GLOSSARY
At Good Measure Meals™, we believe healthy eating should be clear, accessible, and empowering. This glossary is designed to help you better understand the nutrition terms, meal programs, and health-focused language used throughout our website and services.
Good Measure Meals™ are the medically tailored meals provided by Open Hand, a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving health outcomes through the power of food as medicine. Every meal is crafted with care by registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs) and designed to support a wide range of health needs.
A
American Diabetes Association (ADA)
A leading national organization focused on diabetes research, education, and advocacy. Good Measure Meals™ diabetes-friendly meals align with nutritional recommendations supported by the ADA.
American Heart Association (AHA)
A national nonprofit organization dedicated to improving cardiovascular health. Good Measure Meals™ heart-healthy meals meet or exceed rigorous nutrition standards supported by the AHA.
C
Carb Consistent
A nutrition approach that provides balanced amounts of carbohydrates throughout the day to help support stable blood sugar levels.
Chronic Illness
A long-term health condition that often requires ongoing medical care, nutrition support, or lifestyle management. Examples include diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, and cancer.
D
Diabetes-Friendly Meals
Meals specifically designed to support healthy blood sugar management. These meals include balanced carbohydrates, high-fiber ingredients, lean proteins, healthy fats, and controlled sodium levels.
Dietitian
A healthcare professional trained in food and nutrition science. Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs) help individuals manage health conditions through evidence-based nutrition care.
F
Food as Medicine
An evidence-based approach that uses healthy, medically appropriate food and nutrition interventions to improve health outcomes, prevent disease progression, and support overall wellness.
Food is Medicine Coalition
A national organization that sets quality and nutrition standards for medically tailored meal providers. Good Measure Meals™ are accredited by the Food is Medicine Coalition.
Frozen Fresh
A process where meals are frozen shortly after preparation to preserve freshness, flavor, and nutritional quality without unnecessary preservatives.
H
Heart-Healthy Meals
Meals designed to support cardiovascular wellness. These meals are lower in sodium and saturated fat while emphasizing lean proteins, whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and heart-healthy fats.
Home-Delivered Meals
Prepared meals delivered directly to an individual’s home to support nutrition access, convenience, and independent living.
K
Kidney-Friendly Meals
Meals designed to support kidney health by controlling nutrients such as sodium, potassium, phosphorus, and protein. These meals are carefully developed by registered dietitian nutritionists to support individuals living with kidney disease.
M
MealShare
Good Measure Meals™’ give-back model. For every two meals purchased, Open Hand provides one medically tailored meal free of charge to a neighbor in need.
Mechanical Soft Meals
Meals prepared with softer textures that are easier to chew and swallow. These meals are often recommended for individuals recovering from illness, surgery, dental procedures, or conditions affecting swallowing ability.
Medically Tailored Meals (MTMs)
Meals specifically designed by registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs) to meet the medical and nutritional needs of individuals living with chronic or serious illnesses. These meals are evidence-based and aligned with national nutrition standards.
Medically Tailored Nutrition
Nutrition care designed to support a person’s specific medical condition or health goals. This may include medically tailored meals, nutrition education, or individualized nutrition counseling.
N
National Kidney Foundation (NKF)
A nonprofit organization focused on kidney health education, research, and patient support. Good Measure Meals™ kidney-friendly meals align with standards supported by the NKF.
Nutrition Education
Programs and resources designed to help individuals understand healthy eating habits, nutrition strategies, and disease management through food.
Nutrition Standards
Evidence-based nutritional guidelines used to ensure meals support health outcomes. Good Measure Meals™ meet or exceed rigorous standards established by organizations such as the ADA, AHA, USDA, and NKF.
O
Open Hand
A nonprofit organization and one of the nation’s largest community-based providers of medically tailored meals and nutrition services. Open Hand prepares and delivers Good Measure Meals™ to individuals living with chronic illness, regardless of their ability to pay.
R
Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)
A credentialed food and nutrition expert trained to provide evidence-based nutrition guidance and medical nutrition therapy. Every Good Measure Meal™ is designed by registered dietitian nutritionists.
S
Saturated Fat
A type of dietary fat that should be limited to support heart health. Heart-healthy meals are designed to contain lower amounts of saturated fat.
Sodium
A mineral commonly found in salt. Excess sodium intake may contribute to high blood pressure and other health concerns. Many Good Measure Meals™ are designed with controlled sodium levels to support chronic disease management.
Social Enterprise
A business model that generates revenue while supporting a nonprofit mission. Purchases of Good Measure Meals™ directly help Open Hand provide meals and nutrition services to neighbors in need.
W
Wellness Goals
Personal health objectives related to nutrition, disease management, physical well-being, or lifestyle improvement.
Still Have Questions?
Our team is here to help you better understand medically tailored nutrition and how Good Measure Meals™ can support your health journey.
Contact Us to learn more about our meals, nutrition programs, and mission-driven impact.
Customer Experience
customerexperience@goodmeasuremeals.com
404-815-7695