IAM Interfaith AIDS Ministry of Greater Danbury - The Living Pantry

The Living Pantry is a client choice, personal shopping, food and personal care pantry, providing fresh foods including meat, poultry, fruits, vegetables and dairy products, along with non-perishable food, personal care items and nutrition education, for those living with HIV/AIDS and their families and/or significant others. People with HIV/AIDS are, thankfully, living longer but they are developing diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, and kidney disease, all of which are impacted by food choices. A nutritionist funded by the USDA, SNAP program, offers education regarding choosing healthful diets for our pantry recipients. Acting as a personal shopper, clients learn, on the spot, which foods are best for them, given their medical condition. We are the only pantry to offer this service. The goal of the Living Pantry is to assist people living with HIV/AIDS access the best nutrition, develop healthy eating habits, and live healthier lives. The Living Pantry was started in 1995 to meet the special needs of those living with HIV /AIDS. HIV is a debilitating virus that can interrupt the body's ability to fight off life threatening diseases. Research has shown that eating a healthy diet can lessen the impact of the disease. The food pantry provides both nutritious food and assistance to clients to use their other food resources, including food stamps, most effectively. Personal care items, not covered by food stamps, were added to improve the health and quality of life of our clients. These include toilet paper, soap, shampoo and other personal hygiene products. The pantry is open every other week; Fresh foods including meats, vegetables, fruits, bread, milk, eggs; Non-perishable food with an emphasis on protein and micro-nutrients; Personal care items, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, toilet paper, etc.; Personal nutrition assessments; Nutrition education through food shopping assistance; Nutrition education through recipes, food safety tips, nutrition focused lunch and learn forums, tastings; HIV/AIDS prevention resources; Home delivery option, if necessary; Bi-lingual assistance and material