The Food Chain exists to ensure people living with HIV in London can access the nutrition they need to get well, stay well and lead healthy, independent lives.
We deliver meals and groceries, offer cookery and nutrition classes and communal eating opportunities to people living with HIV in London and their dependents.
Our offices are on Caledonian Road, and we run our twice-weekly meal service in Stepney Green.
To find out more about how we work, download our Values Statement.
Inspired by our practical response, hundreds of volunteers deliver our services, supported by a small staff team.
People living with HIV often struggle to access the food they need to stay well, because of:
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. By offering a tailored package of support, at the appropriate time, we help people to lead healthy, independent lives.
Our first meal was delivered on Christmas day 1988. Meals have been delivered every week since.
The Food Chain was established 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.
There are many ways to support the Food Chain, including volunteering and donations.