A Flexible Congregate Meal Program for Older Adults in Hawai'i: A Quasi-Experimental Evaluation of KÅ«puna U

Top Things to Know

The Kūpuna U Virtual model significantly improved food security and self-rated health, demonstrating that food-based interventions delivered remotely can be effective therapeutic tools.

Offering multiple service models (including virtual options) helps reach older adults who are homebound or face transportation challenges.

The success of the Virtual model suggests that integrating technology into food assistance programs can extend reach and reduce infrastructure costs.

Summary of Conclusion/Findings

The Kūpuna U program in Hawaii was a flexible congregate meal initiative designed to address food insecurity, loneliness, and self-rated health among older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants self-selected into one of three models: Virtual (grab-and-go meals + online activities), Hybrid (grab-and-go meals + mixed activities), or Traditional (in-person meals and activities). The Virtual model showed statistically significant improvements in food insecurity (from 1.73 to 0.04, p < 0.001) and self-rated health (from 2.92 to 3.72, p = 0.005), outperforming the other models. The Hybrid model saw an increase in loneliness, while the Traditional model showed no significant changes. The study suggests that virtual, technology-enhanced nutrition programs may be more effective for older adults facing mobility or transportation barriers. However, self-selection bias and small sample sizes limit causal conclusions.