# A social return on investment analysis of a free meal program to support rural cancer patients and caregivers travelling for treatment

## TL;DR

Providing free meals to rural cancer patients and caregivers during treatment trips saves time and money, and creates three times more social value than the cost.

## Contribution

This study demonstrates the positive social return on investment and high acceptability of a free meal program for rural cancer patients and caregivers.

## Key findings

- Every dollar invested in the meal program generated an estimated AU$3.06 of social value.
- Guests valued time saved, cost savings, and healthier meals during the intervention.
- Meal enjoyment and satisfaction were significantly higher during the intervention period.

## Abstract

Travelling for cancer treatment imposes financial burden and disrupts routines, including food access and preparation. This study assessed the social return on investment (SROI) and acceptability of providing a free, healthy meal to rural cancer patients and caregivers on arrival at a city-based accommodation lodge operated by a not-for-profit cancer support organisation.

Baseline survey data were collected from lodge guests over an 8-week period, and again during an 8-week Intervention period where guests received a free meal from an on-site fresh food vending machine on the day of arrival. Descriptive statistics, qualitative analyses, and concurrent forecast and evaluative SROI analyses were conducted to evaluate the free meal program.

During Baseline and Intervention phases, 344 guests stayed at the lodge, with 178 (52%) and 106 (31%) surveys completed, respectively. From Baseline surveys, guests spent on average 60 min (range: 5–180 min) preparing and/or acquiring their meal on arrival, and paid AU$15.00 per person (range: AU$1.50–$50.00) for their meal and AU$10.00 per person (range: AU$3.00–$50.00) in travel/delivery costs. From Intervention surveys, guests valued the time saved preparing and/or acquiring a meal (90%), costs saved on travel/delivery (83%) and meals (80%), and a healthier or higher protein meal (60%). Every dollar invested in the meal program generated an estimated AU$3.06 of social value. For acceptability, meal enjoyment and satisfaction were higher among the Intervention group compared to Baseline (90% vs. 54%, 92% vs. 81%, respectively).

A free meal program for rural cancer patients and caregivers travelling for treatment generated a positive SROI and was highly acceptable.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00520-025-09662-9.