Elite DNA Behavioral Health, a comprehensive behavioral and mental health care provider, recently hosted its Mental Health Awareness Month food drive, collecting approximately 1,338 pounds of food to distribute to families across the state.
Elite DNA’s goal is to help reduce hunger and the impact it has on one’s mental health. Individuals who are constantly worried about where their next meal is coming from can develop mental health problems such as depression, anxiety and even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
The month-long collection spanned 32 Elite DNA offices across Florida and encouraged the community to support seven Feeding Florida chapters, including All Faiths Food Bank, Feeding Northeast Florida, Feeding South Florida, Feeding Tampa Bay, Harry Chapin Food Bank of Southwest Florida, Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida and Second Harvest of the Big Bend. Items included hundreds of canned goods, dry pasta, rice, cereal, peanut butter and other non-perishable food items.
“Statewide, many children rely on free breakfast and lunch provided through their school and with the school year coming to a close, they’ll be left to seek other limited alternatives,” said Elizabeth Dosoretz, LCSW, founder and CEO of Elite DNA Behavioral Health. “Not only does this take a physical toll on families, but a mental one as well. Thanks to the generous communities throughout the state of Florida, we can help to alleviate this immense stress from families and positively impact their overall mental health.”
Feeding Florida is the state’s network of food banks working to solve hunger and address its root cause. Feeding Florida member food banks support more than 2,400 local charitable agencies, which provide food directly to individuals and families.
For more information about Elite DNA and its services, visit EliteDNA.com.
