Sometimes the smallest moments remind me why Urban AIP exists.
Recently, one of our customers learned that another Urban AIP customer lived just four blocks away and needed help. They had never met, but she was immediately willing to help.
That really stayed with me.
Not because it was some grand gesture, but because it showed me what is quietly growing around Urban AIP: a community of people who recognize how difficult this journey can be and are willing to show up for one another.
There Is Comfort in Being Understood
Living with autoimmune disease can be isolating.
So many things other people don't think twice about- what to eat, where to go for dinner, traveling, grocery shopping, having enough energy to cook- can suddenly require planning.
And while the people around us may be incredibly supportive, there are parts of this experience that can be difficult to understand unless you have lived them.
I think that is why this small act of kindness touched me so much. These two customers didn't need to know each other's entire stories. There was simply a willingness to help.
Sometimes, that's what community looks like.
Urban AIP Was Born From That Same Need
I didn't start Urban AIP simply because I thought the world needed another meal delivery company.
I started it because I knew firsthand how much work it takes to use food as part of your healing journey, especially when you're already not feeling well.
When I discovered AIP, it changed my life. But following it required an enormous amount of time, planning, shopping, prepping, cooking, and cleaning. And there were very few places where I could confidently eat something I hadn't prepared myself.
I kept thinking: Why does taking care of yourself have to be this hard?
Urban AIP grew from that question.
Yes, we make meals. But what we are really trying to give people is time and space—to rest, spend time with their families, focus on work, move their bodies, or simply have one less thing to think about that day.
Growth Means More to Us Than Numbers
Urban AIP has grown significantly over the past several months, and of course, as a small business, I am incredibly grateful for every order.
But when I look at our growth, I don't just see numbers.
I think about the person opening their first box after being told they need to completely change the way they eat.
I think about someone going through a flare who doesn't have the energy to cook.
I think about the parent who has spent the day taking care of everyone else and can finally pull a meal out of the freezer for themselves.
And I think about the longtime AIPer who gets to eat tacos, pizza, crackers, or a comforting meal without having to make every component from scratch.
Those are the people behind the numbers.
And as more people find Urban AIP, something else happens: you begin to find each other.
Four blocks apart, as it turns out.
Help Us Keep Building This Community
If Urban AIP has made your life easier, one of the most meaningful ways you can support what we're building is simply to share it.
Tell the person in your autoimmune Facebook group who is overwhelmed by elimination.
Send our website to the friend who was recently diagnosed.
Share one of our posts with someone who is tired of cooking everything from scratch.
Or tell another AIPer, "This helped me. Maybe it could help you too."
For a small business like ours, those personal recommendations matter tremendously. But more importantly, they help people discover resources they may not have known existed.
And every once in a while, they might even help two people living four blocks apart realize they aren't navigating this journey by themselves.
So whether you've been ordering from us since the beginning, just received your first box, shared one of our posts, told a practitioner about us, or recommended us to a friend—thank you.
Every time you do, you help this community grow.
And I can't wait to see where we take it together.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can autoimmune disease feel isolating?
Autoimmune disease can affect many parts of everyday life, from energy levels and social activities to grocery shopping and food choices. Even with supportive friends and family, it can be comforting to connect with people who have firsthand experience navigating similar challenges.
How can I support someone following the Autoimmune Protocol?
Start by respecting their dietary needs and the choices they are making for their health. Practical gestures can mean a lot—learning which foods they avoid, choosing restaurants carefully, sharing helpful resources, or simply asking how you can make things easier.