Hidalgo Medical Services (HMS) is proud to announce a new partnership with Meals on Wheels New Mexico (MOWNM), bringing medically supportive meals to residents throughout Hidalgo and Grant Counties. The partnership is designed to improve access to nutritious food while supporting individuals living with chronic health conditions through ongoing engagement with healthcare services.

Through this innovative collaboration, HMS will provide eligible patients with access to five frozen and prepared meals per week, distributed monthly at no cost to participants. Meal options are available to support a variety of health needs, including general wellness, diabetes management, and renal health, with specialized texture modifications available when needed.

The model recognizes the important connection between nutrition and health. In addition to receiving meals, participants will be connected to HMS healthcare services and encouraged to stay engaged with recommended care activities that support their individual health goals. Program participation will help patients strengthen connections with their care team while addressing food insecurity and improving overall wellness.

This partnership establishes a collaborative effort between HMS and Meals on Wheels New Mexico to install and maintain a freezer containing frozen prepared meals, including medically tailored meal options, for distribution to eligible program participants. The initiative aims to expand equitable access to nutritious food across rural New Mexico, particularly for individuals who encounter transportation, financial, health-related, or other barriers to obtaining adequate nutrition.

“Good nutrition plays a critical role in preventing and managing chronic disease,” said Dr. Dan Otero, Chief Executive Officer of Hidalgo Medical Services. “By partnering with Meals on Wheels New Mexico, we are addressing both food insecurity and health outcomes. This program helps ensure our patients have access to nutritious meals while staying connected to the healthcare services that support long-term wellness.”

Eligible patients will be invited to enroll through HMS Community Health Workers, who will help participants understand the program, complete enrollment, and connect them with available resources. The program is currently limited to 30 qualified HMS patients, allowing HMS and Meals on Wheels New Mexico to establish and evaluate the program while making a meaningful impact on participants' health and well-being. The program will serve eligible HMS patients who meet qualifying health and program criteria, with HMS maintaining a waiting list as additional participants are identified. The overall goal is to improve health outcomes through meaningful patient engagement while ensuring access to nutritious, medically supportive meals. 

About Hidalgo Medical Services

Hidalgo Medical Services is a private, non-profit Federally Qualified Health Center serving communities throughout Hidalgo and Grant Counties in New Mexico. HMS provides integrated medical, dental, behavioral health, family support, vision, community health, and other essential services designed to improve the health, wellness, and quality of life of the individuals and families it serves. Hidalgo Medical Services is dedicated to serving the healthcare needs of our community with compassion and excellence. HMS is a Federally Qualified Health Center 330 Grantee under 42 USC 245b and a deemed Public Health Service Employee under 42 USC 233(g)-(n).

About Meals on Wheels New Mexico

Meals on Wheels New Mexico works to improve access to nutritious meals for New Mexicans through innovative programs that address food insecurity and support healthy, independent living. Through its Food Is Medicine Hub initiative, MOWNM partners with organizations throughout the state to provide frozen prepared meals, including medically tailored diets, to individuals in need. 

For more information about the Medically Supportive Meals Program, contact Hidalgo Medical Services at 575-800-1467.