June 24, 2008 |
Contacts:
Noel Alicea, 212.367.1216
Krishna Stone, 212.367.1016
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GMHC REPORT FINDS PEOPLE LIVING WITH HIV DISPROPORTINATELY IMPACTED BY NATIONAL INCREASES IN BASIC FOOD COSTS
New York/June 24, 2008 — Gay Men's Health Crisis (GMHC) released a brief report today on the impact of rising food costs on people living with HIV, and the impact of the increases on GMHC's own Meals and Nutrition Program.
The cost of food has risen nationally — a 26% increase in the price of milk per gallon and a 24% increase in the price of flour per pound, from 2007 to 2008.
At GMHC's Meals and Nutrition program, a meal cost $3.51 to produce in 2007. In 2008, the cost has increased to $3.80 per meal. GMHC has seen substantial increases in the price its meals program pays for kitchen staples — a 100% increase in the price of a slice of whole wheat bread, and a 152% increase in the price of chicken quarters per pound, from 2006 to 2008. The rising cost of food combined with a 30% decrease in funding for the program has put many of GMHC's most in-need clients at risk of malnutrition.
"The impact of cuts to nutrition programs cannot be underestimated," said Marjorie J. Hill, PhD, Chief Executive Office of GMHC. "Federal government programs like the Ryan White CARE Act are prioritizing medical programs, and we challenge policymakers to recognize that proper nutrition not only facilitates access to medical care, but also improves individual health outcomes."
The report outlines the medical outcomes of proper nutrition for people living with HIV/AIDS, namely that people who suffer from poor nutrition are six times more likely to die than those was are well-nourished when they start taking anti-HIV medications. The brief also discusses the improved HIV prevention impacts of proper nutrition.
"With over one million Americans living with HIV and people living in poverty at added risk, we have to consider the holistic and devastating impact of HIV infection,' added Dr. Hill. "Proper and affordable nutrition is key to the fight against HIV/AIDS."
The report, The Impact of Rising Food Costs on GMHC's Meals and Nutrition Program, is available at gmhc.org
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About Gay Men's Health Crisis
Gay Men's Health Crisis (GMHC) is a not-for-profit, volunteer-supported and community-based organization committed to national leadership in the fight against AIDS. We provide services and programs to over 15,000 men, women and families that are living with or affected by HIV/AIDS in New York City, and outreach and education to hundreds of thousands throughout the world.
© 2008 Gay Men's Health Crisis
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