Houston Food Bank’s Medically Tailored Meals program delivers fresh meals designed by Registered Dietitians to support individuals with serious illnesses and limited mobility.
Why Medically Tailored Meals are important
We know having fresh, healthy, home cooked meals made for an individual’s medical condition can make a huge difference on their health. The Medically Tailored Meals service at the Houston Food Bank does exactly that as well as connecting clients with our Registered Dietitians to provide nutrition education and individualized nutrition goals to provide well rounded care for our clients to help them meet their health goals.
Who we serve
Medically Tailored Meals serves individuals who experience limited mobility or challenges with daily living activities, and who are also managing chronic health conditions such as diabetes and/or HIV/AIDS. The nutritious meals support the health of Medically Tailored Meals clients living with these serious illnesses and will benefit from specifically designed foods for their diagnosis.
Are Medically Tailored Meals right for you?
Your qualifying healthcare provider will refer you to us based on specific eligibility criteria including certain chronic health conditions such as diabetes and HIV/AIDS, and limited mobility. After eligibility is confirmed you will begin meal service receiving 10 meals per week tailored to your specific nutrition needs.
How it works
Medically Tailored Meals serves individuals who experience limited mobility or challenges with daily living activities, and who are also managing chronic health conditions such as diabetes and/or HIV/AIDS. The nutritious meals support the health of Medically Tailored Meals clients living with these serious illnesses and will benefit from specifically designed foods for their diagnosis.
Common questions
Do I have to pay for this service?
- No, it is completely free to the client, however the healthcare plan or system will be responsible to pay for the services.
How many meals and how long will I be on the program?
- The duration of the service and how many meals you receive will be determined by your referring healthcare provider or healthcare plan. Minimally, 10 meals per week over a 6-month duration.
What kinds of meals will I receive?
- We provide lunch, dinner, and snacks depending on how many meals you receive weekly chosen by your healthcare provider.
What if I have a food allergy?
- We can adjust for certain food allergies, however meals are prepared in a kitchen that uses nuts, wheat, sesame, fish, shellfish, dairy, soybeans and/or eggs and cross-contamination may occur. We are unable to accommodate gluten-free restrictions, wheat and soy intolerances.
Is this service Meals on Wheels?
- No, we are separate from Meals on Wheels as we make sure the meals you receive meet your specific health needs.
Partner with us
Medically Tailored Meals are a fee-based service that provide healthy, home-delivered, client tailored meals for Houston residents living with severe and/or chronic illness and limited mobility. Medically Tailored Meals are delivered to individuals living with severe illness through a referral from a medical professional or healthcare plan.
Food is Medicine Coalition (FIMC) accreditation
- In 2024 HFB has embarked on the 4 year journey towards FIMC accreditation
- The purpose of this standard is to ensure that all FIMC agencies who are providing MTM are providing the same level of service to their clients and communicate to clients, partners, and policy makers that they can trust us to provide a high quality MTM program.
- Once HFB is audited by FIMC in 2028 and meets accreditation we are able to use the FIMC accreditation seal to designate that we meet this rigorous standard.
- We are dedicated to our neighbors to provide them the best and highest level of care and service, which is one of the reasons why we are embarking on this journey with FIMC.
- Learn more about FIMC and the accreditation process here
Our Team
Eloise
Registered Dietitian-Nutritionist
“Through my work, I have become passionate about our Medically Tailored Meals program because it brings the healing power of nutrition directly to those who need it most. By aligning food with health needs, we’re not just feeding our neighbors, we’re helping them thrive. It’s an honor to be part of a team that’s transforming lives through nutritious food and compassion.”
Jasmynn
Nutrition and Partnerships Senior Manager
“I care deeply about the health and dignity of our neighbors. Every day, I’m reminded that real change happens when we come together, when we listen, collaborate, and build trust across communities. Partnerships are at the heart of everything I do. They allow us to expand access to nourishing food and create spaces where people feel seen, supported, and empowered. This work is personal, and I’m grateful to be part of a mission that centers compassion, equity, and connection.”