Colorado Health Network: Fighting HIV One Meal at a Time

Ensuring clients’ nutritional needs are met empowers people to focus on what is most important.

Unique to food banks and community pantries, CHN’s food bank works to meet the dietary needs of people living with HIV. The food bank shelves are stocked with high-protein, low fat, and high-fiber foods. Studies have shown that this type of diet works best with the antiretroviral medications clients are prescribed and is a step toward increasing their overall health. CHN’s food banks supplement clients’ grocery budgets by providing a minimum of seven meals per week, or one-third of the weekly caloric needs of an HIV positive individual.

Not long ago, Kai* reached out to us from a desperate place. Kai had just been diagnosed with HIV, and, when they revealed that information to their family, they were kicked out.  While Kai lived in temporary housing and worked to achieve their goals of stable housing and engagement with medical care, the Food Bank provided them with weekly meals that could be prepared from their temporary housing, which only had access to a mini fridge and microwave. After several months, Kai had been able to find a safe place to live, achieved viral suppression for their HIV, and found stable employment.

It might seem strange for a health organization to have food banks, but at Colorado Health Network, we believe access to nourishing food is a critical part of managing HIV. Each regional office is fully equipped with a food bank to assist eligible clients in meeting their nutritional needs. 

Ensuring clients’ nutritional needs are met empowers people like Kai to focus on what is most important: regaining stability to live their best, healthiest lives.

If you are experiencing food insecurity, call CHN to speak with a case manager for assistance. 

*Name has been changed for privacy.