Food, Necessities, and So Much More

The mention of HIV/AIDS stirs up many emotions in people, whether it is fear of the virus, effects on the body, or the medicine that goes along with it to stay healthy and keep one’s immune system up. One thing that probably doesn’t pop into a person’s head would be the financial effect on people.  Most people have an understanding of the devastating effect of HIV/AIDS, but there are some major underlying factors when discussing these effects. One being the lack of finances a person incurs. Personal finances include so many different categories, but most importantly have to be the ability to afford food and basic necessities.

1 in 2 clients at BCAP live below the poverty line. The poverty line is classified as an income of $10,200 a year or $196 per week! This statistic is astounding, how is someone supposed to be able to afford food, shelter, and medication on such a low amount of funds? This is one of the many areas BCAP steps in to improve client’s lives and make life a little easier on them. BCAP has a fully stocked food bank in the basement of their building. This food bank is so important to the BCAP mission; it offers a private, stigma and judgment free place for clients to receive the foods and necessities they need to stay strong. The foods offered boost the immune system and are directly intended for people with HIV/AIDS. The food bank offers a variety of foods rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals helping to boost a person’s immune system as they battle the virus. One of the main items that are given to clients is the Ensure drinks. These are very important and handed out to clients in cases, because they are some of the best sources of vitamins and minerals needed in these clients diet.

                                 Some cases of the vitamin and protein rich drink, Ensure

Imagine being required to take around 30 pills a day to maintain your health while fighting HIV/AIDS. This is a common occurrence for BCAP clients, and it is nice to know that these people are receiving the nutrition they need to help make the medicine work to its best ability. This food helps keep people strong physically, as well as emotionally, knowing that they are able to receive healthy meals.

This amazing food bank is primarily donation based.  The Interface AIDS Coalition helps take turns stocking the shelves, as well as local churches around the Boulder area. The fresh produce is primarily donated by the local farmers market. All of these groups come together along with the people at BCAP to give clients proper nutrition and even more than that they give hope.

Upcoming Events:

Also don’t forget to check out the upcoming events benefiting BCAP

·         Imitation of Wife

o   Uproarious benefit performance for BCAP

o   Friday Nov. 5, and Saturday Nov. 6 at 7:30PM

o   Dairy Center for the Arts

    (2590 Walnut St, Boulder, CO)

o   Tickets are $20, visit thedairy.org for more information

·         Souper Bowlder

o   An event  this Friday night where artists have designed soup bowls to be sold for $15 each, all proceeds benefiting BCAP

o   Over 1400 Bowls and enjoy a free bowl of soup in your newly purchased soup Bowl

o   Event is on Pearl Street at Boulder Arts and Crafts

For More Info: https://www.google.com/calendar/event?eid=Nm9ucGU3NHA1MmtqMHZraDgwcWZzMWFjZWcgYmNhaWRzcHJvamVjdEBt&ctz=America/Denver&gsessionid=OK

By Zach Kincaid