New York State Raises Awareness of Connection Between Food Insecurity and Mental Well-Being

Up to $30,000 in 'Eat Well NY' Grants Available to Bolster Healthy Eating Habits; Reduce Food Insecurity Among New Yorkers Living with Mental Illness

Office of Mental Health Alerts Service Recipients and Providers About Federal Rule Changes to Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program Eligibility

The New York State Office of Mental Health today announced the availability of individual $5,000 grants to help service providers reduce food insecurity and bolster healthy eating among individuals living with mental illness. Announced during National Nutrition Month, Eat Well NY is a three-part intervention program that teaches individuals how to incorporate healthy, nutritious foods into their diet -a practice that is connected with positive mental well- being.

"Access to sufficient healthy food is a bedrock of overall wellness, both physical and mental," Office of Mental Health Commissioner Dr. Ann Sullivan said. "Through the Eat Well NY program, local service providers connect with New Yorkers living with mental health issues and provide them with access to fresh food and how to prepare a healthy nutritious diet."

Established in 2022, Eat Well NY is designed to increase food access and affordability among participants, teaching healthy eating skills with a focus on fresh food. Recipients will receive program training, materials, and FreshConnect checks, which clients can use at local farmers markets to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables.

The grants are available for residential programs for adults living with serious mental illness, including congregate support, specialized housing, or they must operate Personalized Recovery-Oriented Services or 'PROS' where clients predominantly live in these settings. Applications are being accepted until April 9, with awards expected to be announced in May.

Approximately one in nine households in New York -roughly 875,000 people statewide - face food insecurity. Chronic stress associated with food insecurity is linked to ill-health effects including mental health conditions, including anxiety and depression.

Proper nutrition supports clearer thinking and greater emotional stability by giving the brain the nutrients it needs to function well. Research shows that diets rich in diverse vegetables, fruits, whole grains, nuts, seeds, legumes, and healthy fats provide the micronutrients - vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients - that help reduce inflammation and support neurotransmitter activity.

Nutrition also influences mental health through the gut-brain connection. A diverse, well nourished gut microbiome is associated with lower rates of anxiety and depression, while diets high in ultra-processed foods can disrupt this natural balance.

Commissioner Sullivan outlined some of the benefits of good nutrition and positive mental well-being in a message she sent to providers today. In addition, OMH is educating service recipients and providers via a new infographic on recent federal rule changes that could impact eligibility for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.

New federal work requirements are in place for those receiving SNAP food benefits. All Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents or 'ABAWDs' - defined as anyone between ages 18 and 64 who can work and doesn't have any children under age 14 in their household - must now meet certain work requirements to continue receiving this assistance for more than three months over a 3-year period.

There are a number of exemptions, including for individuals whose ability to work is limited by a mental or physical health condition or substance use treatment; those over age 65; those who receive disability benefits from a public or private source; and those in a caregiver role. New Yorkers are encouraged to research possible exemptions and contact their local social services district to determine eligibility and find additional resources.

"These stringent work requirements mandated by the federal government are putting hundreds of thousands of SNAP recipients in New York at risk of losing their food benefits, but help is available," Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance Commissioner Barbara C. Guinn said. "SNAP recipients should engage with their local department of social services and learn more about the different ways they can meet the work requirement or to provide information to confirm that they are not required to meet these work requirements. Individuals unable to work 80 hours a month - including individuals who receive disability benefits, participants in a substance use program, and other vulnerable populations - are not required to meet these work requirements. We are grateful to the Office of Mental Health for sharing this vital information to help individuals retain SNAP and encourage individuals to visit our website for additional information."

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