Daily Meals Program

Overview

Maintaining a healthy nutritional level is especially important for those living with HIV/AIDS. Upon meeting our criteria, and with a referral from his/her physician, individuals become clients of A Loving Spoonful. Our dietitian works to ensure that meals are nutritious and appropriate for those with HIV/AIDS. A Loving Spoonful is also inspected regularly by the Vancouver Health Department.

Once a week, clients receive nutritious entrees, milk, yogurt, juice, bread and fresh fruit. The meals are delivered by our volunteer drivers.

Besides providing appetizing, fully prepared meals to people who are often too ill to shop, plan and prepare food themselves, A Loving Spoonful's services also allow clients to remain in the comfort of their home while ensuring that their nutritional requirements are met.

This is a "win-win" situation, as hospital beds are available to people who need more acute care. Individuals who simply need regular, healthy food can remain in familiar and comforting surroundings.

Daily Meals Program - Standard Service

Nutritionally balanced, easy-to-prepare meals and snack items delivered weekly, as a food supplement, to the home of primarily housebound individuals whose HIV/AIDS, health and mobility status poses a threat to food security and/or a risk of malnutrition (client pre-assessed for service eligibility either in-office or on outreach home visit). Service approved for 3-6 months and client is re-assessed after this period to ensure continued need/eligibility. 160 clients on service.

Clients are predominantly Greater Vancouver, with a small number of clients in outlying areas (Burnaby, Richmond) who do not have access to other, more localised services. The aim of the DMP is to increase an individual’s independence in terms of food security and nutrition through food provision and nutrition screening/counselling.

Daily Meals Program - Supervised Service

As per Daily Meals Program Standard Service, however meals are distributed in a safe and controlled environment to individuals living with HIV/AIDS and whose medical and/or living situation – predominantly addiction and/or mental illness – poses a threat to safe and appropriate storage and consumption of food, and makes them ineligible for standard meals service.

Service also includes hot meals for marginalised street youth, distributed via our partnership with a local community youth group. Greater Vancouver area. 30-40 clients on service. The supervised meal distribution programs allow us access to the most in-need members of our community and ensure that these marginalised individuals receive adequate support in a respectful manner.

To see our Community Partners for Daily Meals Program-Supervised Service CLICK HERE.