Spoonfuls Spotlight: AIDS Project Worcester
Here at Spoonfuls, we recognize that access to fresh, healthy food is a basic human right for everyone. However, we know food insecurity disproportionately affects individuals with marginalized identities across the United States (Feeding America). That’s why we’re proud to have partners in our mix who specialize in serving people facing an increased risk of hunger here in Massachusetts.
One of these partners is AIDS Project Worcester, which serves people with HIV, AIDS, and others who may be at risk of contracting these illnesses. We sat down with Jyselle Cruz, Transportation Coordinator, Food Program Manager and Case Manager, and Tricia Price, Director of Program Support Services, at AIDS Project Worcester to discuss our partnership and collective impact.
Tell us more about AIDS Project Worcester.
Tricia: AIDS Project Worcester offers a wide range of services to the community, both to people with HIV/AIDS and other people who may be considered high risk. For our clients, we facilitate case management, organize transportation, offer health education and risk reduction services, and support groups. We also have our Care Center, which provides health promotion services like Narcan training and HIV, Hepatitis C, and STI testing. Our team is involved in street outreach too, going into encampments with people who are unhoused to educate them on our services, and have programs to advocate for individuals looking for housing and financial assistance. And of course, we have our nutrition program, and that’s where Spoonfuls comes in.
How does your nutrition program work? And how do Spoonfuls’ deliveries support that program?
Tricia: We have a [food pantry] that is open on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Spoonfuls’ distributions allow us to give food to more folks [through our pantry].
What I love the most about Spoonfuls is that good food is rescued from the supermarket before it’s thrown away. (I have personally seen perfectly edible food getting taken off shelves at a grocery store, and I have asked, “What are you going to do with all that?” The worker said, “Throw it away.” They weren’t allowed to donate it at that store. I thought that was absurd with the number of people I see who are food insecure.) With the amount of food we have, why are people still going without food on their table? So much is wasted. And there is a solution to that! So what Spoonfuls does…I think it’s the best thing ever. No one should be going hungry.
What I love the most about Spoonfuls is that good food is rescued from the supermarket before it’s thrown away. (I have personally seen perfectly edible food getting taken off shelves at a grocery store, and I have asked, “What are you going to do with all that?” The worker said, “Throw it away.” They weren’t allowed to donate it at that store. I thought that was absurd with the number of people I see who are food insecure.) With the amount of food we have, why are people still going without food on their table? So much is wasted. And there is a solution to that! So what Spoonfuls does…I think it’s the best thing ever. No one should be going hungry.
What kinds of barriers are common for people with HIV/AIDS to face when it comes to accessing fresh, healthy food?
Tricia: The stigma around going to food programs is a big barrier. And it’s important to lessen the stigma around getting help from organizations like ours to improve access. Our clients don’t really want to go to food pantries, they have to go to feed themselves, their families, their children. I see people contemplating, “Do I buy food or do I pay for my prescriptions? Do I buy food or pay my rent?” Some people have to make that choice. And then when they go to the supermarket, the food is so outrageously expensive, they often can’t afford it. So cost is another barrier.
How have you seen the stigma around utilizing food programs play out at your organization?
Jyselle: One thing that makes our nutrition program special is that we’re very determined on making sure people feel comfortable and don’t feel stigmatized. We do it grocery shopping style, letting people pick out what they want. It’s great when we can put a range of choices out for them to choose from. If someone comes in hungry right now, Spoonfuls’ deliveries make it so that we can give them a healthy option beyond the frozen meals that we typically can provide to people facing food insecurity.
When people facing food insecurity do get the nutritious food they need, do you see changes in them?
Jyselle: I definitely see a difference. When it’s someone’s first time at our program, they get a few things and try not to take too much. But each time they come, they grab a little bit more of what they like so they can better feed themselves. I’ve noticed once people start coming, they come every week and gain a greater sense of [food] security. They start to lose that feeling of stigma, especially when they can make their own choices.
Trisha: There’s one client, who also volunteers his time at AIDS Project Worcester. That client benefits from the partnership, too. He has a large family of six, and gets a lot of help with groceries from us. He appreciates the quick and easy prepared meals from Spoonfuls. They help him make sure his four children not only have enough to eat, but are getting nutritious food. That same type of food is what allows us to support other larger families, too. So we are really appreciative of what Spoonfuls brings to us and what it allows us to do for others.
Trisha: There’s one client, who also volunteers his time at AIDS Project Worcester. That client benefits from the partnership, too. He has a large family of six, and gets a lot of help with groceries from us. He appreciates the quick and easy prepared meals from Spoonfuls. They help him make sure his four children not only have enough to eat, but are getting nutritious food. That same type of food is what allows us to support other larger families, too. So we are really appreciative of what Spoonfuls brings to us and what it allows us to do for others.
