Food-Based Healthcare

The New York Health Equity Reform (NYHER) 1115 Waiver amendment authorizes New York State to transform Medicaid through programs that improve public health and modernize care delivery to eligible members. 

Regional Social Care Networks are established to help screen prospective participants and identify members’ unmet social needs (e.g. (housing, utilities, transportation etc). Through the summer of 2026, state data has indicated that food/nutrition has been — by a wide margin — the most common unmet need among Medicaid Managed Care Members.

Foodlink launched its FoodRx program in 2025 as one of the Finger Lakes region’s approved community-based organizations (CBO) qualified to do this work.

Through the help of a registered dietitian and our food-based healthcare team, we are connecting hundreds of neighbors with the services they need to improve their health.

Enrollment Information

Foodlink does not have the authority to determine program eligibility. The Finger Lakes region’s Social Care Network, WeLinkCare by FLIPA, helps eligible Medicaid members connect to services performed by Foodlink and other CBOs. | More information | Self-screening tool

What we offer

Nutrition counseling

Meeting one-on-one with a registered dietitian to support health goals, nutrition needs and menu planning/budgeting/feeding a family.

Cooking supplies

Providing pots and pans, air fryers, microwaves and more to help enrolled members cook and prepare nutritious meals at home.

FoodRx vouchers + food packs

Serving dozens of families per week, providing a $50 coupon book to the Curbside Market, and a weekly, semi-custom pack of food curated by onsite dietitian and packed by Foodlink staff.

FoodRx box delivery

Serving hundreds of families in Monroe County weekly with a provision of fresh/frozen/canned protein/dairy/fruits/veggies/grains direct to their door via a partnership with Headwater Food Hub. An expansion to Wayne and Seneca counties is planned for Summer 2026.

Pantry stocking

Serving pregnant/postpartum women and high-risk children with nutritious food, delivered to a local food pantry in Livingston/Wayne/Ontario/Monroe counties.

 

Testimonials

What I love is they actively listen. I’m not a number or a statistic. They’re personalizing and listening to me and what I value. They genuinely want me to be my best and help me along the way.

I’ve lost weight since I’ve been in this program. I’ve lost 15 pounds and my sugar level has been where it’s supposed to be.

This program is phenomenal!