Dietary Intake of Homebound Elderly Recipients and Nonrecipients of Home-Delivered Meals

Dietary intakes of 54 home-bound elderly recipients and nonrecipients of home-delivered meals were examined, utilizing the 24-hour recall. Nonrecipients had significantly greater intakes of carbohydrate, thiamin, and iron than recipients. More than 50% of all subjects consumed less than the RDA for vitamin A, riboflavin, calcium, phosphorus, and iron. Calcium intake was below the RDA for 82% of the subjects. Mean fat and saturated fat intake exceeded recommendations for both recipients and nonrecipients. Provision of nutrition services to homebound elderly appears to be lagging behind need.