“Millions of dollars that we now devote to care and treatment, especially behind the active anti-retroviral therapy programme, will be of no consequence unless there is a dramatic and drastic change in personal behavior, especially among members of society who are most at risk.”

Barbados Prime Minister Owen Arthur, Second National Consultation on HIV/
AIDS, 10/10/03

What perpetuates the continuation of this indiscriminate killer is the fact that while in Barbados medical professionals, governmental agencies and non-profit organisations gather together to provide education, supplies and economic funding, a callous attitude remains. While the ABCs of prevention (Abstinence, Being faithful to one partner and Condom use by the sexually active) aid and alleviate the situation, they simply are not enough on their own. The overall attitude must change. These ideologies must be supported within the home, the local community and the society at large.


BASIC NECESSITIES


THE FOOD BANK

MISSION:

The Ministry of Health’s HIV/AIDS Food Bank is committed to addressing nutrition as it relates to the complications associated with HIV and AIDS.
Our objective is to provide nutritional care and support for persons living with HIV and AIDS, while helping them to achieve optimal nutritional status.

THE FOOD BANK:

• Distributes nutritionally balanced food hampers and liquid supplements

• Provides nutritional counselling on healthy eating habits, dealing with dietary challenges and nutritional management as it relates to medication and food interaction.

• Provides education on food preparation, food budgeting and the importance of exercise.

• Provides education on all aspects of food safety including food hygiene and appropriate storage etc.

ITEMS YOU CAN DONATE INCLUDE:

Fresh fruits, vegetables and juices
Fresh bread, eggs, cheese and milk
Canned Foods
Dried Goods
Ground Provisions
Liquid Supplements
Others items: sugar, rice, seasonings, pastas, jams, jellies, peanut butter, granola bars, nuts, apple sauce etc.

WE NEED THE SUPPORT OF YOU AND YOUR ORGANISATION/INSTITUTION

You Can:
• Donate Food
• Conduct a Food Drive
• Conduct a Fund Raiser
• Make Corporate Donations
• Volunteer your time
• Join the “Adopt – A-Shelf” Project

Contributions may be delivered to the AIDS Information Centre, Jemmott’s Lane from Monday to Friday between the hours of 8:30 am and 4:30 pm. or you may simply call us at (246) 429-5950 and make arrangements to have your donations collected.

WHY IS SUPPORT OF THE FOOD BANK NECESSARY

Simple!
Generally, people who are ill have difficulty working. HIV/AIDS can bring with it a series of nutritional dysfunctions. The weakening of the immune system reinforces the need for nutritional support.

Individuals, families and communities are not only impacted by the symptoms of HIV and AIDS but are affected by the symptoms of prejudice, stigma and discrimination.

Contact:
HIV/AIDS Food Bank
Jemmott’s Lane
St. Michael
Tel: (246) 429-5950
Or call the National AIDS Hotline:
(246) 436-2444
(246) 436-AIDS (2437)


MAKE THE DIFFERENCE: VOLUNTEER!

Volunteer your time and resources.
When you express interest organisations like the HIV/AIDS Hotline, staff can train you to be there to comfort and assist others in their time of need.


REDUCE STIGMA

Change the way others think.

Be the example.

Refuse to participate when others a make offensive comments about people who are infected or have family members who are HIV positive.

Be intolerant of prejudicial attitudes and discriminatory behaviour.

Stand up for an individual’s right for respect and fair treatment.

Be the one to make the difference.