Food Insecurity and Mental Health

The recent federal cuts in services and the government shutdown affect far more than policy — they directly impact families who rely on programs like SNAP to meet basic food needs.

Many of the individuals we support, as well as their family members and neighbors, already face significant barriers to essential care. A missed benefit payment or an empty pantry is not a minor setback; it can be a serious mental health trigger, increasing anxiety, depression, and stress within families.

At Vine, we recognize the strong link between hunger and mental well-being. Worrying about how to afford groceries or baby formula can lead to sleepless nights, panic, guilt, and feelings of hopelessness. For parents already managing mental health challenges, food insecurity can jeopardize treatment progress and daily stability.

To help support our community beyond providing counseling sessions, we are partnering with the People’s Resource Center (PRC) to sponsor a food drive to collect food and funds for their local food pantry. PRC provides nutritious groceries to more than 3,000 DuPage families each month, helping them save an average of $150 for essentials like rent, utilities, and medication.

We have also compiled a list of reliable community resources families can access for food and other essential needs. We hope these supports offer helpful options for anyone seeking additional assistance. You can view the resource list on our website, or click here: Essential Needs Supports.

Together, we can ensure that everyone receives the care and support they deserve in all aspects of their life.

DONATE NOW TO THE PEOPLE’S RESOURCE CENTER