The Toronto People With AIDS Foundation is a community-based, non-profit organization that helps men, women and children living with HIV / AIDS in the Greater Toronto Area. It is the largest direct support service agency for people living with HIV / AIDS in Canada, and currently serves over 3,500 people annually.

Mission statement:
The Toronto People With AIDS Foundation exists to promote the health and well-being of all people living with HIV / AIDS by providing accessible, direct, and practical support services. Our goal is to provide those living with HIV / AIDS with the means to live independently and with dignity.

YOU CAN'T FIGHT AIDS ON AN EMPTY STOMACH

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.

Food Bank
The Toronto People With AIDS Foundation's Food Bank 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 as well as pet food. A newsletter is available, highlighting health promotion information and strategies.

We do our best to cater to special needs as well. We have a Family Box, baby items and we're happy to accommodate special diets based on what we have available. The food bank is open on Wednesdays from 4-7 p.m. and Thursdays from 12-4 p.m. Many people come hungry to our food bank which is why we always provide snacks and hot beverages. On Thursdays, the Sherbourne Health Bus parks outside the food bank, providing our clients with basic medical care and personal hygiene items.

Food for Life Meal Delivery Program
The Food for Life program provides nutritious meals to homebound men, women and children living with HIV / AIDS. Food for Life is a fee for service program, which means clients pay a nominal amount to access this service. No one will be turned away if they cannot afford the fee. Last year the Food For Life Program provided over 40,000 meals to PHA's.

Clients need a doctor's referral to participate in Food for Life. Once part of the program, they receive a menu and choose their weekly meals from 43 entrees, 14 soups and 18 desserts. Special diet meals are also available through Food for Life. The frozen meals are delivered once a week.