AIDS Project Los Angeles (APLA) recently commemorated the 30th anniversary of its Vance North Necessities of Life Program (NOLP), the nation’s largest network of food pantries serving people living with HIV/AIDS, with a new video about the history of the program.

The Necessities of Life Program originated in a food pantry started by Ken and Alfia Hollywood, who ran a $35-a-week food voucher program out of their movie memorabilia store. In 1986, APLA worked with the Hollywoods to open the first Necessities of Life Program food pantry.

Today, NOLP serves nearly 2,000 people and distributes more than 130,000 bags of groceries each year from eight locations throughout Los Angeles County, including: Long Beach, South Los Angeles, Pasadena, Claremont, Santa Monica, Lancaster, North Hollywood and Koreatown. In its 30-year history, NOLP has distributed nearly 2.7 million bags of groceries to people in need.

“We are 35 years into the AIDS epidemic and have been running NOLP for 30 years, and though we’ve made amazing strides in that time, there remains a critical need for our food pantries,” APLA CEO Craig E. Thompson said. “NOLP is a testament to the dedication of our supporters, staff and volunteers who work to ensure that we can continue to assist the people who need us most and provide them with food that not only sustains them, but helps them lead longer, healthier lives.”

Every week, NOLP clients pick up grocery bags filled with dry and canned goods, along with fresh produce, meat, eggs, and dairy products. They also have access to other basic necessities such as cleaning and hygiene products, including toothbrushes, shampoo and more.

Additionally, NOLP offers bilingual nutritional education – a service that is crucial for people living with HIV who often face additional health issues. NOLP has a history of community support. More than 50 percent of items distributed to clients come from food drives and donations from supermarket and corporate partners.

For information, visit www.you-tube.com/watch?v=B4hf5hO2uyc.