Meals on wheels: Promoting food and nutrition security among older persons in Cape Town, South Africa
Date
2023Author
Nkurunziza, Magnifique
Mchiza, Zandile June-Rose
Zembe, Yanga
Metadata
Show full item recordAbstract
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.