Evidence for the impact of nutrition on mental health has grown, showing that a healthy diet can significantly improve mental well-being. Proper nutrition supports brain function, reduces symptoms of depression and anxiety, and enhances overall cognitive performance.
Food and Mood Campaign Resources
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration provides information and easy-to-use resources. This particular campaign features resources linking nutrition to mental health, demonstrating how what we eat affects how we feel.
School nurses can use these materials to create awareness campaigns within schools, highlighting the connection between diet and mental well-being. School educators, counselors and administrators can also integrate these resources into mental health education programs and school counseling services.
Food Insecurity Screenings
These U.S. Department of Agriculture’s tools are designed to assess food insecurity, which can have significant impacts on both physical and mental health. School nurses can implement these screenings in schools to identify students who may be at risk of food insecurity. Staff and educators can then connect these students and their families with local food assistance programs and resources.