The Regional Food Bank has launched nutrition services under New York’s Medicaid 1115 Waiver through Social Care Networks, expanding access to Food As Medicine across our service area. We are currently contracted with Healthy Alliance to serve the North Country and Capital Region. In the coming months, we will begin accepting referrals through Hudson Valley Care Coalition to expand our footprint throughout our 23 counties.
These services include medically tailored nutrition prescriptions, food pantry stocking, and nutrition counseling. Our nutrition team, including two registered dietitians, works alongside dedicated volunteers who pack each weekly food box with care. Boxes are delivered directly to neighbors’ homes via UPS, eliminating transportation barriers while pairing food access with nutrition education to support better health outcomes.
We are serving 105 active cases across 17 counties. Patients are screened and referred by social care navigators in settings such as community health centers and are connected to the Regional Food Bank for services. Each participant receives weekly food boxes for up to six months, containing fresh produce, lean proteins, whole grains, and educational materials focused on practical strategies for improving health.
Community partners have highlighted the growing need for these services, and feedback from neighbors has been overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing gratitude for both the convenience and quality of support.