The Toronto People With AIDS Foundation (PWA) is a community-based, non-profit organization that exists to promote the health and well-being of all people living with HIV/AIDS. PWA is the largest direct support service agency for people living with HIV/AIDS in Canada.

PWA's Thanksgiving Pie in the Sky event raises funds for our Food Programs. PWA operates an Essentials Market (Food Bank) exclusively for people living with HIV/AIDS and a Food for Life program that delivers meals to homebound men and women to form a means of food security.

At any given time, hundreds of people living with HIV/AIDS in Toronto do not receive the nutrition their bodies need. HIV/AIDS can deplete a person's financial, emotional and physical resources making it difficult to perform necessary, daily functions like cooking and eating. The virus itself impacts the body's ability to properly absorb and utilize nutrition. Good nutrition facilitates healing and recovery, replenishes the body with important nutrients and helps maximize the benefits of medical treatment. Simply eating a meal a day can make medications and harsh treatments more tolerable.

Essentials Market
The Toronto People With AIDS Foundation's Essentials Market is the only food bank in Toronto that exclusively serves people living with HIV/AIDS. Twice a month, clients can pick up staple food items such as bread, milk, fresh produce, cereal, canned goods and baking supplies. We do our best to cater to special needs by providing culturally appropriate foods and food that accomodate specific dietary restrictions as well as having baby items. Many people come hungry to our Essentials Market which is why we always provide snacks and hot beverages.

Food for Life Meal Delivery Program
The Food for Life program provides nutritious meals to homebound men, women and children living with HIV/AIDS. Clients in the program receive a menu and choose their weekly meals from 43 entrees, 14 soups and 18 desserts. The frozen meals are delivered once a week and at times provide clients with basic human contact.

Community Sponsors

                           

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