Aims: Travelling for treatment imposes a financial burden on rural cancer patients and their families, coupled with the inconvenience and social costs of being away from home. To reduce this burden, dietitians and researchers at Cancer Council Queensland (CCQ) initiated the MEAL project (Making it Easy to Access a meal on arrival at the Lodge).
Methods: Over an 8-week period, guests staying at CCQ’s Brisbane accommodation lodge were invited to complete a survey on meal acquisition behaviours and costs for their first meal at the lodge, and anticipated benefits if they were to receive a free, healthy meal on arrival. Survey data were used to conduct a forecast social return on investment analysis for providing lodge guests with a free, healthy meal on arrival.
Results: Of 344 guests during the 8-week period, 178 (52%) completed the survey. Twenty-three percent brought their first meal from home, 14% during transit, and 62% after arriving at the lodge. For the latter two groups, most guests purchased their meal from a cafe (34%), grocery store (25%), or fast food chain (17%). On average, meals cost AUD$15.00 (range AUD$1.50-$50.00) and travel or delivery cost AUD$10 (range AUD$3.00-$50.00) per person. Guests reported spending 60 minutes (range 5-180 minutes) preparing and/or acquiring their meal. If a free, healthy meal was provided on arrival, 88% perceived time saved as beneficial, 80% a free meal, 75% no travel or delivery costs, and 75% a healthier or higher protein meal. For every dollar invested in the MEAL project, an estimated AUD$3.00 of social value will be generated for guests.
Conclusions: Through the time and costs saved, and provision of a higher quality meal, the MEAL project offers a practical solution for reducing the burden on rural cancer patients and families travelling for treatment, with a positive social return on investment.