Food Forward Season 1 Episode 11 Food on the Brain

Food Forward is a documentary series that showcases the people, organizations, and communities that are revolutionizing the way we think about food. In season 1 episode 11, titled "Food on the Brain," the focus is on the intersection between food and mental health.

The episode opens with a segment on a program in San Francisco called C.H.E.F.S (Conquering Homelessness through Employment in Food Service). This program provides job training and employment to individuals experiencing homelessness, offering them the chance to develop valuable skills and gain self-confidence. In the words of one participant, "If you can't cook, you can't do nothing." This inspiring segment highlights the power of food to transform lives.

Next up is a visit to a school in West Virginia that has implemented a farm-to-school program. The program was created to address two major issues facing the school district: poor health outcomes and high levels of poverty. By bringing fresh, locally-sourced produce into the cafeteria and incorporating agriculture into the curriculum, the school is helping to improve the health of its students while also providing a positive learning experience.

The third segment takes us to Detroit, where we meet Devita Davison, the Executive Director of FoodLab Detroit. FoodLab is a nonprofit organization that provides support and resources to food entrepreneurs in Detroit, many of whom are working to address issues of food access and social justice. Davison is a powerful advocate for community-driven solutions to food-related challenges, and she shares her insights on the important role that food can play in building resilient and equitable communities.

The final segment of the episode focuses on the relationship between food and mental health. We meet several individuals who have experienced mental health challenges, and who have found that food and cooking can be powerful tools for healing and self-care. One woman shares how baking helps her manage her anxiety, while another shares how growing her own vegetables has helped her feel more connected to the natural world. We also hear from mental health professionals who are incorporating food-based interventions into their work with patients.

Throughout the episode, we see how food can be a source of empowerment, connection, and healing. Food on the Brain highlights the innovative work being done at the intersection of food and mental health, and shows us how we can all use food to make positive changes in our lives and our communities.