May is Mental Health Awareness Month and we want to bring attention to the important, bidirectional relationship between food insecurity and mental health. 

Research shows that food insecurity can both affect and be affected by mental health.

Adults with mental health conditions are at higher risk of food insecurity, as are children who live in a household with a parent who has depression or other chronic mental health concerns. 

According to the USDA, adults with reported mental health disabilities are 5 times more likely to be living in a food-insecure household. Some researchers believe this vulnerability is associated with the impact chronic mental health conditions have on an individual’s ability to work and the increased risk of limited financial resources making it difficult to afford regular groceries.

Mental health conditions can also be a result of food insecurity. Recent studies have shown that the increase in food insecurity during the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in higher rates of depression and anxiety. It is believed by many that food insecurity exerts harmful effects on health and well-being through its effect on both nutrition and stress.

Food For Free recognizes the importance of serving members of our community who are coping with food insecurity and mental health conditions. That is why we are happy to partner with agencies such as Vinfen, who help to transform the lives of individuals with mental health conditions.

Food For Free also is aware that the quality of the food we provide promotes not just the physical well-being but also the mental well-being of our recipients. Health experts note that fresh fruits, vegetables, healthy grains, and foods containing omega-3 fatty acids are essential for mental health. The food in our Just Eats boxes, Healthy Eats deliveries, and Heat-N-Eats meals always include fresh produce and proteins.

(pictured, L-R:  Just Eats box, Healthy Eats box, and a Healthy Eats gluten-free box)

But we hope that the positive impact of our programs on mental health goes beyond just the food we distribute. Social contact and support fosters good mental health. We have heard from recipients of our Healthy Eats program that the contact they have with our delivery drivers is meaningful, particularly during the isolation of the pandemic! 

Millions of Americans live with the reality of mental illness every single day.

We are grateful that Food For Free has been able to maintain our innovative services throughout the pandemic, reaching people in need and easing the stress on both the mental and physical well-being of our community. ❂