Kroger Health, a division of the Kroger Company, has partnered with Performance Kitchen to provide patients suffering from chronic diseases with meals that have been specially prepared to address their dietary needs.
Because of this collaborative effort, Kroger Health is now serving meals that have been reviewed and authorized by a qualified dietitian for the first time as a healthy intervention for those living with illnesses such as heart disease, diabetes and cancer. It is a continuation of the company’s previous work in the field of food-as-medicine.
The mission of the team of chefs, medical professionals, and registered dietitians at Performance Kitchen is to provide meals that are nutritionally sound by emphasizing the consumption of high-quality proteins, complete amounts of vegetables, healthy fats, whole grain products, and fiber, while reducing the amount of salt and added sugar. The meals are individually portioned, frozen, and ready to be heated. Since 2021, the firm has been providing meal delivery to members of various health plans who are eligible for the service.
Dishes such as chicken Dijon with kale, Moroccan chicken served alongside quinoa and salmon pasta are among the alternatives available in the meals, which are designed to appeal to a wide range of demographics. Medically tailored food is developed to cater to the particular requirements of individuals and has the potential to considerably enhance their overall health. Both the crew at Performance Kitchen and the trained dietitians at Kroger Health will have to give approval to the meals before they are served.
The Evidence Review Cited by Kroger
Kroger pointed to an evidence review and national simulation investigation that the Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy at Tufts University conducted. It showed that:
- These meals could potentially curtail over 1.5 million hospitalizations
- They could help save those who pay over $13 billion in a single year after covering the total expense of food.
- Over a 10-year period, there could be potential savings of $185.1 billion in healthcare spending.
- Roughly 18 million hospitalizations could be avoided through such meals.
James Kirby, the Chief Commercial Officer at Kroger Health, expressed the company’s commitment to empowering individuals by providing them with resources to make informed and healthy choices. He stated in a press release that their focus is on enhancing options and accessibility to aid people in enhancing their quality of life, as well as preventing and managing diseases.
Kroger may complement the meals with video consultations with qualified nutritionists and access to healthy grocery options. According to its website, Kroger has begun accepting UnitedHealthcare, Ambetter, and Anthem insurance for its telenutrition solutions in some areas and for some employer groups.
