Central Health Launches ‘Food Is Medicine’ Program to Deliver Medically Tailored Meals for Patients
November 18, 2025
AUSTIN, Texas — Central Health is launching a new Food Is Medicine program in partnership with the Central Texas Food Bank to deliver medically tailored meals to patients with chronic diseases, addressing food insecurity as a critical factor in their overall health.
The yearlong pilot, which began Nov. 17, will provide nutritious, frozen meals for up to 600 Central Health patients with low income who struggle to access healthy food.
How the program works:
- Referrals come through Central Health providers
- Each patient is paired with a case manager and community health worker at Central Health
- Patients receive seven frozen meals per week for up to eight weeks delivered to their doorstep
- 14 frozen meals per week are available for patients with chronic conditions and malnutrition
- Educational materials such as recipe cards come with each delivery
“There are a couple of broken pieces in our system that this program is hoping to fix,” said Dr. Milinda Zabramba, Central Health associate chief medical director. “It’s extremely important to recognize that there is a direct correlation to health through good nutrition and better health outcomes.”
All meals, cooked from scratch in Central Texas Food Bank’s kitchen, meet national nutrition standards and are culturally responsive. The program is designed to improve chronic disease management, reduce food insecurity, and strengthen patient engagement in care. Meals are tailored to support a variety of diets including diabetic-friendly, heart-healthy, renal-friendly, or gastrointestinal-supportive.
According to the Central Texas Food Bank, about 18% of Travis County residents experience food insecurity.
“We can provide food access points, and if people have barriers, this allows us to meet them where they are,” said Sari Vatske, president and CEO of the Central Texas Food Bank. “Central Health takes care of some of the more vulnerable members of the community, and we’re proud to partner on this important endeavor as we aim to improve health outcomes with nutritious food.”
The program was developed through the Central Health Innovation Fund (CHIF), a two-year effort shaped by the Central Health Board of Managers, community input, and the experience of Central Health’s frontline care teams.
The program was developed through the Central Health Innovation Fund (CHIF) and reflects a collaborative effort shaped by the Central Health Board of Managers, community input, and the experience of Central Health’s frontline care teams.
The Food Is Medicine initiative is part of Central Health’s “Year of Access,” a systemwide effort to expand care and address social determinants of health such as food, housing, and transportation. By caring for those who need it most, Central Health is improving the health of Travis County.