Published November 4, 2026

Medicaid Grocery Benefit Brooklyn: What It Is and Whether You May Qualify

Many Brooklyn residents enrolled in Medicaid may be eligible for food and nutrition assistance through a New York State program. Depending on their health and social needs, qualifying members may receive medically tailored meals, food prescriptions, fresh produce, or non-perishable groceries.

These services are part of New York’s Health-Related Social Needs (HRSN) initiative under the New York Health Equity Reform (NYHER) 1115 Medicaid waiver. They are not automatic benefits for every Medicaid member. Eligibility depends on Medicaid enrollment, identified food needs, and additional health-related criteria for the specific service.

This guide explains how the program works, who may qualify, and how Brooklyn residents can begin the screening process.

What Is the Medicaid Grocery Benefit?

New York’s Medicaid program includes a group of services called Health-Related Social Needs benefits. These services address non-medical needs that can affect a person’s health, including access to nutritious food, stable housing, and transportation.

The program operates through New York’s Social Care Networks (SCNs), which connect Medicaid members with participating community organizations and service providers.

Nutrition assistance may include:

• Medically tailored meals: Meals designed around a person’s health or medical needs.

• Clinically appropriate meals: Prepared meals that meet a member’s nutritional needs.

• Food prescriptions: Food boxes or nutrition vouchers that help qualifying members access appropriate food.

• Fresh produce and non-perishable groceries: Food assistance for eligible members who meet the applicable program criteria.

• Nutrition counseling and education: Guidance on meal planning, food preparation, and nutrition.

The type of assistance available depends on the member’s eligibility and assessed needs. These services are not the same as receiving an unrestricted grocery allowance or a general payment card.

How the Eligibility Process Works

New York uses regional Social Care Networks to screen Medicaid members, assess their needs, and connect eligible individuals with services.

The process generally involves three stages.

1. Complete an HRSN screening

The screening asks about social needs, including food access, housing, transportation, and other circumstances that may affect health.

All New York Medicaid members, including those enrolled in Fee-for-Service Medicaid and Medicaid Managed Care, can receive HRSN screening and navigation support.

2. Complete an eligibility assessment

A positive screening does not automatically mean someone qualifies for enhanced nutrition assistance.

The Social Care Network assesses whether the member meets the applicable requirements. These may include Medicaid Managed Care enrollment, an identified unmet food need, membership in an eligible population, and additional clinical criteria for the specific service.

3. Receive a referral if eligible

If the member meets the requirements, the Social Care Network can connect them with an appropriate service provider.

The available support depends on the member’s circumstances and the service’s eligibility rules. Not every person who completes a screening will receive meals or grocery assistance.

Who May Qualify for Medicaid Nutrition Assistance?

Medicaid enrollment is an important starting point, but enhanced nutrition services have additional eligibility requirements.

In general, members must meet the relevant social and health criteria for the service they need.

Members experiencing food insecurity

A member may be assessed for an unmet nutrition-related need, including food insecurity. The program uses established screening criteria to evaluate whether someone has difficulty obtaining enough nutritious food.

A positive screening is one part of the eligibility process. It does not guarantee access to enhanced services.

People with qualifying chronic health conditions

Certain nutrition services are designed for members with health conditions that may benefit from additional nutritional support.

Examples identified in New York’s program guidance include:

• Diabetes

• Chronic kidney disease

• Congestive heart failure

• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

• Hypertension

• Obesity

• Certain cancers

• Asthma

• HIV/AIDS

The conditions that qualify depend on the specific nutrition service and applicable clinical criteria. Having one of these conditions alone does not guarantee eligibility.

Pregnant and postpartum members

Pregnant and postpartum individuals are included in certain enhanced HRSN nutrition service eligibility categories.

Depending on the member’s circumstances and the service requirements, support may include medically tailored meals or access to fresh produce and non-perishable groceries.

Eligible children and other priority populations

Some nutrition services also cover high-risk children under age 18. Other enhanced HRSN services have separate population requirements.

The exact criteria differ by service. A Social Care Network can assess which options may apply to an individual member.

Common Misconceptions About the Medicaid Grocery Benefit

“This is the same as SNAP.”

No. SNAP is a separate federal nutrition assistance program administered in New York through the state’s and city’s public benefits systems.

The Medicaid HRSN nutrition initiative is funded through New York’s Medicaid 1115 waiver. It connects eligible members with specific nutrition services based on health and social needs.

A person may receive SNAP and still be assessed for Medicaid nutrition services. The programs have different eligibility rules and purposes.

“All Brooklyn Medicaid members automatically receive groceries.”

No. All Medicaid members can be screened for health-related social needs, but enhanced nutrition services have additional eligibility requirements.

Members must meet the criteria for the particular service. Screening does not guarantee approval or delivery of food.

“You must have a doctor’s referral before you can be screened.”

A doctor or care manager may help connect a member with a Social Care Network. However, the screening and navigation process is not limited to people who already have a doctor’s referral.

Members can begin by using the official New York screening portal or contacting their Medicaid plan for guidance.

A healthcare provider may also be asked to confirm clinical information when needed to assess eligibility for a particular service.

“The benefit covers any grocery store purchase.”

Not necessarily. The program includes specific services, such as medically tailored meals, food prescriptions, and pantry stocking.

Food prescriptions may be provided through approved food boxes or nutrition vouchers, depending on the service and participating provider. They are not unrestricted funds for any grocery purchase.

Ask the Social Care Network which food assistance options are available if you qualify.

How to Recognize an Official Screening Process

Because HRSN screening involves personal circumstances and may involve health-related information, it is important to understand who is collecting your information and why.

Before answering questions, check the following:

• Confirm the organization: Make sure you are communicating with an official Social Care Network, participating provider, or another organization authorized to support the program.

• Understand the purpose: The organization should explain that the screening evaluates health-related social needs and may connect eligible members with services.

• Review information requests: Ask why personal or Medicaid information is needed and how it will be used.

• Check the referral process: A legitimate screening should explain how eligibility is assessed and how referrals are handled.

• Avoid sharing sensitive information with unverified contacts: Do not provide Medicaid numbers, financial information, or other sensitive details to someone whose identity and role you cannot confirm.

The official New York screening portal is a useful starting point. Do not assume that every private website advertising a Medicaid grocery benefit is operated by the state or a Social Care Network.

Next Steps for Brooklyn Residents

If you have Medicaid and are experiencing difficulty accessing nutritious food, consider completing the official HRSN screening.

You can also contact your Medicaid Managed Care plan and ask whether you have been screened for Health-Related Social Needs services. If you already work with a care manager, they may be able to help you understand the referral process.

If you are referred for nutrition assistance, ask which services are available, what eligibility requirements apply, and how long the support may last.

For questions about a medical diet, food restrictions, or nutritional needs related to a health condition, speak with your healthcare provider or a registered dietitian. Program eligibility and medical nutrition advice are separate matters.

The Medicaid nutrition initiative is designed to connect qualifying members with food support that addresses their health and social needs. Completing a screening is a practical first step toward finding out what assistance may be available.

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