Food Insecurity Undermines HIV Care and Treatment Adherence in U.S. Regions
Food insecurity is a significant barrier to effective HIV care, treatment adherence, and viral suppression for individuals living with HIV in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Medical Monitoring Project, approximately 22% of adults diagnosed with HIV report experiencing hunger or food insecurity. This challenge directly impacts their ability to consistently take HIV medication and remain engaged in care. Many U.S. regions with high HIV burdens, such as Florida, Georgia, Texas, Mississippi, Louisiana, Puerto Rico, and Washington, D.C., also face high levels of hunger. This correlation suggests that the underlying conditions driving food insecurity—poverty, inconsistent healthcare access, and structural inequities—are the same factors that undermine HIV outcomes. The AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) launched its 'Food for Health' program in 2021 to address this issue, offering fresh food marketplaces, pantry services, and food education.
