PCS started in 1989 when concerned volunteers got together and formed a group called Nechama (comfort) to deliver food baskets to people with HIV/AIDS. By the early 90s, the organization, now called Project Chicken Soup, was cooking meals in a synagogue kitchen for delivery.
From 15 volunteers in a Hollywood synagogue kitchen, PCS has grown into 50-70 amateur cooks - from students fulfilling community service requirements to bubbies in their 80s - who gather twice a month to prepare and deliver kosher meals to approximately 110 clients. Some of our volunteers have been with PCS for over 10 years.
Each delivery includes a grocery bag containing three complete entrees, two quarts of soup (one is always chicken soup), two vegetable side dishes, fresh fruit salad, desserts, a breakfast package, and nutritional supplements. We frequently deliver additional “supply bags” that include nonperishable packaged goods and toiletries. Many of our clients tell us that their meals can be eaten throughout the week. We also provide special holiday packages for Passover, Rosh Hashanah (Jewish New Year), Thanksgiving and Chanukah. We remain unique in that we are the only organization in the area providing kosher meals to people living with HIV/AIDS.
Our only eligibility requirement for services is proof of living with HIV/AIDS. We deliver throughout Los Angeles County to neighborhoods in the Los Angeles Basin including Hollywood, West Hollywood, Silverlake, mid-city and south central areas, downtown Los Angeles, Long Beach, the San Fernando Valley and Santa Monica. Anyone living outside our delivery area may come to our kitchen to pick up meals.
Volunteers and Supporters Wanted
We always welcome new individual volunteers or groups to cook and/or deliver. We have many other volunteer opportunities as well. Students can fulfill community service requirements at PCS and anyone 12 years old or older is welcome in our kitchen (those under 15 must come with an adult).
We greatly appreciate donations of:
- Cash (donations are tax deductible)
- Kosher packed goods
- Personal hygiene items
- Household items
Project Chicken Soup is a 501-c-3 non profit organization;
donations are tax deductible.
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