Photo/Waterloo Region Food Bank
This year, as Canada Mental Health Week, Waterloo Region Food Bank is drawing attention to the direct correlation between a lack of nutritious food and people's mental health.
The food bank says one in 10 households in Waterloo Region faces food insecurity, and that number is growing every year. It's definitely a symptom of an affordability crisis.
“We are facing the highest need in almost 40 years,” said Kim Wilhelm, CEO of Food Bank Waterloo Region.
Wilhelm points to research from the University of Toronto's PROOF program showing that people who don't eat enough are more likely to experience depression, anxiety, mood swings and self-harm.
“It's so important that everyone has access to healthy, nutritious food,” Wilhelm added.
Each year, the Food Bank partners with more than 120 local agencies through its Community Food Assistance Network to provide direct food assistance to people in our communities who are struggling to put food on the table.
One such agency is Camino Wellbeing + Mental Health. Debbie Engel, director of programs and services, said it's critical the agency partners with food banks so clients can focus on healing, not hunger.
“If your body isn't maintained and your brain isn't fed, you can't take care of your own mental health and you can't overcome challenges,” she said.
This year's theme for Mental Health Week is “Healing Through Compassion.”
Wilhelm said food bank staff and volunteers show compassion by coming to work every day to help some of the most vulnerable communities.
If you would like to help by donating or volunteering, click here
Mental Health Week runs from May 6th to May 12th.