Published October 27, 2026

Medically Tailored Groceries and Medicaid in New York: Answers for Bronx Residents

Access to nutritious food can be especially important for people managing chronic health conditions. Bronx residents enrolled in New York Medicaid may qualify for food and nutrition support through the state’s Social Care Network program. Depending on their needs and eligibility, services may include medically tailored meals, food prescriptions, fresh produce, grocery boxes, and other nutrition assistance.

These services are part of New York’s Health-Related Social Needs (HRSN) initiative, authorized under the New York Health Equity Reform (NYHER) 1115 Medicaid waiver. However, not every Medicaid member automatically qualifies for every food benefit. Understanding the screening process, eligibility requirements, and local resources can help Bronx households find out what support may be available.

What Are Medically Tailored Groceries Under New York Medicaid?

Medically tailored groceries are food or nutrition services intended to support people whose health conditions and dietary needs may benefit from specific nutritional support. Depending on the service, assistance may include food boxes, fresh produce, or food prescriptions designed to help members access nutritious foods.

New York’s NYHER 1115 waiver authorizes Health-Related Social Needs services that address circumstances affecting health outside traditional medical care. These services include nutrition support, housing assistance, transportation, and care coordination.

The state’s Social Care Networks connect eligible Medicaid members with participating community organizations and services. Unlike a traditional food pantry, certain nutrition benefits are intended to address both food insecurity and qualifying health-related needs.

The exact benefit depends on the member’s circumstances, the applicable eligibility criteria, and the services available through the regional network.

Who May Qualify for Medically Tailored Groceries in the Bronx?

Bronx residents enrolled in New York Medicaid may qualify for nutrition assistance if they meet the requirements for the particular service they need.

Eligibility generally involves a screening for health-related social needs, including food insecurity. Enhanced nutrition services may also require specific clinical or other qualifying criteria, depending on the benefit.

Health conditions associated with nutrition support may include diabetes, chronic kidney disease, congestive heart failure, hypertension, and other qualifying conditions. Pregnancy and postpartum status may also be relevant to certain services.

However, having a diagnosis alone does not guarantee eligibility. The requirements differ by service, and some benefits require evidence of low or very low food security.

Medicaid members should complete a screening to learn which services may be available to them. A Social Care Network can explain the next steps and help determine whether a particular benefit is appropriate.

What Health Conditions May Be Relevant?

New York’s Social Care Network program recognizes that nutrition can be important for people managing certain health conditions.

Depending on the service and applicable criteria, qualifying circumstances may include:

• Diabetes or prediabetes

• Chronic kidney disease

• Congestive heart failure

• Hypertension

• Obesity

• Certain other chronic conditions

• Pregnancy or postpartum status for applicable nutrition services

This list is not a guarantee of eligibility. Each nutrition benefit has its own requirements, and a qualifying health condition may need to be accompanied by an identified nutrition-related social need.

If you have a chronic condition or have been advised to follow a specific diet, ask your healthcare provider or care manager about appropriate nutrition support. A clinician can help explain dietary needs, while the Social Care Network can clarify program eligibility.

This article provides general program information, not individualized medical or dietary advice.

How Does the Medicaid Nutrition Screening Process Work?

Screening is the first step toward determining whether you may qualify for nutrition support through New York’s Social Care Network program.

The process generally involves the following steps.

1. Complete a Health-Related Social Needs Screening

The screening evaluates needs that may affect your health, including access to nutritious food. Members can begin through the statewide screening resource, their regional Social Care Network, their healthcare provider, or their Medicaid plan.

2. Have Your Eligibility Assessed

If the screening identifies a potential nutrition-related need, additional assessment may be required. The criteria depend on the service being considered and the member’s circumstances.

3. Connect With Available Services

Eligible members may be referred to participating community organizations that provide nutrition support. The available services can vary depending on the benefit, the provider network, and the member’s eligibility.

A screening result is not a guarantee that a specific food benefit will be approved. The regional network or participating provider can explain the outcome and any additional requirements.

Why Should Bronx Medicaid Members Check Their Eligibility?

Food insecurity can make it difficult for households to maintain a balanced diet, especially when someone is managing a health condition that affects nutritional needs.

New York’s Social Care Network program is designed to connect Medicaid members with resources that address these challenges. Checking eligibility can help households understand whether they may qualify for nutrition support, rather than assuming that assistance is unavailable.

Members should not assume they need to wait for the entire statewide program to launch. Social Care Networks are operating, although specific benefits and eligibility requirements depend on the service and circumstances.

Completing a screening is a practical first step toward finding out what help is currently available. If you need food assistance urgently, you can also contact your local food pantry or other community assistance provider while pursuing Medicaid-related support.

Will Medically Tailored Groceries Cost Anything?

Eligible Social Care Network services are provided at no cost to eligible members under the program’s published guidance.

However, the availability of a particular food benefit depends on the member meeting its eligibility requirements. Not every Medicaid member qualifies for every service, and a screening does not guarantee approval.

If you want to know whether your household can receive a specific nutrition benefit, contact your Social Care Network or Medicaid managed care plan. They can explain the services available to you and confirm your eligibility before you proceed.

How Are Medicaid Nutrition Benefits Different From SNAP or a Food Pantry?

Medicaid nutrition services, SNAP, and food pantries can all help households access food, but they operate differently.

Medically tailored groceries and other Medicaid nutrition services: These are health-related supports available to eligible Medicaid members who meet the requirements for a particular service. Depending on eligibility, assistance may include food prescriptions, groceries, or medically tailored meals.

SNAP: The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program is a federal food assistance program administered through state agencies. Eligibility is determined under SNAP rules, which differ from Medicaid nutrition benefit requirements.

Food pantries: These are typically operated by community organizations and distribute food according to their own service policies and available resources.

A household receiving SNAP or using a food pantry may also qualify for Medicaid nutrition services if it meets the applicable requirements. Receiving one form of assistance does not automatically establish eligibility for another.

What Is Umoja Food For Health?

Umoja Food For Health is mentioned in connection with medically tailored nutrition services and partnerships supporting food access.

However, its current participation in the Bronx Social Care Network and its availability to Bronx Medicaid members could not be confirmed from the information reviewed for this article.

If you are interested in a particular provider, ask your Social Care Network which organizations currently serve your area and whether they offer the benefit you need. This can help you avoid relying on outdated information about a provider’s service area or eligibility requirements.

Can a Caregiver Check Eligibility for a Medicaid Member?

A family member or caregiver can help someone explore available nutrition resources, particularly if that person needs assistance navigating the screening process.

If you are helping an older adult or someone managing a chronic condition, you can contact the member’s Social Care Network or Medicaid plan to ask how to begin.

The caregiver should explain whom they are assisting and follow any applicable consent, privacy, or authorization requirements. The network can clarify whether the member needs to participate directly or provide permission before additional information can be discussed.

A preliminary eligibility check is not the same as final approval for benefits.

What Happens After the Eligibility Check?

If an initial screening suggests that you may qualify, the next step is to work with the appropriate Social Care Network or participating provider.

Depending on the service, this may involve further assessment, confirmation of eligibility, referral to a community organization, or coordination with your Medicaid plan.

The type of assistance and the time needed to receive it can vary. Ask the network what services are currently available, whether additional documentation is required, and what to expect after your screening.

If your household has an immediate food need, contact a local food assistance organization as well. You do not need to wait for a Medicaid screening to explore other community resources.

Summary: Medically Tailored Groceries and Medicaid in the Bronx

Question	Answer
What are medically tailored groceries?	Nutrition-related services intended to address qualifying health and food access needs
Who may qualify?	New York Medicaid members who meet the requirements for a particular service
Is enrollment automatic?	No. Screening and service-specific eligibility criteria apply.
Are services free?	Published Social Care Network guidance states that eligible services are provided at no cost to eligible members.
Is this the same as SNAP?	No. SNAP and Medicaid nutrition services have different eligibility rules and purposes.
Can caregivers help?	Yes. Caregivers can help members explore resources, subject to applicable consent and privacy requirements.
What happens after screening?	Eligible members may be assessed or referred to participating providers for available services.
Who can Bronx residents contact?	SOMOS Healthcare Providers, the Social Care Network serving the Bronx.

How to Find Nutrition Support Through Bronx Medicaid

If you live in the Bronx and have New York Medicaid, the Social Care Network is a useful starting point for learning about food and nutrition assistance.

Contact SOMOS Healthcare Providers, the Bronx Social Care Network, at 1-833-766-6769 to ask about screening, eligibility, and available nutrition services. You can also visit the New York State Department of Health’s Social Care Network website for program information.

Checking your eligibility can help you understand which services may be available to support your household. Final approval depends on the requirements for the specific benefit.

Program information is based on published New York State and New York City Social Care Network guidance reviewed for this article. Eligibility rules and service availability may change. This article does not provide medical or dietary advice.

Related from Free Food With Medicaid: Medicaid Food Delivery NYC · Medicaid Meal Delivery in the Bronx