Local Nutrition Program to Expand Beyond AIDS Clients

By City News Service

After 24 years providing nutritional support to low-income Coachella Valley residents with HIV and AIDS, the AIDS Assistance Program will expand its services to those suffering from other serious illnesses, the charity announced today.

Beginning in January 2016, area residents living with cancer, multiple sclerosis, heart disease, liver disease and other serious illnesses can apply to receive food vouchers under the organization’s newly launched “Food Samaritans” program.

“AAP has come a long way since the early days when Gloria Greene fed a handful of desperate souls out of the back door of her restaurant,” said Mark Anton, executive director of AIDS Assistance Program. “There is a real need among the less fortunate in our community, and we’ve decided to help those who are suffering with serious illnesses by expanding our nutritional support services.”

Under the new program, clients will be required to undergo the same qualification process required of current clients, including income and residency verification, and random drug testing.

The additional services are expected to cost about $250,000 to get up and running.

“Over the coming months we will consider alliances with the other organizations, and will work hard to secure funding donations, build awareness and encourage community participation,” Anton said. “It’s important to note that our clients rarely, if ever, make it off of our client list. Unfortunately, many die alone, with AAP as one of their few resources.”

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