Food Insecurity and Mental Health
A healthy body is a healthy mind. So, what happens to the mind when the body doesn’t have enough to eat? Food insecurity, among other things such as unemployment and housing instability, has been shown to have an adverse effect on mental health. Facing food insecurity can be stressful. Constantly worrying about where your next meal will come from can cause anxiety, depression, and even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In fact, mothers with school-aged children who face food insecurity are 56.2% more likely to have PTSD and 53.1% more likely to have severe depression.
Food insecurity can also affect a community’s mental health by straining social relationships, hindering productivity, and amplifying social tensions. With high stress in the home and community, chronic stress and feelings of isolation can rise. Having enough to eat to live an active and healthy lifestyle is crucial for mental well-being. The Idaho Foodbank works with over 400 partner agencies to distribute nutritious food across the state. We also offer robust Children’s programs to ensure every child and their family members have enough to eat during the school year.
- For help finding food near you, visit idahofoodbank.org/get-help/getfood
- For help finding free and reduced cost mental health services, visit findhelpidaho.org
- For help during a mental health crisis, dial or text 988