For Medicaid members in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens
You may qualify for free meals delivered to your home
New York Medicaid covers up to 3 prepared meals a day, for up to 6 months at a time, for eligible members of Medicaid health plans. Answer 3 questions to see if a free screening is your next step.
Up to 3
prepared meals a day
Up to 6 months
at a time, with possible renewal
$0
cost to members who qualify
Who may qualify
Having Medicaid alone is not enough. To get home-delivered meals, all of these must apply:
- Enrolled in a Medicaid Managed Care plan
- Live in Manhattan, Brooklyn, or Queens
- Have trouble getting enough food (confirmed in a short screening)
- Meet at least one health criterion from the list below
Health criteria (at least one)
- Pregnant, or gave birth in the last 12 months
- Frequent emergency room visits or hospital stays in the past year
- Enrolled in a NYS Health Home, which includes people with two or more chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart failure, kidney disease, or high blood pressure
- A substance use disorder
- A serious mental illness
- An intellectual or developmental disability
- A child with a chronic condition or other high-risk health need
- Released from incarceration in the last 90 days, with a chronic condition
How it works
- 1
Answer 3 quick questions
We ask about your Medicaid plan, your borough, and food access, then where a screener can reach you.
- 2
Talk with a screener
On a free call, a screener goes over the health criteria and explains how a referral works.
- 3
Meals arrive at home
If you qualify, a local nonprofit meal provider delivers meals planned by a registered dietitian.
Common questions
Is this a government website?
No. Home Meals Guide is a privately operated information service. We are not part of New York State, New York City, Medicaid, or any health plan, and we do not decide who qualifies.
Can I apply without calling this number?
Yes. You can ask your Medicaid health plan for a social needs screening, or contact WholeYouNYC, the Social Care Network run by Public Health Solutions for Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens, at 646-619-6400. There is no cost either way.
What does it cost?
Nothing. Meals are covered by Medicaid for members who qualify, and the screening call is free.
Does having Medicaid mean I will get meals?
No. Meal delivery is only for Medicaid Managed Care members who have a food need and meet at least one of the health criteria listed above. A screener confirms this; no website can.
What kind of meals are they?
Meals are planned or approved by a registered or certified dietitian to fit your health needs, and are delivered to your home by a community meal provider.
How long does the program run?
Meals are approved for up to 6 months at a time and may be renewed if you still meet the criteria. The program is part of a New York Medicaid demonstration currently approved through March 31, 2027.
Program details are based on the New York State Department of Health HRSN Services and Infrastructure Protocol (approved December 18, 2024) and Public Health Solutions.