A study aims to address the negative effects of inadequate nutrition and lack of physical activity on older adults, particularly exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic in San Antonio, Texas. The pandemic disrupted Older Americans Act (OAA) nutrition services, leading to a decline in social, economic, and health-related interactions for many older adults. The proposed intervention targets older adults enrolled in a congregate meal program, focusing on improving food security and diet quality through digital nutrition education.

The study employs a stepped-wedge clustered randomized controlled trial, involving 398 participants from 12 meal sites. It includes a 20-week program with five weeks of in-person technology training and 15 weeks of online nutrition education tailored to cultural needs. Data will be collected at multiple points over 18 months to assess the intervention’s impact on food security, diet quality, technology use, physical activity, and social isolation.

Recruitment was completed in December 2022, with initial cohorts finishing in 2023 and 2024. The study’s findings could inform future interventions for vulnerable populations and enhance OAA nutrition services across the country.