The AIDS Support Network operates its own Food Pantry, which supplies clients with canned goods, dry goods and toiletries. Since most of our clients are living on very limited incomes, finding ways to stretch dollars is very important. With food from the pantry, a client does not have to spend as much at the grocery store each month. This successful program provides an average of 2,000 meals to our clients per month!!!

How Can You Help?

Food Drives
We are constantly in need of items to stock our pantry. You may see us in front of local grocery stores that host our Food Drives. If you do, please pick up a flyer and purchase a few items while you are shopping that will help replenish our inventory. We also need volunteers to help us distribute flyers during the drives!

Food Donations
You can always drop food off at the ASN office. Here is our list of items that are always in demand:

Cans or Jars
  • Canned meats (chicken, tuna,
    beef stew, beef, etc.)
  • Chili
  • Ravioli
  • Peanut Butter
  • Pasta Sauces
  • Soups
  • Canned Fruit
  • Canned Vegetables
  • Jam / Jelly
  • Juices

Dry Goods
  • Cereal
  • Pasta
  • Coffee / Tea
  • Oatmeal
  • Rice Mixes
  • Top Ramen / Cup 'o Soup
  • Noodle Mixes
  • Powdered Milk

Personal & Household Items
  • Shampoo / Conditioner
  • Disposable Razors / Shaving Cream
  • Feminine Hygiene Products
  • Paper Towels
  • Dishwashing Liquid
  • Deodorant
  • Toothpaste / Toothbrushes
  • Toilet Paper
  • Kleenex
  • Detergent


Any items not on our list are gratefully accepted!!!

Personal Food Drives
We have several volunteers who have developed their own food drives for ASN. By contacting their friends, family members, club members or church groups, they collect food independently as often as once a month and bring it in to ASN.

Some volunteers "charge admission" at social functions, by asking their guests to bring an item of food for the ASN Food Pantry!!

Support Fund-Raising Efforts
The proceeds from ASN's fund-raiser, EAT OUT / SAVE LIVES, directly supports the Food Pantry Program. EAT OUT / SAVE LIVES occurs every December 1st, World AIDS Day and involves local restaurants throughout San Luis Obispo County. Each participating restaurant donates a percentage of its profit from that day to our Food Pantry Program. By merely eating meal (or two!) out at a participating restaurant, you can directly raise money for food for our clients.

Monetary Donations
Even with all of the food donations we receive, we still need to augment our Food Pantry by shopping for many of the items that seem to fly out the door. Your designated donation to our Food Pantry will help us underwrite the cost of our food purchases.


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