Partner agencies have several convenient options to refer a member to Homestyle Direct. Homestyle Direct accommodates the preferred method of each partner agency and can accept referrals through the following channels:

• Email: support@homestyledirect.com
• Fax: 208-423-4615
• Phone: 1 (866) 735-0921
• Homestyle Direct Website – New member forms
• U.S. mail via: ATTN: Data Entry, 2032 Highland Ave E., Twin Falls, Idaho 83301

Referrals can be submitted using the partner’s referral forms, or Homestyle Direct can provide a referral form if needed. Additionally, Homestyle Direct’s New Member Team offers a direct communication line to assist with any questions and help create new accounts. You can reach them at (866) 735-0921.

A medically tailored meal is designed by registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs) to meet the nutritional needs of individuals with food insecurity or chronic health conditions. These meals are created to support health management and are aligned with industry standards to ensure they address the specific dietary requirements of conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and others.

Types of Medically Tailored Meal Plans:

• Heart-Friendly^[1]: Low-sodium meals for individuals with hypertension or heart disease. These meals contain heart-healthy fats and include a variety of fruits, vegetables, and starches to support cardiovascular health, lower blood pressure, and lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels. This diet is also lower in total and saturated fat.

• Diabetic-Friendly^[2]: Balanced meals that help manage blood sugar levels by reducing total carbohydrates.

• Renal-Friendly^[3]: For individuals with kidney disease, focusing on reducing sodium, potassium, and phosphorus.

• Health Support Meals: These choices are designed to provide extra calories and protein to support overall health. The meals include a variety of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and whole grains for balanced nutrition.

Homestyle Direct employs a registered dietitian to ensure all menu items meet these nutritional standards and provide detailed nutritional information for each meal. These meal plans help members manage their health conditions while ensuring they receive adequate nutrition^[4].

^[1] Heart Friendly Meals:

Heart Healthy Eating Plan (nih.gov)

Heart.Org

^[2] Diabetic-Friendly Meals:

Diabetes.org

Carbohydrates: How carbs fit into a healthy diet – Mayo Clinic:

^[3] Renal Friendly

Kidney.org/Nutrition

AAKP.org

Kidneyfund.org

^[4] Homestyle Direct meals are designed to meet the Dietary Guidelines for 55 and over and 1/3 of the Daily Recommended Intake per meal as established by the Older American’s Act for Medicaid meals.

Due to vulnerabilities in nutrition security, our nation’s seniors are at increased risk of developing new or worsening existing chronic diseases. RDNs are uniquely qualified to identify and address these nutrition-related issues, including access and equity, as part of person-centered interventions.

By delivering comprehensive nutrition care and services, RDNs play a crucial role in reducing and managing the chronic diseases faced by our seniors, making these advancements beneficial for them and their families.

Home-delivered meals provide numerous benefits, particularly for those managing chronic health conditions or facing food insecurity.

Key Benefits:

• Health Management: Nutritious meals tailored to specific dietary needs help manage chronic diseases, supporting better health outcomes.
• Food Security: These services help combat food insecurity, particularly in underserved or rural areas, by ensuring regular access to nutritious meals.
• Convenience: Meals are delivered directly to members’ homes, reducing the need for grocery shopping and meal preparation, which can be challenging for some individuals.
• Improved Quality of Life: Consistent access to healthy meals can lead to better overall well-being, reducing stress and improving members’ ability to live independently.
• Aging In-Place Support: Homestyle Direct ensures that these benefits reach members across 30 states, including urban, rural, and very rural areas, making a significant impact where it is needed most.

At Homestyle Direct, our menu is carefully crafted and overseen by a dedicated team, including registered dietitians. We ensure that all meals meet strict nutritional standards tailored to support the health and dietary needs of our members. Our team collaborates with healthcare professionals to design meals that align with the latest guidelines for managing chronic conditions.

We also value member feedback and update our menu every four months with 10 to 15 new meals to keep things fresh and appealing. This approach ensures that our offerings are both nutritious and enjoyable for our members.

Homestyle Direct delivers meals nationwide through a strategic partnership with FedEx, ensuring that our nutritious, medically tailored meals reach both urban and rural areas. We collaborate with health plans and Medicaid programs to establish partnerships, and we work closely with refrigerated line-haulers and FedEx to ensure timely and safe delivery.

This partnership allows us to fulfill our commitment to providing high-quality meals to individuals across the country, supporting their health and well-being regardless of their location.

Service area map

Storage

Freezer Storage

• We recommend storing your delivered meals in the freezer.
• Meals can be kept frozen for up to 6 months.
• Each meal package has a “best by” date to help you consume them within the appropriate timeframe.
• A standard freezer can hold about 42 meals.

Refrigerator Storage

• If you plan to eat your meals within a few days, you can store them in the refrigerator.
• Thawed meals should be consumed within three days for best quality and safety.
• Do not refreeze meals that have been thawed in the refrigerator.

Heating Instructions

Microwave Heating

For Frozen Meals:

1. Remove the meal from the freezer.
2. Poke several holes in the plastic covering to allow steam to escape.
3. Microwave on high for 3-4 minutes.
4. Carefully remove, stir, and heat for an additional 1-2 minutes.
5. Let stand for 1 minute before serving.

For Thawed Meals:

1. Ensure the meal has been thawed in the refrigerator.
2. Poke several holes in the plastic covering.
3. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes.
4. Carefully remove, stir, and heat for an additional 30 seconds to 1 minute if needed.
5. Let stand for 1 minute before serving.

Oven Heating

For Frozen Meals:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Remove the frozen meal from the packaging.
3. Transfer the contents to an oven-safe dish and cover with foil.
4. Heat for 20-30 minutes, stirring halfway through if possible.
5. Check that the internal temperature has reached 165°F (74°C) before serving.

For Thawed Meals:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Remove the thawed meal from the refrigerator and packaging.
3. Transfer the contents to an oven-safe dish and cover with foil.
4. Heat for 8-10 minutes.
5. Check that the internal temperature has reached 165°F (74°C) before serving.

Stovetop Heating (New Option)

1. Transfer the contents of the meal to a saucepan.
2. Heat over medium heat, stirring frequently.
3. For frozen meals, cook for 8-10 minutes.
4. For thawed meals, cook for 5-7 minutes.
5. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) before serving.

Air Fryer Heating (New Option)

1. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
2. Transfer the meal contents to an air fryer-safe container.
3. For frozen meals, cook for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
4. For thawed meals, cook for 5-7 minutes.
5. Check that the internal temperature has reached 165°F (74°C) before serving.

Important Safety Tips

• Always check that the internal temperature of reheated meals reaches 165°F (74°C) to ensure food safety.
• Use oven mitts or potholders when handling hot containers.
• Allow meals to cool slightly before eating to avoid burns.
• Do not use metal containers or utensils in the microwave.
• Follow the specific instructions on each meal package, as heating times may vary depending on the dish.

By following these guidelines, you can enjoy your Homestyle Direct meals safely and conveniently, whether they’re frozen or thawed, and using your preferred heating method.