Formative Evaluation of a Home-Delivered Meal Program to Enhance Social Connection Among Homebound Older Veterans

Melissa R. Cruz, Aanand D. Naik, Jason Burnett, Jack Tsai, Vanessa Schick, Department of Management, Policy and Community Health, UTHealth Houston School of Public Health, Institute on Aging, UTHealth Houston, Joan and Stanford Alexander Division of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine, McGovern Medical School

Journal of Applied Gerontology

Published online on May 30, 2026

Abstract

Journal of Applied Gerontology, Ahead of Print.
BackgroundSocial disconnectedness, including isolation and loneliness, is a growing concern among older veterans, who are disproportionately affected and often less likely to seek assistance. Home-delivered meals offer opportunities to address social ...