What is Bento?

Bento is a Medicaid health plan approved service provider that uses SMS text messaging to connect Medicaid health plan members with curated groceries. The groceries are tailored for individuals by Registered Dietitians based on their unique disease risk factors, nutritional requirements and cultural preferences. Bento grocery orders are delivered from a local grocery store.

Who Qualifies for Bento?

Bento is a Medicaid health plan covered benefit. To qualify, you need to be a Medicaid health plan member with any self-reported health condition (e.g diabetes, high blood pressure) or have recently been discharged from the hospital.

Qualification is not tied to immigration status, employment status, nationality, or any other factor other than your insurance provider and health condition.

How much does Bento cost?

There is no cost to you, Bento is free! This is a new benefit provided by your Medicaid health plan to improve your overall health.

I use SNAP/CalFresh/EBT. Can I still enroll in Bento? 

Yes! These programs will not interfere with your Medicaid health plan benefits. 

What do I need to start using the program? 

To enroll and order with Bento, you’ll need a phone that is capable of sending and receiving text messages, as all interactions with the Bento ordering system are by text messaging. 

Why do you need my phone number?

Your phone number is used to verify your identity and create your Bento account. Once you’re enrolled, you’ll use text messages to order from Bento using the phone number you provide.

How do I enroll in Bento?

Enrolling in Bento is easy and simple, and can be done from your phone via text messaging. There are 3 simple steps:

1. Verify your phone number (you will be ordering through Bento via text).

2. Fill out a short form, so we can confirm your eligibility.

3. Once Medi-Cal has approved your benefit, you will receive a text message or phone call with instructions on how to place your first grocery order.

Can I enroll multiple members of my family?

Yes, you can! Please note that each individual must have their own unique phone number to enroll and the same phone number cannot be used to enroll more than one person.

Once I’ve enrolled, how long does it take to get approval and start ordering groceries? 

It may take up to two weeks to get approval. 

Once approved, how do I order groceries?

You can order groceries weekly, in four simple steps using only text messaging!

1. Start your order

2. Select your grocery order

3. Choose a delivery date and time

4. Checkout

5. Submit your order

What can I order?

Once you are approved, our Registered Dietitians will assign you a nutritional profile. This profile determines which medically-tailored meals you can order each week and our orders include proteins such as chicken, pork, turkey, salmon, tilapia, and beef, as well as whole grains, fruits and vegetables. With each order, we provide recipes or meal ideas to help you get the most out of your weekly groceries.

What if I have a dietary restriction, like I’m vegan or gluten intolerant?

You will have the option to select grocery orders that meet your dietary restrictions and preferences.

I have a life-threatening food allergy; what are the options available to me? 

Currently, Bento does not support life-threatening food allergies. The groceries we deliver may contain or come in contact with common allergens, such as dairy, eggs, soybeans, tree nuts, peanuts, fish, shellfish, or wheat.

How can I get help if I need assistance during the enrollment or ordering process?

For Bento Member support, call (800) 936-3022 or email support@gobento.com.