The Gauteng Finance and Economic Development MEC, Lebogang Maile, said research must be conducted about the link between food insecurity and mental illness. Maile was delivering his keynote address at the Gauteng Agro-Processing Convention and Expo in Johannesburg, where food security and mental health were high on the agenda. “The month of July is dedicated to raising awareness about mental health conditions, reducing stigma and promoting resources for support and treatment. I raise the subject to illustrate the significance of agro-processing not only as a sub-sector of manufacturing, but as a critical instrument for tackling issues of food and nutrition security. Food security and mental health are closely intertwined,” said Maile. Among others, the Expo is meant to foster relations between various partners in a bid to accelerate agro-processing and build sustainability in the province. Maile expanded on his view regarding the impacts of the lack of food sources on mental health. “Mental health conditions can also affect an individual’s ability to secure food, creating a cyclical relationship. A study by the National Health Institute confirms this finding. We are determined that food security and mental health share a profound relationship, influenced by multifaceted factors such as access to nutritious food and other broader societal inequalities,” Maile explained. The MEC is adamant that investments will ensure the government’s ability to unlock successes and growth through agro-processing. Maile added that agro-processing will give the government a fighting chance in terms of growing the economy as well as alleviate pressure off consumers who are grappling with the high cost of living.
Gauteng Government explores the link between food insecurity and mental health
