What’s food got to do with it?
We all know that good food choices lead to better physical health and well-being. But, good food choices are also a major contributor to psychological well-being. The scientific relationship between what we eat and how we feel is known as “Nutritional Psychology.” Harvard has a great article explaining the relationship between the two that you can read here:
If quality food contributes to higher brain functionality, then we need to consider how those who experience food insecurity can live optimally. The pandemic has dramatically increased food insecurity for people across Ventura County…many people do not always know where their next meal will come from, or whether or not they will have groceries. Food banks across our region are stressed, and Turning Point has not been able to access enough quality food for our clients that are disabled by mental health and recovering from homelessness that live in our shelter, transitional, and permanent supportive housing programs.
And our clients – who are already struggling with mental and emotional health concerns – count on reliable, nutritious food to help ease not just the stress & anxiety that comes with food insecurity, but the nutrition to live optimally.
YOU can help us close the gap between food insecurity and beneficial foods by looking through your own pantries to donate foods to our local programs that house people recovering from homelessness and disabled by mental health.
We are looking for shelf-stable foods, like:
- Canned or Dried Fruits (not packed in syrup)
- Canned Vegetables
- Beans
- Whole Grains (like rice, quinoa, oatmeal)
- Nuts and Seeds (like almonds, cashews, sunflower seeds, almond butter, peanut butter)
- Snack Bars (like granola bars, protein bars)
- Protein (like canned tuna and chicken, beef or chicken jerky)
- Shelf Stable Milk (like almond milk, rice milk)
- Spices and Condiments
You can drop off your donated items by appointment (week days are preferred) at Our Place Safe Haven, 536 E. Thompson Blvd., Ventura, between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm. To keep everyone safe, please call ahead to 805-652-2151 and schedule a time for a drop-off. You can also make a gift today.
THANK YOU for helping us close the gap between food insecurity and the associated anxiety…experiencing food insecurity should not mean one has to compromise their physical and emotional health.