Project Open Hand (POH) marked its 30 millionth meal on July 27, 2026, by having it delivered by Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi. The recipient was Nicholas, a POH client who is living with HIV. In addition to Speaker Emerita Pelosi, speakers at a ceremony as part of the observance included Ana Ayala and Katie Jackson of POH, as well as Nicholas.
“Project Open Hand has been a beacon of hope and healing for San Franciscans living with HIV/AIDS and other serious illnesses for more than four decades,” said Speaker Emerita Pelosi. “I have been honored to stand with this extraordinary organization throughout my career and to champion federal investments, including the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program, that help sustain its lifesaving mission. As we celebrate the remarkable milestone of 30 million meals served, we honor the volunteers, caregivers, donors, and staff whose unwavering commitment has transformed compassion into action and strengthened our community, one meal at a time.”
Ayala, the Vice President of Programs at POH, said, “Thirty million meals represent so much more than food. It represents thirty million moments of nourishment, care, and connection for people facing serious health challenges throughout our community. For more than 40 years, Project Open Hand has shown that food can be medicine, and this milestone reflects the health, dignity, and support we have provided to Bay Area residents.”
Founded in 1985 by Ruth Brinker at the height of the AIDS crisis, POH provides nutritious meals and groceries to individuals living with HIV/AIDS, older adults, and those living with chronic illnesses. The organization now serves more than 2,500 meals daily and remains a national leader in the Food Is Medicine movement. While the organization’s mission has evolved over the years to serve additional critical illnesses, Project Open Hand continues its unwavering commitment to the nutritional needs of those living with HIV/AIDS.
Recent Comments