Maryland Department of Health launched its Medically Tailored Meals program on April 27 2026 to provide approximately 1 million meals to more than 3 000 eligible participants across six jurisdictions. The initiative aims to improve health outcomes and lower care costs for residents managing chronic conditions often linked to food insecurity.
The launch event took place at Moveable Feast in Baltimore City. It highlights partnerships with Moveable Feast and Food and Friends. The program operates as a free six month service delivering freshly prepared nutritionally balanced meals tailored to individual medical needs. It targets people diagnosed with diabetes or those recently hospitalized due to diabetes in Prince Georges County Baltimore City Baltimore County Dorchester Somerset and Allegany counties.
Maryland Department of Health Secretary Dr. Meena Seshamani addressed the programs potential. Proper nutrition is a critical aspect of managing chronic conditions and our medically tailored meals will help bridge the gap for those who need it most. Participants receive 12 frozen medically tailored entrees per week designed to meet specific dietary requirements. They also gain access to oral nutrition supplements when prescribed by a registered dietitian nutritionist ongoing nutritional counseling and home delivery.
Moveable Feast CEO Sue Elias noted the challenges faced by participants. We can all relate to the stress of ending up in the emergency room or hospital but for those facing the dual challenge of food insecurity and chronic illness the stress is even greater. As partners in the states Medically Tailored Meals program Moveable Feast and Food and Friends will deliver meals to Marylanders that not only maintain their health but also preserve their dignity and avoid unnecessary trips to the hospital.
Food and Friends CEO Carrie Stoltzfus shared study results supporting the approach. In a recent Food and Friends study 71 percent of diabetic clients experienced a reduction in A1c levels after starting services with 44 percent seeing a drop of 1 point or more. Our collaboration with Moveable Feast demonstrated that diabetic participants receiving services saw a 27 percent reduction in hospital charges. Through our partnership with the Maryland Department of Health we look forward to measuring this impact on a larger scale and delivering meaningful results for our neighbors and the state.
The program stems from the Population Health Improvement Fund under the AHEAD model which addresses non clinical drivers of health such as food insecurity. It forms part of a broader food initiative that includes plans for a Produce Prescriptions program later in 2026 in partnership with ENOUGH communities. The department is also using federal funds to incorporate more Maryland produced foods into state programs. Maryland was selected by The Rockefeller Foundation to apply for its Food is Medicine State Officer Program to strengthen policies expanding healthy food access.
While the initial rollout covers six areas Southern Maryland faces similar challenges. Local organizations like Southern Maryland Food Bank and initiatives at facilities such as UM Charles Regional Medical Center work on food as medicine efforts to combat food insecurity rates that reached about 9.6 percent in St Marys County in recent data. Residents in Charles Calvert and St Marys counties managing diabetes or related conditions can contact health care providers for referrals or explore local resources while awaiting potential expansion.
Eligibility focuses on those with diabetes or recent diabetes related hospitalizations in the designated counties. No health insurance is required and enrollment does not affect participation in programs like WIC or SNAP. Meals extend to minor dependents in the household. Providers refer patients through CRISP while individuals without a referring provider can contact partner organizations directly.
The initiative aligns with evidence that medically tailored meals improve outcomes for chronic conditions prevalent in Maryland. By integrating nutrition into care plans it seeks to reduce hospitalizations and enhance quality of life. Officials expect data from this launch to guide future statewide efforts including possible inclusion of additional counties.
For enrollment or more details visit the official program page. This launch marks a significant step in using nutrition to support public health across Maryland with potential benefits for communities facing rising food costs and chronic disease rates.
