From 06/01/24-09/30/24, Project Angel Heart successfully prepared and home-delivered 3,094 medically tailored meals to 41 Globeville, Elyria, and Swansea (GES) residents living with severe illness (representing 98% of our meal goal and 52% of our client goal for the full grant term). We anticipate meeting our overall client and meal goals by the conclusion of the grant term in March 2025. Each week, each client and their dependents received a delivery of 7-14 meals, plus sides such as fruit, dairy products, and bread, directly to their home and completely free of charge.

In addition to meals, all clients received nutrition education via nutrition flyers included in meal bags, and opportunities to connect individually over the phone and virtually in group settings with our registered dietitians, one of whom is a bilingual Spanish speaker. Of the GES residents served during the grant term: 45% were Latino/a/e, 41% were Caucasian, and 14% were African American; 17% were under the age of 18, 55% were ages 19-59, 28% were age 60+; and 55% were male, and 45% were female. Additionally, 7% were veterans, 90% were considered low-income (living at or below 200% of the federal poverty level, defined as an annual income of $30,120 for a household of one), and 24% were also living with a mental illness or cognitive deficit in addition to their disease diagnosis.

The most common disease diagnoses for this client population were heart failure, chronic obstructive kidney disease, and chronic kidney disease. As medically tailored meals are an evidence-based intervention, and considering the circumstances and challenges our clients are facing, we know that our program had a substantial impact on those served, as well as their families, during a time of crisis.

We’re pleased to report on clients’ outcomes related to receiving meals. Of clients surveyed during this time period: 62% reported improvements to their overall health; 63% reported improved adherence to their treatment regimen; 67% reported that they were able to remain independent at home; 81% reported healthy eating habits; 79% reported improved stress levels; 57% reported improved energy; and 66% reported improved ability to afford their basic needs (medications, co-pays, rent, childcare, etc.) due to the medically tailored meals we provided. Overall, 70% reported an overall improvement to their quality of life due to our meals.