Essentials of Life Program

What is it?

The Essentials of Life Program, operated by the Alliance for Living, is a once a month distribution, or on an emergency basis, of essential items to members of The Living Center.

These items consist of food, personal care products and household cleaning supplies. The various items are offered in groups on a computerized form (e.g. all canned vegetables are one group). Members then choose a certain number of items from each group.  


A typical member's selection might consist of the following:

cereal

 crackers

peanut butter

instant potatoes

 peas

chic peas

yams

 pasta

soup

lima beans

 baked beans

ground coffee

mixed vegetables

 canned peaches

fruit cocktail

refried beans

 canned beef stew

tuna fish

canned corn

 canned carrots

apple juice

canned green beans

 cranberry sauce

pineapples

macaroni and cheese

 cooking oil

spaghetti and meatballs

rice

 cookies

tomato sauce

sugar

 Jell-O

spaghetti sauce

tea

 pears

nutra sweet

laundry detergent

 body soap

toilet tissue

bag balm

 toothpaste

trash bags
sanitary napkins bleach

mouth wash

magic shave

 hand soap

shaving cream

conditioner

 shampoo

band aids

paper towels

 Kleenex

disposable razors

deodorant

  

 

 

  

 

Who can access it?

The Essentials of Life Program is available to all members of the Living Center. There are no income guidelines in effect, as many people may be out of work for a while or be affected by other circumstances that limit their resources.

On average, the program is accessed by some 80 members per month.

Why is it needed?

Early on in the battle against HIV/AIDS, medical experts saw the need to focus on nutrition as a key factor in helping keep those infected in good health. Additionally, many of the current medications require that food be eaten at the time that medications are taken.

Unfortunately, many members have limited resources for buying food. Most are totally dependant on entitlement programs or are on some form of fixed income. The non-food items that are distributed are all ineligible for purchase with food stamps. This program doesn't address all of the dietary needs of the members, but it's a big step towards that direction.

How is it funded?

The items distributed through the Essentials of Life Program are acquired in three basic ways.

  1. Once a month items are ordered from the available stock at the local United Way Food Bank. This resource is made available for an annual flat fee of $200.
  2. Items are donated by area organizations, churches and individuals.
  3. The largest portion of the stock is accessed by the purchase of sale items at local supermarkets. The funding is provided by money raised at special events held throughout the year by the Alliance.

How to help?

Volunteers are always needed for the smooth operation of the Essentials of Life Program.

Among the tasks that must be completed on a regular basis are:

  • Computer Assistance
  • Stocking
  • Shopping
  • Distribution

 

 
Approximately 80 members a month access the Essentials of Life Program.