We are excited to share the results of our 2025 Annual Client Satisfaction Survey, a testament to the dedication of our staff, the compassion of our volunteers, and the power of nutritious food.
Human Connection and Kindness in Action
The foundation of Project Open Hand is human connection, a principle that has been central to our work since our founder, Ruth Brinker, first started delivering meals to her neighbors 40 years ago. When clients come to us, often during times of great hardship, we strive to meet them with dignity and genuine care. And clients told us that they see that commitment:
- 90% say they’re treated with kindness and respect by our staff and volunteers
- 96% say Project Open Hand staff listen and respond when they need help
This culture of care, fueled by a community of dedicated individuals, is why one client shared: “Project Open Hand is an outstanding place, including the 1000s of employees and volunteers. I can't say enough about the greatness everyone here does on a day-to-day basis.”
And for those who receive home delivery, the daily touch points make a world of difference: “The volunteer who delivers the food really brightens my day!”
Of course, the quality of our food is paramount. Our Culinary and Nutrition Services teams work tirelessly to ensure that every meal and grocery bag meets the specific health needs of our clients while still being delicious and appealing. The survey results show this effort is paying off, with one client raving about our "absolutely phenomenal ingredients and nice flavors."
An overwhelming majority of clients rate our meals and groceries as excellent or good (meals: 78%; groceries: 88%)!
Supporting Wellness and Security Through Nutrition
The most profound impact of our work is on the health and peace of mind of our clients. Our programs are designed to be a crucial part of a client's care plan. We were humbled by the overwhelmingly positive feedback from our clients:
- 94% agree our services help them improve or maintain their health
- 94% agree our services help them worry less about accessing healthy food
- 84% agree our nutrition education helps them meet their health goals
Health Gains Backed by Data
The medical results confirm how clients feel. For example, among clients who tracked their blood sugar, 74% demonstrated maintenance or improvement of HbA1c levels, with a remarkable 67% improving their HbA1c, a key indicator of the ability to manage their diabetes. Clients shared their life-changing experiences:
- “My doctor and his team were surprised at my health rebounding, especially with my high blood pressure and anxiety condition. Project Open Hand is a valuable resource that I'm truly grateful for and highly praised their dedication to the community.”
- "At the beginning, my blood sugar level was high; but after about nine months of consuming foods from Project Open Hand, my blood sugar level lowered a lot.”
- “By participating in POH’s nutrition education program, I got the opportunity to understand my health, and to learn how to eat in a healthier way.”
These numbers and stories are a powerful reminder that food is medicine. They affirm our belief that when we serve with kindness, quality, and dignity, we don't just feed—we change lives, improve health outcomes, and build a stronger, more compassionate community.