Food is Medicine interventions integrate nutritious food, such as medically tailored meals and produce prescriptions, into clinical care to prevent and treat chronic, diet-related diseases like diabetes and heart disease.
Through a medically tailored meals program, providers work with local partners to offer meal support and nutrition counseling to eligible patients to help them manage serious health conditions and improve health outcomes.
How it works:
At no cost, enrolled participants will receive weekly home delivery of:
12 frozen medically tailored entrees per week, for six months
Additional fresh or frozen produce, as needed
Oral nutrition supplements, if and when prescribed by Registered Dietitian Nutritionists
The program follows the Food is Medicine Coalition Medically Tailored Meals Accreditation Criteria and Recommendations.
Participants will be offered ongoing nutrition counseling and assessment during the service period by a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) licensed to practice in the State of Maryland.
Meals will also be provided for any minor dependents in the household of the participant.
Two Maryland organizations are partnering with Maryland Department of Health to provide MTMs:
Am I Eligible?
MTMs will be initially available for:
People who have been diagnosed with diabetes.
People who have visited the hospital recently due to diabetes.
Residents of one of the following areas:
Prince George’s County
Baltimore City
Baltimore County
Dorchester County
Somerset County
Allegany County
This program is being funded by the MDH Population Health Improvement Fund.
How To Enroll: For Patients
There are two ways to enroll in the MTM program.
Option 1: Reach out to your provider (doctor, nurse, social worker) to determine your eligibility and be referred to the program.
Option 2: If you think you may be eligible and do not have a provider who can refer you to the program, you can reach out directly to our partners:
How To Enroll: For Providers
Providers can refer patients to the MTM program through CRISP.
For a full training on how to send a referral, see this webinar.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Are there any out-of-pocket costs?
No, the MTM program is free!
Do I need to have health insurance to receive MTMs through this program?
No, health insurance is not required.
How are MTMs different from regular meal delivery services?
MTMs are personalized for the patient and a specific medical condition, such as diabetes, by Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs). Medically Tailored meals (MTMs) are built into a patient’s care plan and serve as a component of their medical treatment.
How would these meals help manage my health condition?
The MTMs are meant to provide easy access to healthy foods that align with specific dietary needs based on the participant’s condition.
Where are the meals delivered to?
Meals are delivered to the participant’s home.
If I have children or other dependents in my household, will they receive meals too?
Yes. Children or other dependents in an enrolled participant’s household will also receive meals. Please contact the meal delivery provider directly for more information.
What if I am enrolled in WIC or SNAP?
Being enrolled in WIC or SNAP does not disqualify someone from receiving MTMs.
Can I choose my meals?
A Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) will work with a participant to match them with a medically tailored menu that best fits their health needs.
What happens after 6 months?
MTMs are currently available to eligible participants for a total of six months. When a participant is nearing the end of their service, an MTM provider will work with them to locate additional resources.
What if I don’t live in one of the jurisdictions listed. How can I participate in this program?
This program is currently available for eligible participants who reside in the listed areas. People who are interested should contact their health care provider to discuss other programs they may be eligible for.
