nutritional security – New Jetpack Site

As we observe World Mental Health Day, it’s essential to recognize the intricate link between mental health and food security. At 3B Brae’s Brown Bags, we understand that hunger is not just a physical challenge; it profoundly affects emotional well-being.

The Connection Between Hunger and Mental Health

Food insecurity, defined as the lack of consistent access to enough food for an active, healthy life, impacts millions across the globe. The stress and anxiety stemming from uncertainty about where the next meal will come from can lead to feelings of hopelessness, depression, and low self-esteem. Research shows that individuals facing food insecurity are more likely to experience mental health issues such as anxiety and depression.

This is something we are very familiar with because there was a long period of time when Braeden struggled with food avoidance while dealing with depression during the pandemic. This became a vicious cycle that caused years of pain and heartache for our family. Seeing him become someone else because his body was malnourished was devastating. We know how important it is to have nutritional security.

Access to nutritious food is crucial for overall mental well-being. It not only nourishes the body but also enhances mood and cognitive function. When individuals have their basic needs met, they are better equipped to focus on self-care and pursue their goals.

Supporting Those Affected by Recent Disasters

Today, our thoughts and heartfelt prayers are with those impacted by the recent hurricanes in Florida and the southern U.S. The devastation caused by these natural disasters has intensified the struggles many face, making it even more critical for us to come together as a community to support one another.For families already grappling with food insecurity, the aftermath of such events can be overwhelming. The stress of rebuilding lives while also ensuring access to food can exacerbate existing mental health challenges. At 3B Brae’s Brown Bags, we are committed to providing assistance to those in need during these trying times.

How You Can Help

If you or someone you know is struggling with hunger or mental health issues, please reach out for help. Our organization is dedicated to alleviating food insecurity in our community through various programs and partnerships. Together, we can make a difference. Let’s foster a healthier environment where everyone has access to nutritious food and the support they need for their mental well-being.

Join us in our mission to combat hunger and promote mental health awareness today! 💙

We recently read an article “Cold comfort: U.S. homeless shelters overwhelmed in brutal weather,” which shared how overwhelmed shelters are and not just in the US. For example, homeless are dying in places typically known for their warmth, like Texas.

Homelessness is on the rise in the United States, according to federal survey data released last month, which said 553,742 people lacked homes on a given night in 2017.

What most people probably are not aware of is that homelessness is very, very undercounted. In Delaware, for example, there is only one night a year in which the number of people on the streets are counted. This one night is called Point In Time (PIT). I don’t know if this is true across the country, but it is quite unnerving. Many homeless are transient, many homeless are not necessarily roofless. Many homeless youth are trafficked, receiving shelter for sex, yes even here in little ol’ Delaware. They will not appear in the head count of homeless people in the state. Hearing the number has grown nationwide, and yet is still significantly lower than actuality, well I find that unnerving.

The 2015 PIT Count in Delaware was conducted January 29, 2015. These people can be in shelters, motels paid by voucher or wandering the streets. On that date, 950 people were homeless in Delaware. Now this is what I know, the school district in which we live has a homelessness advocate who reported that their schools were dealing with 840 homeless families. How can one school district have 840 homeless families and yet the state’s PIT says there are 950 people homeless?

Back to cold spells… if we’re under counting, it makes sense that our shelters have waiting lists and are overwhelmed, right? Something to give thought, I suppose. Nobody should be left in the cold. When we provide people on the street with our 3B bags we include the names, locations and numbers to multiple shelters. We also let them know if it is a “code purple” night which means emergency sanctuary shelters are open to help them.

I think more needs to be done to understand this issue. We are helping with nutritional security and spreading awareness, but while the data is inaccurate, the respources given to foundations assisting will continue to be very low.