Published November 5, 2026

Medicaid Food Benefits in the Bronx: Three Ways to Get Help and How They Actually Work

Many Bronx residents rely on Medicaid for health coverage. New York State data show that approximately 65.3% of Bronx County residents were enrolled in Medicaid in December 2025. For members who also struggle with food access, New York’s Medicaid program may offer additional nutrition support through its Health-Related Social Needs (HRSN) initiative.

The program operates under New York’s 1115 Medicaid waiver, also known as the New York Health Equity Reform (NYHER) waiver. Eligible members may receive services such as medically tailored meals, food prescriptions, or other nutrition support through regional Social Care Networks (SCNs). These services are not automatic. Eligibility depends on Medicaid status, an identified social need, qualifying criteria, and an assessment.

This guide compares three ways Bronx Medicaid members can start the process and explains what each route involves.

What the NYHER Waiver Makes Possible

New York State received federal approval for its NYHER 1115 waiver to expand services addressing health-related social needs. Nutrition is one of the areas covered by the program.

The state uses regional Social Care Networks to coordinate screening, referrals, and services. These networks work with community-based organizations, healthcare providers, and Medicaid managed care plans.

Food-related services may include:

• Medically tailored meals: Prepared meals designed around qualifying medical and nutritional needs.

• Food prescriptions: Nutrition support that may be provided through food boxes, vouchers, coupons, or participating food programs.

• Other eligible nutrition services: Support determined through the program’s screening and eligibility assessment.

Not every Medicaid member qualifies for enhanced nutrition services. All Medicaid members can be screened for health-related social needs, but enhanced services have additional requirements. Members who do not meet those requirements may still receive navigation to existing community, state, or federal resources.

The Three Ways to Access Medicaid Food Assistance

The three options below are different ways to begin the same general process. They do not represent three separate guaranteed grocery benefits.

Access route	Starting point	What happens next	Who may find it useful
Path 1: Care manager or healthcare provider	Contact your existing care manager, doctor, or healthcare provider	They can help arrange screening or connect you with the regional SCN	Members already receiving care coordination
Path 2: Official online screening	Use New York’s Medicaid screening portal	Answer screening questions and follow the referral or navigation instructions	Members who want to begin independently
Path 3: Participating community organization	Contact a CBO that belongs to the regional SCN	The organization can help with screening, navigation, or eligible services within its role	Members who prefer community-based assistance

Path 1: Start Through Your Care Manager or Healthcare Provider

Who this may suit: Bronx Medicaid members who already have an assigned care manager, case coordinator, or regular healthcare provider.

If you have a care manager, ask whether they can help you complete the HRSN screening. You can explain that your household is having difficulty accessing nutritious food and ask whether your situation may meet the program’s nutrition criteria.

Your care manager or provider may help connect you with the regional Social Care Network. The network is responsible for coordinating screening, eligibility assessment, and referrals to appropriate services.

Potential advantages:

• You already have an established healthcare contact.

• Your food-access concerns can be discussed alongside other care needs.

• Your care team may help coordinate the referral.

Things to consider:

• Your care manager may need to coordinate with the regional SCN.

• Screening does not automatically establish eligibility.

• You may need to answer additional questions about your household’s food needs and health circumstances.

What the process may look like: You raise the issue during a care call or appointment. Your provider or care manager helps you access screening or makes an appropriate connection. If you meet the criteria, the SCN coordinates the next steps.

Path 2: Use New York’s Official Online Screening Portal

Who this may suit: Bronx Medicaid members who want to start without waiting for their next healthcare appointment.

New York provides an online screening portal where Medicaid members can answer questions about health-related social needs, including food access.

The screening helps identify possible needs and connect members with appropriate resources. It is not a final eligibility decision or a guarantee of grocery delivery.

Potential advantages:

• You can begin the process online.

• You do not have to wait for a scheduled medical appointment to start screening.

• The screening covers more than food needs and may identify other areas where assistance is available.

Things to consider:

• Completing the questionnaire does not guarantee enhanced nutrition services.

• Additional questions or assessments may be required.

• You may be referred to the regional SCN or another community resource.

What the process may look like: You visit the official screening portal and answer the questions. Based on the information provided, you may receive instructions for connecting with services or a regional Social Care Network.

Start here: New York Medicaid Social Care Network Screening Portal.

Path 3: Contact a Participating Community-Based Organization

Who this may suit: Bronx residents who already work with a food pantry, community organization, social services agency, or neighborhood support program.

Community-based organizations play an important role in New York’s Social Care Network system. Some are contracted to provide screening, navigation, or specific HRSN services. Others operate separate food assistance programs that are not funded through the Medicaid waiver.

If you already receive help from a local organization, ask whether it participates in the Bronx Social Care Network and whether it can connect you with Medicaid HRSN nutrition services.

Potential advantages:

• You may already know the organization and its staff.

• Some community organizations offer food assistance outside Medicaid eligibility.

• In-person support may be available.

Things to consider:

• Not every food pantry or community organization participates in the SCN.

• Food assistance provided through a separate program is not automatically a Medicaid benefit.

• The type and availability of support depend on the organization and the program.

What the process may look like: You contact the organization and explain that you have Medicaid and need help accessing food. Ask whether it can screen or refer you through the Bronx SCN or direct you to another appropriate resource.

New York identifies Somos Healthcare Providers, Inc. as the Social Care Network lead entity serving the Bronx. You can use the state’s official Social Care Networks directory to find the appropriate regional contact.

Which Access Route Should You Use?

The right starting point depends on your existing connections and how you prefer to seek assistance.

• Already have a care manager? Ask them about HRSN screening and nutrition referrals.

• Prefer to start online? Use the official New York Medicaid screening portal.

• Already connected to a community organization? Ask whether it participates in the Bronx Social Care Network.

Whichever route you choose, remember that screening is only the first step. The SCN must assess your eligibility and determine which services, if any, are appropriate.

What About Upcoming Medicaid Coverage Changes?

Food assistance through the NYHER waiver is separate from federal Medicaid coverage changes scheduled to begin in 2027.

New York City has announced outreach efforts to help residents understand upcoming federal Medicaid work requirements and maintain health coverage. The city’s Health and Affordability Resource Team (HART), announced in October 2026, is intended to help residents navigate coverage changes and connect with resources, including food assistance.

These outreach services do not determine eligibility for NYHER nutrition benefits. If you are concerned about your Medicaid coverage, check official notices and contact a qualified enrollment counselor.

For current information, visit NYC Health’s Medicaid Coverage Changes page.

Frequently Asked Questions About Medicaid Food Benefits in the Bronx

Does every Bronx Medicaid member qualify for free groceries?

No. All Medicaid members can be screened for health-related social needs, but enhanced nutrition services have additional eligibility requirements. Your Medicaid enrollment alone does not guarantee grocery delivery, food boxes, or prepared meals.

Can I receive food assistance if I have a Medicaid managed care plan?

You may qualify. Medicaid managed care members who screen positive for an unmet need and meet the applicable enhanced-population, clinical, and social-risk criteria may be referred for enhanced HRSN services. The exact service depends on the assessment and program requirements.

Are food pantry groceries considered a Medicaid benefit?

Not necessarily. Some community organizations provide groceries through independent food assistance programs. These services may help Medicaid members, but they are not automatically funded through the NYHER waiver. Ask whether the organization participates in the Social Care Network and whether the specific service is an authorized HRSN benefit.

Can I apply if I do not have a care manager?

Yes. You can start through the official New York Medicaid screening portal, contact your health plan, speak with a healthcare provider, or ask a participating community-based organization for help.

Does receiving food assistance affect my regular Medicaid coverage?

HRSN nutrition services are designed to address social needs alongside existing Medicaid coverage. They are not a replacement for your regular medical benefits. If you have questions about your specific plan or eligibility, contact your health plan or Social Care Network.

Find Out What Food Assistance May Be Available

If you live in the Bronx, have Medicaid, and are struggling to access nutritious food, you may be able to receive help through New York’s Social Care Network program.

Start by speaking with your care manager, contacting a participating community organization, or completing the official online screening. A Social Care Navigator can help assess your needs and explain which services may be available.

Begin with the New York Medicaid screening portal or contact the Bronx Social Care Network to learn about your options.

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