There has long been a link between diet and lifestyle and the development and management of chronic diseases. The concept of “Food is Medicine” is part of a growing body of public health literature addressing upstream factors such as food insecurity as a way to help individuals treat and manage their diabetes, heart disease, cancer, HIV/AIDS, and other chronic health conditions. This concept sits at the intersection of healthcare and food access, addressing both critical public health issues at the same time. Evidence supports the effectiveness of “Food is Medicine” programs at improving diet and glucose control, reducing rates of hypertension, and creating stronger self-perceived physical and mental health (Mozaffarian et al., 2024).
Food & Friends and Moveable Feast are two regional organizations that have been providing Medically Tailored Meals to Maryland residents for over 40 years. In 2025 alone, Food & Friends delivered over 2 million meals to residents of Maryland, Virginia, and Washington D.C, and Moveable Feast reached almost 2,500 people. Food & Friends reports that diabetic recipients of MTMs saw a reduction in their A1C levels, with 44% of survey participants reporting a drop of 1 point or more. Within six months of beginning to receive MTMs from Moveable Feast, diabetic clients saw a 24% reduction in hospitalization and healthcare charges. Alongside the several personal testimonies from MTM recipients highlighted on both of the organization’s websites, this data demonstrates the effectiveness of MTMs at improving diabetic management and reducing the financial burden on patients.
In 2023, the Department of Health and Human Services created an initiative to reduce nutrition-related chronic conditions, and this priority has made its way down to the state level. On April 27th, 2026, the Maryland Department of Health (MDH) announced their own pilot program, aimed at providing Marylanders with Medically Tailored Meals (MTMs) and personalized nutrition counseling to treat diabetes. This program is currently available to eligible residents who:
The MTM program provides eligible participants and any minor dependents living in their household with 12 personalized, frozen entrees a week for six months. MDH has partnered with Food & Friends and Moveable Feast to deliver MTMs to participants' homes on a weekly basis. The program, funded by the MDH Population Health Improvement Fund, also provides fresh and frozen produce and oral nutrition supplements to participants, as recommended by Registered Dietician Nutritionists (RDNs). In addition to receiving meals, clients are also provided with ongoing nutrition counseling and assessment from RDNs throughout the duration of the program. After six months, MTM staff connect participants with additional resources to support their diabetes management journey. MTM is free of cost to all participants, and available regardless of insurance status and WIC or SNAP eligibility.
As the program is implemented, Dr. Seth Berkowitz, Deputy Scientific Director for the American Heart Association's Health Care by Food Initiative, will evaluate its effectiveness and impacts on improving health and reducing medical costs. In the future, MDH plans to explore adding “Food is Medicine” initiatives into state Medicaid programs.
Why Would a Physician Want to Know About the MTM Program?
Many physicians already encourage patients to make changes in their diets and nutritional habits to help manage their chronic health conditions. A common challenge for patients is translating this guidance into action. Recent studies show that many physicians have fair nutrition knowledge, but only 13.5% felt adequately trained to discuss it with patients (Harkin et al., 2018). Physicians may be able to provide some information about nutrition and disease management, but patients may not have the knowledge, skills, and guidance to take effective action and improve their health.This may be especially challenging for low-income individuals, older adults, and those recovering from a hospital stay. MTM programs act as a direct extension of primary care, not only assisting patients in managing their conditions through improved nutrition, but addressing social determinants of health such as food insecurity.
According to the Medically Tailored Meals eligibility website, healthcare providers are a main way Maryland residents become enrolled in the MTM Program. When a provider determines that a patient is eligible and could benefit from receiving meals and nutrition counseling, they can refer them through CRISP. Patients can also reach out to their provider directly and request a referral. If patients do not have a referring provider, they are able to contact Food & Friends or Moveable Feast for information on enrolling in the MTM program. Through this avenue, participants can also receive assistance finding primary care providers, helping to further link healthcare and food access. MDH is also working to identify patients who are eligible for the program, and both partner organizations are reaching out to these individuals directly to offer services.
Linked below is a video that walks providers through the process of completing a referral through CRISP and an informational flyer about the MTM Program for patients:
How to Make a Referral in CRISP
Medically Tailored Meals Program Flyer- for Patients
Additionally, although the state-funded MTM program is only offered to residents with a diagnosis of diabetes who live in six of the 24 jurisdictions in Maryland, Food & Friends and Moveable Feast provide services to individuals with a broader range of chronic health conditions, and cover a larger geographic area. Even if a patient is not eligible for the MDH MTM program, referring them to a “Food is Medicine” program can help bridge the gap between food insecurity and proper chronic disease management, aligning with AHEAD model measures and focusing on holistic care and non-medical drivers of health.
For patients who may not be eligible for MTM programs, but are still impacted by food insecurity, additional resources around the state of Maryland are linked below.
Capital Area Food Bank Interactive Food Map (for Prince George's & Montgomery County)
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