Meals on wheels: Promoting food and nutrition security among older persons in Cape Town, South Africa
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Date
2023
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
MDPI
Abstract
Food insecurity (FI) prevails in Sub-Saharan Africa. Yet, in South Africa, although many
people, including the elderly, are vulnerable to FI, little is known about the experiences of older
persons (OPs) with FI and the interventions thereof. In South Africa, Meals on Wheels Community
Service (MOWCS) provides readymade home meal deliveries for OPs through 209 branches across
the country. Therefore, this study investigated MOWCS’ role in the promotion of food security among
the OPs at the Brooklyn branch, Cape Town. The study was grounded within the food security
framework and focused on the availability, accessibility, utilization, and stability of food at Brooklyn
MOWCS. Using qualitative research methods, 10 semi-structured interviews and one focus group
discussion (N = 5) were conducted with Brooklyn MOWCS beneficiaries, in addition to three key
personnel interviews conducted with staff. Data were analysed using Open Code 4.03. The findings
showed Brooklyn MOWCS as a stable source of affordable and nutritious meals to OPs.
Description
Keywords
Public health, Food security, Social grant, Nutrition security, South Africa
Citation
Nkurunziza, M. et al. (2023). Meals on wheels: Promoting food and nutrition security among older persons in Cape Town, South Africa. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 20(3), 2561. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20032561