Purpose <p>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.</p> Methods <p>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.</p> Results <p>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&#xa0;min (range: 5–180&#xa0;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).</p> Conclusion <p>A free meal program for rural cancer patients and caregivers travelling for treatment generated a positive SROI and was highly acceptable.</p>