to be healthy, stabilize medical conditions, and stay independent, older adults need proper nutrition. However, no matter how appetizing and nutritionally sound meals and food may be, if they are not consumed, then none of these areas can be addressed.”
“Removing all barriers to accessing nutritious food by 1) home delivering meals, 2) providing food that is healthy, meets key dietary guidelines, and can be medically tailored, 3) offering food that tastes good, and 4) delivering meals that are culturally appropriate, familiar, and comforting will help ensure seniors consume the food while improving their sense of wellbeing,” added Lew.
The Asian Fusion Menu will be a 15-day menu cycle, with meals approved by Amee Madura, The Health Trust’s in-house registered dietician. Madura works closely with local partner Bloom Catering to ensure the menu meets meal standards for seniors, as outlined by the federal Older Americans Act, which provides the equivalent of one-third of the daily dietary requirements and is freshly prepared without added salt or preservatives. Meals include lemongrass chicken stir-fry, teriyaki glazed salmon, yellow curry with tofu, and Korean BBQ.
Dallas Lee is the Volunteer Coordinator for Bloom, a Vietnamese American nonprofit catering business supporting communities in need locally and abroad through Aid to Children Without Parents and other charitable activities. Bloom is partnering with The Health Trust to develop the new Asian Fusion menu and provide the meals with Meals On Wheels.
“When Meals On Wheels reached out to us, we felt it was a perfect fit,” said Lee. “Especially during this time of pandemic, we found it important to reach out more to help our seniors in need.”
Clients consume an average of 200 meals per person per year. The Health Trust is committed to responding to community needs and delivering 300,000 meals for fiscal year 2022. Through this innovative approach, funded in part by Stanford Health Care, Kaiser Permanente, and HealthNet, The Health Trust plans to serve at least 10,000 Asian Fusion meals to 50 or more Meals On Wheels clients in the pilot’s first year.
The Health Trust hopes this pilot will lead to the expansion of ethnic meal choices in the future, such as a Mexican/Hispanic menu, and begin to bridge the gaps in conventional food delivery services for low income seniors, homebound older adults, and those with disabilities.
“When these options are in place, we will know that we are closing an important cultural service gap in conventional meal delivery programs and providing access to a new group of older adults who will benefit on multiple levels from culturally appropriate food,” added Dr. Chau. “We look forward to offering an array of different meal options to all of our Meals on Wheels clients.”
If you would like to donate to support the Ethnic Meals Choice pilot project, visit healthtrust.org/donate and choose the Meals On Wheels designation or email development@healthtrust.org.