By Aaron Dorman
The link between proper nutrition and better health outcomes is well established. But much of that work, including programs within the Region, focuses on acute physical conditions such as diabetes.
The Food Bank of Northwest Indiana is hoping a recent pilot program can demonstrate that they can also help address residents’ mental health needs.
The program, which began earlier this year, sends food delivery boxes out to eight homes in Lake County whose residents have mental health concerns, including depression and anxiety.
“A big part of what we’re looking for is high vitamins, low fat, simple things such as spinach,” said Aaron Coen, Healthcare Partnerships Coordinator at the Food Bank of Northwest Indiana. “Spinach (is) jam-packed full of vitamins, which helps with the brain regulation of chemical releases.”
The food bank is currently coordinating with the residents, site managers and dieticians to finesse the program, Coen said.
Coen said the monthly food boxes can also contain items like fruits, vegetables and lean protein. The goal is to not only provide staple foods, but items the clients can use to make complete meals. The food bank has been delivering the mental health-tailored food boxes for three months so far.
Right now the program is in the early stages, and the food bank is hoping to use the eight pilot residences to collate information that can help them further expand the program or make adjustments to the food items, said Tricia Sheaks, Vice President of Operations and Community Impact.
However, Coen said the reaction from the residents was very positive so far.
“The residents are now expecting deliveries, where they’re actually coming out and helping unload the truck,” Coen said.
In addition, the food bank is having broader conversations with healthcare providers in its network to determine the needs in the community and how the Food Bank can help with food sources to meet those needs, Sheaks said.
Mental Health Awareness Month starts next week. For more information on the Food Bank of Northwest Indiana, readers can check out https://foodbanknwi.org/.