Home-delivered meal programs for homebound people with HIV/AIDS

Abstract

In major cities within the past decade, 17 community-based, home-delivered meal programs have emerged to meet the specialized nutrition needs of homebound people living with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS). This review includes specifics about these meal programs: funding, eligibility criteria, establishing and following nutrition and food safety standards, creating a network of volunteers for delivery of meals, providing nutrition counseling, and conducting periodic program evaluation. People living with HIV/AIDS may need the services of home-delivered meal programs throughout the course of HIV disease. Clinical dietitians and public health nutritionists should become familiar with existing programs and refer clients to services as needed.