Food Insecurity and Mental Health - The Silent and Devastating Impacts

Explore the devastating impacts of food insecurity on mental health in this thought-provoking conference talk. Delve into the complex relationship between poverty, hunger, and psychological well-being, examining how chronic stress and inequality affect both children and adults. Learn about the increased risks of PTSD, depression, and suicide associated with food insecurity, and understand the vicious cycle that traps families in generational trauma. Discover how the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated these issues and created new challenges for millions of Americans. Gain insights into trauma-informed approaches, the role of organizations like the Latin American Youth Center, and strategies for reducing stigma around food insecurity and mental health. Examine the importance of SNAP funding, policy changes, and addressing food deserts in combating these issues. Engage with discussions on cultural implications, structural inequities, and the often invisible nature of food insecurity. Explore multidisciplinary approaches to breaking the cycle of poverty and hunger, including the significance of culturally relevant food and effective ways to support affected individuals and families.

Introduction
Effects of Childhood Food Insecurity
Trauma Informed Approach
Latin American Youth Center
Stigma
Outreach
Reducing Stigma
Fear of Disclosure
Solutions
Impacts
SNAP Funding
SNAP Policy Changes
Food deserts
Stigma around food insecurity
Breaking stigma around mental health
Cultural implications of stigma
Audience questions
Food deserts and poverty
Multidisciplinary approach
Structural inequities and food insecurity
Food insecurity is often invisible
Culturally relevant food
Navigating around the stigma
Asking parents questions
Setting context
College food insecurity