May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and the Equitable Food Initiative says it is offering tools and resources for companies to support the needs of essential food supply chain workers and to create and promote supportive workplace environments.
EFI says a study conducted by the North Carolina Office of Rural Health showed 30% of farmworkers experience elevated levels of anxiety and 40% report depression — rates significantly higher than the general population. With appropriate treatment and support, 70% to 90% of individuals report improved mental health and quality of life, based on a survey from Riverside University Department of Behavioral Health, according to a news release.
“Farm work is demanding, both physically and mentally,” LeAnne Ruzzamenti, EFI’s director of marketing and communications, said in the release. “The fresh produce industry employs many migrant workers who are far from their families and familiar experiences and can experience loneliness and grief. Creating a workplace that acknowledges these challenges is the first step toward offering real solutions.”
At Abundant Harvest Organics, along with its marketer-shipper Homegrown Organic Farms, the company emphasizes the mental and spiritual health of its employees, the release said. The company said it offers chaplain programs that provide on-site support and resources to employees as a confidential space for farmworkers to discuss personal challenges and workplace stress and offer extra support during times of need.
“The benefits to our workers are profound,” Janie Mann, director of human resources for Homegrown Organics Farm, said in the release. “When facing personal challenges, employees might hesitate to share with peers or supervisors. Having an external source of support has proven invaluable. We’ve received constant positive feedback from employees on the chaplain programs.”
For a list of resources, including an on-demand recording of EFI’s recent webinar on leading employees with a trauma-informed approach, visit EquitableFood.org/MentalHealth.
