Press Release: Rethink Food Launches Medically Tailored Meals Program to Support Medicaid Recipients Across New York State
Rethink Food is proud to announce the launch of its Medically Tailored Meals (MTM) Program, an innovative, no-cost meal delivery service designed to support the health and well-being of eligible Medicaid recipients throughout New York City’s five boroughs and Long Island.
Rooted in the “Food is Medicine” approach, this program provides nutritious, home-delivered meals crafted by registered dietitians to meet the specific needs of individuals managing chronic illnesses. By aligning nutrition with medical care, MTM aims to improve health outcomes, enhance quality of life, and reduce avoidable hospital visits.
Funded by the New York State 1115 Waiver, the MTM Program connects healthcare and social services to address the social drivers of health, starting with food insecurity.
Program highlights include:
Nutritious, fully prepared meal boxes with partial and full-week options, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Meals tailored to individual dietary and medical needs
A focus on dignity, equity, and sustainability—supporting local food businesses and community-based networks
In partnership with leading social care networks—including Public Health Solutions, HEALI, and SOMOS Community Care — Rethink Food ensures that medically tailored meals reach those who need them most, where they are. These collaborations strengthen referral pathways, expand access, and make nutrition a powerful tool for healing.
“At Rethink Food, we believe nutrition is not a privilege, it’s a prescription for better health. Through our Medically Tailored Meals Program, we are turning food into a tool for healing, dignity, and equity. This isn’t just about meals - it’s about changing the way we care for one another.”
— Jordan Correa, Chief Program Officer, Rethink Food
“Public Health Solutions, the largest public health nonprofit working to improve health outcomes in New York City, is thrilled to welcome Rethink Food to the WholeYouNYC network as they launch their Medically Tailored Meals (MTM) program. As the largest Social Care Network (SCN) in New York State, WholeYouNYC aims to serve 2.6 million Medicaid members in Brooklyn, Queens and Manhattan to screen them for health-related social needs and connect individuals to community resources and Medicaid-funded services. Our partners at Rethink Food are pioneering innovative solutions to address food insecurity by redirecting surplus food from beloved local restaurants and businesses to those in need. Together, we are proving that solving food insecurity requires collaboration, creativity, and a shared commitment to serving all New Yorkers.”
— Cassaundra Howell, Chief Operating Officer, Public Health Solutions
About Rethink Food
Rethink Food is a chef-led nonprofit on a mission to fix our broken food system by creating a more equitable and sustainable future. We partner with restaurants, community organizations, and food donors to deliver meals where they’re needed most. Through our Sustainable Community Kitchen, we set the standard for dignified, community-centered food access, while advocating for systemic change to ensure a fair and sustainable food future for all. Together, we’re rethinking how food can nourish communities and drive lasting impact.
For more information about eligibility or to refer someone, visit our website or contact mtm@rethinkservices.org.
To learn more, visit rethinkfood.org and follow @rethinkfood on Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), TikTok, Facebook, Linkedin, and Threads.
Contact:
Jordan Correa
Chief Program Officer
jordanc@rethinkfood.org
(917) 664-3965