A University Low-Income-Housing Partnership to Support Good Nutrition Among Vulnerable Older Adults During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

We implemented and evaluated the impact of an innovative, pandemic-responsive nutrition education program, Enhanced-10 Tips for Adults (e-TTA), on food security, socialization, and perceived health and wellbeing of residents (aged 60+) in a low-income senior housing setting in Maine. The program was tailored to meet needs of older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic and utilized health professions students to support the program. A quasi-experimental research design was employed to measure participant psychosocial and dietary outcomes. Participant, student and nutrition educator experiences were explored through qualitative interviews. Quantitative data analysis included frequencies, means, and paired sample t-tests. Qualitative data were coded and analyzed using a rigorous thematic content analysis approach. Participants (N = 68) reported satisfaction with the program. Healthy Eating Index scores were significantly improved as were fatty acid ratios, self-reports of changing meals to be healthier, and confidence in choosing healthy budget-friendly foods to buy. Recommendations for program improvement are also reported.