Fourteenth International Conference on Food Studies

Abstract

Nobody is immune to mental health crises including community gardeners. There are often few to no interventions available, especially early in a mental health crisis. The impacts of mental health crisis can impact the individual’s health, their family’s wellbeing; and strain community and emergency resources leading to an inability to respond, withstand, and recover from adverse events. Immediate assistance is critical in helping prevent mental health issues from escalating. In most communities, getting mental health assistance comes with multiple barriers. From financial barriers, availability, and even stigma, mental health is an underserved area in most communities. An untapped wealth of mental health assistance lies within community gardens and those volunteering in those spaces. Typically, mental health assistance training is not a consideration for those frequenting the gardens. Community gardens tend to attract those either suffering from a mental health issue or those looking to spend their time helping others, as many are in lower income communities. When faced with an individual in crisis, a plan of action makes offering support safer, more effective, and more comfortable for all. The Mental Health First Aid Program trains participants how to identify, understand and respond to those in need. This program trains gardeners about the purpose of the program, outlines a simple plan of action, and explains offers participants a certificate in Mental Health First Aid (MHFA). The goal is to make MHFA just as common as CPR and First-Aid. MHFA saves lives, and makes volunteering within the community safer.