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Does Food Play a Role in Mental Health?

Food insecurity and mental health are closely linked and affect millions of people simultaneously. At Second Harvest Food Bank, we understand that recognizing the connection between both issues is essential for promoting overall well-being and empowering our community. Today, let’s explore how the lack of reliable access to nutritious food can impact mental health and how mental health struggles can, in turn, exacerbate food insecurity. 

Food insecurity goes beyond physical health—it profoundly affects a person’s mental well-being. Research shows that individuals, both adults and children, who face food insecurity are at a much higher risk of developing mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and chronic stress. The uncertainty of not knowing when or where your next meal will come from creates a persistent state of worry, leading to severe emotional challenges. While mental health issues might seem secondary to malnutrition or hunger, they create long-lasting effects that can deeply harm a person’s quality of life. 

Azar and her family came to America seeking freedom and peace, leaving behind a challenging life in Iran. She’s grateful to live here, but like many, her journey has had ups and downs. When her husband’s business shut down during the pandemic, things became difficult. “He didn’t work for two years and he still isn’t working,” Azar shared. “He’s always had his own business, and it’s been hard for him to adjust. You know how you lose something and can’t get yourself together?” 

This adjustment has weighed heavily on both of them, bringing stress and uncertainty. But despite the challenges, Azar pushes forward for her children, both working hard to support the family. “Life is hard,” she admits, “but my son is working at a car dealership, and my daughter is studying at college. I have to keep going for them.” 

Mental health challenges can also worsen food insecurity. Struggles like depression and anxiety make it hard for people to maintain steady jobs or manage daily tasks.  

With her husband unable to work, Azar became the sole provider while caring for her two adult children. “Everything is expensive,” she told us. “I was just talking to my sister and said I was getting food they donate. These people are like angels. They are coming from God.” Her story underscores how food insecurity can emerge even when families were once financially secure, and how mental health challenges, like her husband’s depression, make recovery even harder. 

At Second Harvest, we don’t just focus on food. We know that mental health is a crucial part of the equation. Through partnerships with local health organizations, we’ve developed programs like Food Pharmacies that provide not only food but access to mental health resources. Our goal is to build a support system that addresses the whole person, offering food relief while also connecting people to services that can help with emotional and psychological challenges

We believe that to truly combat food insecurity, we need to address the broader challenges, including mental health. By providing access to nutritious food and mental health services, we aim to help our community members find stability, hope, and the ability to thrive. With your continued support, we can help individuals like Azar and her family. Together, we can ensure no one has to choose between food and mental well-being. Let’s continue making a difference, one meal—and one act of support—at a time. 

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