Albany Damien Center Stories of Impact

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Making a Difference: Smart Meals at the Albany Damien Center 

Since 2001, The Albany Damien Center's Smart Meals Program has been a transformative force in the community we serve. Through United Way of the Greater Capital Region's partnership and dedication to providing nutritious meals, Smart Meals has brought about significant positive changes in the lives of its members. In 2022 alone, the Damien Center served over 27,200 meals, including 9,620 homemade breakfasts, lunches, and dinners served in the comfort of our drop-in living room, 9,050 meals provided through pantry bags, and 8,560 meals through supermarket gift cards. 

At the heart of the Smart Meals program lies the mission to eliminate food insecurity and to provide nutrition health education to individuals facing HIV, multiple co-morbid health challenges, and homelessness/unstable housing. Staff use the "Eating Smart – Being Active" EFNEP curriculum that teaches very low-income persons how to prepare and choose healthier food options while increasing physical activity. One compelling story exemplifies the profound impact that Smart Meals has had on the health and well-being of a community member, demonstrating how a simple commitment to nourishment can lead to life-altering change.

Meet KevinKevin sitting in chair

Kevin's introduction to the Smart Meals program marked a turning point in his life. The nutritious and thoughtfully prepared meals he began receiving not only satisfied his physical hunger but also nourished his spirit. The warm and welcoming environment created by the program staff and fellow members offered him a sense of community and belonging that had been absent from his life for too long. The transformation in Kevin was gradual but profound. 
Kevin's medication regimen had led to weight gain, which is a concerning side effect. Fortunately, Smart Meals provides a solution by offering healthier food options that counteract the weight gain caused by the medication. With better nutrition, Kevin is now being proactive by engaging in daily walks, which also helps keep his blood pressure in check. 

Kevin shared that Smart Meals not only delivers nutritious food and meals but also provides education on what constitutes a balanced meal. Members are taught proper proportions of protein, whole grains, vegetables, and carbohydrates, which helps them understand how a healthy meal should look on a plate. The program has significantly contributed to changing Kevin's eating habits, enabling him to pursue better health. He says he is now better informed about what he should do to support his health and well-being. 

Thanks to this comprehensive approach, Kevin has also achieved HIV viral suppression through consistent medication adherence. HIV viral suppression is the key indicator of a person's ability to fight HIV and live a longer, healthier life. Smart Meals has aided his health and positively impacted his overall quality of life. Kevin's story is just one among many that exemplify the holistic impact of the Smart Meals Program. Through our partnership with the United Way, we have provided nutritious food and created a platform for individuals like Kevin to reclaim their health, dignity, and purpose.