In 2007, the Albany Damien Center has provided over 14,000 meals

Currently serving Lunches and Dinners, Mondays through Thursdays, 52 weeks a year!

Smart Meals Program of the Albany Damien Center provides nutritious, balanced meals to those infected with and affected by HIV/AIDS.  Proper nutrition and access to food is critical for surviving AIDS in 2008!  Smart Meals not only helps feed people, but teaches them how to provide better nutrition for themselves every day, so they can feel better, increase their quality of life and ultimately increase their ability to fight HIV.

 Smart Meals helps to fight hunger for those living with HIV/AIDS and families who are affected by the disease by providing:

·        HEALTHY, NUTRITIOUS MEALS for both lunch and dinner served during our drop-in hours — Our hot lunches and dinners are restaurant quality and are served with soup, salad and dessert.  The Smart Meals Dietitian analyzes each meal to ensure it meets our nutrition standards and our friendly volunteers help to serve with a smile!

·        OPPORTUNITIES FOR SOCIALIZATION AND SUPPORT—Clients are able to gather together during mealtime with other members to talk and get support in a comfortable, fun, and supportive environment.  It’s like belonging to a large family who really cares about you and how you are doing!

·        Our NUTRITION EDUCATION PROGRAM is focused around proper eating habits, food safety, healthy cooking techniques, and any other individual concerns.  Our Smart Meals Dietitian completes a nutritional screening and assessment for each person who qualifies and is interested in learning how to feel better and live healthier.  This will also include nutrition classes that are fun and informative for the entire family.  If you qualify, you can be enrolled in one of the following programs for a period of 6 months at a time:

1.      Congregate Meal Program— Learn the basics of eating nutritiously and ensuring you are keeping your food safe.  Program participants will participate in education sessions while joining us for lunch and dinner.

2.      Pantry Bag Program—Learn how to prepare nutritious, well balanced meals that you can make at home!  You will receive a pantry bag each week and attend education sessions to assist you in the preparation of nutritious and delicious meals and snacks.  We will also ensure that you have access to all available supportive agencies that provide assistance with food too!

3.      Food Voucher Program— For clients in the outer areas who cannot get to the Albany Damien Center (outside of Albany, Rensselaer, Schenectady, and Saratoga counties) will have the opportunity to receive food vouchers to use at a local supermarket.  Education classes will be provided at their home and guidance from the Dietitian will ensure you can stretch your food dollar and get the most nutritious meals and snacks at the same time!

4.      Home Delivered Meals – are provided for those who are too ill to cook or prepare their meals.  Provided by Meals on Wheels and Albany Medical Center!

·        Call us at 449-7119 to find out if you qualify for our Nutrition Education Program and how to get signed up!

   We now welcome donations to the Smart Meals Program through PayPal. Just click below 

SMART MEALS is funded with the help from the New York State’s Department of Health’s AIDS Institute, United Way of the Greater Capital Region (UWGCR), Northeast Regional Food Bank, Price Chopper Supermarkets, and the fundraising efforts of Norman Rea!

With proper nutrition and support, health and well-being is right at your fingertips.