The food services team at HonorHealth Scottsdale Thompson Peak Medical Center has partnered with the community to offer nutritious meals to homebound elderly neighbors through the Mobile Meal Program.

The program began back in 2015 as an attempt to develop interventions and improve nourishment for neighboring senior citizens, according to a press release.

Studies indicate  that providing a balanced proper nutrition can support aging immune systems better, and can lead to quicker recovery times for those discharged from hospitals, as well as reduce hospital admission rates.

“As a registered dietitian, the objective of our meal service program is work with our chef, Christine Leo, on an approved monthly menu for nutritional adequacy to ensure that seniors are receiving fresh, hot and nutritious meals,” said Melissa Schmidt, network director, clinical nutrition and food services at HonorHealth, in a prepared statement.

“This not only makes eating convenient for people, but can help improve nutrition outcomes as well.”

Many factors contribute to inadequate nutrition, the release said, adding describing the impact including undernourished seniors who don’t eat enough and whose daily health is affected.

The HonorHealth team prepares and packages an average of 700 meals a week for community volunteers to deliver the meals, the release noted.,

Residents receive a hot and well-balanced meal each day as meals arrive hot for immediate consumption, or can be refrigerated for later

Since last month, the program has provided an additional 100 meals a week and increased services to three area senior centers in the Scottsdale area due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We love that we’re able to provide this service to our community,” Ms. Schmidt said.

“It’s so rewarding to know that some of our homebound Scottsdale neighbors are able to receive a nutritious meal from us nearly every day.”