SAN DIEGO -- University of California San Diego's (UCSD) Antiviral Research Center (AVRC) will host a food drive to benefit Mama's Kitchen today through March 19.

The event is in recognition of National Women & Girls HIV Awareness Day, which is observed March 10. According to AVRC, up to 94% of HIV-positive women and their families in San Diego County suffer from food insecurity, meaning that from day-to-day, they do not know where their next meal will come from.

Non-perishable food items will be collected at two Hillcrest locations, and donations will be given to Mama's Kitchen's pantry program.

Suggested donation items include:

• canned tuna fish

• jar of peanut butter

• jar of jelly

• canned salmon

• bottle of cooking oil

• spaghetti sauce

• canned fruits

• canned soups

• canned chili

• small box of dry milk

• box of cereal

Mama’s Pantry meets the needs of HIV/AIDS clients who do not need meal deliveries, but can benefit from occasional nutrition support to maintain their health and stretch their food budget. Clients can visit the pantry once a month to select from a variety of non-perishable food items, and a limited number of perishable items such as fresh fruit and bread.

Donations can be delivered to the bins at:

AVRC
220 Dickinson St., Suite A
Monday-Friday, 8 am to 5 pm

Lead The Way
3830 Park Blvd.
Monday-Friday, Noon to 8 pm
Saturday, 10 am to 4 pm

For more information, click HERE.