“The direct support of The Food Chain was invaluable: the food I received helped me to get the strength I needed to take one day at a time. Even though I felt at times too depressed to go out of my flat, coming for lunch at Eating Together was a much-needed opportunity to talk things through with others after days spent on my own”
Enhanced Food & Nutrition Services for People Living with HIV in Crisis
It was on Christmas Day in 1988 that The Food Chain delivered its first meal for people living with HIV – a home cooked Christmas dinner, with all the trimmings, made by volunteers in a borrowed kitchen and delivered to people’s homes.
From that Christmas day to this, The Food Chain has been providing food and nutrition support for people living with HIV in London, at times of crisis.
Our services are delivered by more than 200 volunteers, supported by a small staff team of just six posts.
Each year we receive referrals from health and social care professionals all across London for approximately 350 people living with HIV an in acute need:
- They may be recently diagnosed and already be sick with an Aids defining illness.
- They may have been recently discharged from hospital after an in-patient stay.
- They may be on a very low income, or no income at all and not able to afford to buy food for themselves or their families.
- They may be homeless or in unstable accommodation,
- They may be refugees or asylum seekers trying to make a life somewhere where it is safe to be open about your HIV status.
Many will be experiencing poor mental health, social isolation and nearly all have experienced stigma and prejudice because of their HIV status.
As well as helping the person referred to us, our services help support their family members and reach a further 250 people, including children, babies and adult carers.
- We can supply up to 3 grocery deliveries to fill empty cupboards
- People are then invited to attend our lunchtime meal service in King’s Cross on Wednesdays and Saturdays, where they can meet other people, share a hot, nutritious lunch and get information and support to help them get better both physically and mentally.
- We also offer a nutrition and cookery course of 4 topics to help improve nutrition knowledge and build up practical cookery skills for the longer term.
Paul:
“The Food Chain has given me energy, and a healthier outlook on life. I’d rate the service a million out of ten!
“My weight is now back up to 14 stone. I feel like I’ve been reborn. For the first time in my life, I am feeling strong. The Food Chain has made me a happier, stronger individual.”
Richard:
“Before I joined The Food Chain I felt very isolated but now I feel a part of a community”
“I’ve been using all the recipes and will keep using them when I move. I’ve made some hummus which I certainly would not have tried before I came to the classes: they’ve really inspired me to try new things”
“The Eating Positively classes have also taught me how to eat on a budget and now I make meals that will provide portions for 2 or 3 days.
“Now my eating habits have improved dramatically and The Food Chain has given me a reason to get up in the morning.”
Charles:
“The direct support of The Food Chain was invaluable: the food I received helped me to get the strength I needed to take one day at a time. Even though I felt at times too depressed to go out of my flat, coming for lunch at Eating Together was a much-needed opportunity to talk things through with others after days spent on my own”
Eduardo:
“I don’t have enough words of praise for the Food Chain. It gave me a helping hand that pulled me out of misery. It said ‘here is food’ when I was hungry.”
“I started to recover and feel stronger, and have gained weight. I’ve started working again; my life has turned around.”