Food Feeback Survey

The results of Open Arms’ annual Food Feedback Survey are in! Each year, our registered dietitians in the Nutrition Services and Menu Development departments team up to create a survey that helps us improve the meals we create for our clients. The survey is administered to our clients in January, and the results are collected through February. Of the more than 2,300 surveys that were sent out, we received a total of 545 responses this year. 

Our goal is to understand our clients’ perception of meals and nutrition services, identify gaps in current offerings and services, and apply this information to quality improvement initiatives that enhance the client’s overall experience and satisfaction. The Food Feedback Survey continues to be a valuable tool for Open Arms as we maintain our position as an innovative leader in the food-as-medicine space and the sole provider of medically tailored meals in the Upper Midwest. 

Here are some of the highlights! 

Standout Sentiments 

• 99% say they like the way the food looks. (’25: 98%) 
• 97% say they like the way the food tastes. (’25: 96%) 
• 97% say there is enough variety in the food. (’25: 91%) 
• 98% say the food matches what their healthcare teamrecommends.(’25: 96%)  
• 85% say having the food prepared/ready to eat is important to them.(‘25:86%)

Medically Tailored Meal and Nutrition Services Impact 

• 85%say gettingOpen Arms meals has increased the variety of foods in their diet 
• 83% say gettingOpen Armsmeals has introduced them to new foods and/or flavors  
• 74% say gettingOpen Armsmeals has helped them increase their whole grain intake 
• 88% say the meals and nutrition services have helped them reach their nutrition goals 
• 88% say that they were satisfied with their experience with an Open Arms dietitian  

Standout Sentiments from Menu Types 
Individuals with CHF  

• 99% say the food sometimes or always matches their recommended diet.  

Individuals with ESRD  

• 100% say the food sometimes or always matches their recommended diet. 

Those on the Hmong menu 

• 96% say the foodsometimesor always is what they are used to eating. (’25:78%)  

Those on the East African menu 

• 85% say the foodsometimes or always iswhat they are used to eating. (’25:67%) 

Considerations for the future

• 71% say they would be interested in receiving breakfast items 
• Protein modification such as a ‘no fish’ option – 36% say they don’t eat the fish entrees 

Overall 
Many clients voiced appreciation for the quality and variety of the Open Arms meals. They specifically like the sandwiches, salads and fruit. They also enjoy meals with beef and potatoes. 

Client Quotes 
“Open Arms has changed my life giving me the ability to be consistent with a heart healthy diet along with being able to talk to dietitians has put my food health and heart in the right direction ~ I would like to thank ALL that make this possible literally changed my life ~ ~Thank You All” 

“Thank you for the food you give us, and we can’t go to the store because we don’t have a car and you send us food, we thank you heavily.”