Project S.H.O.U.T.

Depression is the most common mental health disorder, affecting nearly one in eight adolescents and young adults each year. Project S.H.O.U.T is a mental health awareness program which is centered in offering students culinary therapy. S.H.O.U.T aims to bring awareness and mental health education to underserved and at-risk school age youth (Grades K-12).

Our evidence-based model offers a creative opportunity to increase their self-expression and self esteem through culinary arts. Culinary arts holds a therapeutic value physically, cognitively, socially, and intrapersonally. Youth learn about food, the health benefits of food, how to shop/grow food, how to cook, and the effects of food on mood/health and the results. Fostering an opportunity to empower healthy social, emotional, and mental health through culinary arts.

The program prepares educators and students to reduce the stigma of mental health through evidence-based mental health literacy curriculum designed for use in schools (K-12th students). The evidence-based curriculum is designed to provide students with: 

1. Understanding how to optimize and maintain good mental health 

2. Understanding mental disorders and their treatments 

3. Decreasing Stigma 

4. Enhancing help-seeking efficacy (knowing when and where to get help and having the skills necessary to promote self-care and how to obtain good care)