The HIV+ Food & Nutrition Services Program fights hunger using food as medicine. Clients report that they no longer worry about where their next meal is coming from.
The HIV+ Food & Nutrition Services Program delivers meals to the homes of people living with HIV/AIDS who are home-bound and are too ill to cook and shop for themselves. The program also operates the only food pantry in Nassau County that supplies weekly grocery bags for persons living with HIV/AIDS. Eligible food pantry recipients live in Nassau County. Eligible home-delivered meal recipients live in Hempstead, Freeport, Roosevelt, Westbury and New Cassel. Nearby areas may also qualify; inquire with our staff for eligibility. Dependant children are also fed through the program, which has been in operation since 1992.
Menus are planned by a nutritionist to guarantee that nutrition and special dietary needs are met, and are delivered directly to client homes. Through this program, clients recieve highly nutritious meals. Food deliveries also provide a chance to visit and make sure everything is all right. Based on availibility, pet food is provided for those with cats and dogs.
The changing face of HIV/AIDS is reflected in the population served; the majority, 93%, is from the minority community; composed of African American and Latino individuals between the ages of 25 and 60 with incomes at or below the poverty level. Clients also include a significant number of single mothers with dependent children. These children are also provided with supplemental food for weekends and emergency needs.
In 2007, EAC’s Food & Nutrition Services was awarded the Congressional Hunger Award for helping to eliminate hunger and malnutrition for persons who are suffering from HIV/AIDS.