Cleveland Clinic is partnering with Nestlé USA to launch a first-of-its-kind pilot program providing no-cost frozen meal delivery via Instacart to Cleveland Clinic employees as part of a weight management program.
Participants receive e-coaching from a certified health coach for weight management through Cleveland Clinic’s employee health plan. Now, in addition to coaching, they will receive 10 dietitian-approved, frozen prepared meals from Nestlé USA every two weeks for three months at no cost to them. The meals will be delivered via Instacart biweekly from local grocery stores. The program will give participants Instacart Health Fresh Funds – category-specific virtual stipends – to pay for the frozen meals.
Cleveland Clinic and Nestlé USA dietitians chose meals that meet Cleveland Clinic nutrition criteria, from Sweet Earth®Foods, LEAN CUISINE® and LIFE CUISINE®. Participants also will receive education on how to fit these meals into their overall eating plan.
Following the 12-week pilot, Cleveland Clinic and Nestle will assess results and jointly explore ways to expand this frozen meal/coaching program to not only patients and caregivers within Cleveland Clinic, but to employers and consumers.
“We are pleased to begin this partnership and think creatively about how to help individuals feel their best and stay healthy,” said Robert Saper, M.D., chair of Wellness and Preventive Medicine at Cleveland Clinic. “With this pilot program, we are hoping to determine if offering delivered, pre-portioned meals along with e-coaching is more effective than e-coaching alone in helping our employees meet their weight goals."
The pilot will measure how the meals impact engagement in e-coaching, how often people are ordering meals, and pre- and post-program weight.
“Planning and preparing nutritionally balanced meals is often a time-consuming and arduous step for people looking to manage certain health conditions. Frozen entrees can help alleviate that pain point, providing a delicious, balanced and convenient solution," said Tom Moe, president, Nestlé Meals Division. “By leveraging Nestle’s insights as the world’s largest food and beverage company, and Cleveland Clinic’s expertise in health and wellness, this innovative partnership offers us the opportunity to understand how we can better support people on their health journey."
Nestlé is providing funding for the meals and delivery as part of this pilot program.