This article explains your Foodsmart nutrition benefits as a CalOptima member, including visit benefits, food eligibility, and how to schedule your first appointment.
Program Note: As of July 1, 2025, CalOptima reduced the lifetime food benefit maximum from 24 weeks to 12 weeks. Your current total will reflect any meals you have previously received through this program.
Visit Benefits
After your first visit, your dietitian completes a risk assessment. Your results determine how many visits and/or meals you are approved for. Your healthplan makes this decision.
- 3 total visits — not eligible for food delivery
- 4 total visits — eligible for 4 weeks of meals
- 6 total visits — eligible for 12 weeks of meals
How to Check Your Eligibility and Schedule Your Initial Appointment
Foodsmart verifies your eligibility using your CalOptima Member ID, Date of Birth and Full Name. To check your eligibility and schedule your initial visit, please contact Foodsmart Member Support.
Languages Supported
Foodsmart supports CalOptima members in the following languages:
- English
- Spanish
- Arabic
- Korean
Common Questions
What if I expected food?
Your eligibility for food delivery is determined by your risk level at the time of your initial visit. If you were assessed as Low Risk, food delivery is not included. Contact Foodsmart Member Support directly if you have questions about your assessment.
I've completed my initial appointment. When will I receive my food?
Our system sends food referrals to food vendors at the end of each day. Most vendors typically reach out within 72 business hours. However, during periods of high referral volume, we kindly ask that you allow up to two weeks before inquiring about your status. If it has been over two weeks, please contact Member Support.
I don't know how many weeks of food I have used/have left?
Please call CalOptima, using the phone number on your healthcare card, to inquire how many claims have been submitted for food boxes of the 8 or 12 week limit.
What should I do if I received a food box but need meals instead (or vice versa)?
It is CalOptima policy that all members must retain the initial food benefit for four weeks before submitting for a change. If you received the wrong type of food (e.g., a food box instead of meals or vice versa), please contact Member Support.
How do I change food vendor?
First confirm you have received four weeks of food from the initial vendor to which you were referred, as this is a requirement and policy set by CalOptima. If you have received four weeks of food from the initial vendor, your dietitian can submit a change request. If you are unsure or have any questions, please contact Member Support.
Need More Help?
If your question was not answered by this article, Foodsmart Member Support is available to help.
Phone: (949) 446-1499