Community

The Food Chain

The Food Chain is a local charity which was set up to ensure that people living with HIV in London can access the nutrition they need to get well, stay well and lead healthy, independent lives.

They deliver meals and groceries, offer cookery and nutrition classes and communal eating opportunities to people living with HIV in London and their dependants. Every service user is referred by a health or social care professional, who has identified them in need of nutritional support. Each service user receives a Personalised Nutrition Care Plan designed specifically to meet their needs. The Food Chain employ a HIV Specialist Community Dietician to help tailor-make each diet plan.

The Food Chain was established in 1988 by friends of people living with HIV, inspired by American organisations. Set up in a time before effective medication was available, wasting was common, and good nutrition helped support the immune system and maintain a healthy body mass. The charity was granted funding by the Elton John AIDS Foundation to continue their work in the community.

In 2012 The Food Chain set up a permanent kitchen at Acorn House, near King’s Cross. This means access to the facility 7 days a week, and from here they run weekly Eating Positively and Eating Together sessions.

For more information on this worthwhile cause, visit their website www.foodchain.org.uk/

Last updated Friday 18 October, 2019