Why patients stay in or leave a medically tailored meals program: a qualitative study

20260 citationsJournal Articlegold Open Access

Authors

Sara C. Folta · Tufts University

Jessica E. Burch · Community Servings

Matthew Alcusky · Harvard University

Arlene S. Ash · Harvard University

Kurt Hager · Harvard University

Jean Terranova · Community Servings

Fang Fang Zhang ·

Abstract

These novel findings explore patients' reasons for starting, completing, and stopping MTMs. Findings suggest strategies to improve program completion, such as addressing expectations about weight outcomes, taste, and portion size. Our study demonstrates the value of patient feedback for learning how to improve program effectiveness.

Topics & Keywords

Nutrition and Health in Aging Food Security and Health in Diverse Populations Consumer Attitudes and Food Labeling

UN Sustainable Development Goals

Zero hunger

Publication Details

Published in: Frontiers in Public Health

Volume 14, pp. 1737511-1737511

DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2026.1737511

Field-Weighted Citation Impact: 0.00