Core Values

The Brain Food Garden Project emphasizes the importance of understanding the Stages of Change as a core value for effective peer-led discussions on mindful eating and mental health. This framework acknowledges that lifelong eating habits can't be altered instantly, particularly if someone is in the pre-contemplation stage, where they aren't yet considering change. Progress begins when an individual enters the contemplation stage, showing a readiness to think about how food impacts their life. The project also recognizes that food is often used to cope with emotional pain or trauma, and setbacks are a natural part of the process. Therefore, it is crucial to respond to these challenges with self-compassion and gentleness rather than harsh self-criticism.

The Brain Food Garden Project champions a Harm Reduction approach as a core value for facilitating peer conversations on mindful eating and mental health. This philosophy acknowledges that telling someone to completely stop lifelong eating habits, especially those built on processed and fatty foods, can often be counterproductive and push them further into their old patterns. Instead, a more effective and compassionate strategy is to encourage the addition of beneficial foods and habits, gently supporting individuals toward healthier choices rather than demanding the total elimination of familiar ones. This person-centered approach is seen as a smarter way to support sustainable and realistic change.

The Brain Food Garden Project (BFGP) adopts a 10 Dimensions of Wellness framework, expanding upon the traditional eight dimensions to better suit its mission. BFGP incorporates the University of Ohio's additions of creative and digital wellness, merging them into a single Innovational dimension. Most importantly, BFGP adds a tenth dimension, nutritional wellness, by separating it from the physical dimension. This unique focus allows for dedicated and crucial conversations about the link between mindful eating and mental health, which is essential for achieving person-centered outcomes within communities.

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10 Dimension Wheel

The Brain Food Garden Project is guided by core peer values of kindness, dignity, respect, and patience. A central tenet is the practice and promotion of Gratitude as a fundamental wellness tool, which the project believes is the foundation for its gardens. The project's approach to gratitude is outlined in the acronym GRATITUDE: Giving Thanks, Refreshing the Spirit, Appreciating Little Things, Thinking Positively, Identifying Goodness, Treasuring Each Moment, Uniting in Kindness, Delighting in Laughter, and Expressing Joy. This framework emphasizes how a grateful perspective, cultivated through gardening, is essential to the project's mission.

Gardening and a Trauma-Informed Approach

Core Principles and Their Application in Gardening:

Safety

Physical Safety: Ensure the garden space is free of hazards, tools are safely stored, and clear guidelines for safe tool use are established. Knowing the physical boundaries of the space and having predictable routines can also enhance safety.
Emotional Safety: Cultivate an environment of acceptance, respect, and non-judgment. Emphasize gentle interactions with plants and the environment. Allow individuals to participate at their own pace and opt out of activities without pressure.

Trustworthiness and Transparency

Be clear about the goals of gardening activities and what participants can expect.
Communicate openly and honestly about tasks, timelines (if any), and any changes to the plan.
Build trust by being consistent, reliable, and following through on commitments.

Peer Support and Collaboration

Encourage teamwork and shared responsibility in the garden.
Facilitate positive interactions and a sense of community among participants.
Group activities can foster social skills, empathy, and a sense of belonging.

Cultural, Historical, and Gender Sensitivity

Recognize that individuals may have diverse relationships with food systems, farming, and gardening based on their backgrounds.
Be mindful of potential sensitivities and create an inclusive environment that honors different identities and perspectives.
Incorporate culturally significant plants or practices if appropriate and desired by participants.

Empowerment, Voice, and Choice

Offer choices in gardening tasks, such as what to plant, where to plant it, or how to care for it.
Value participants' input and ideas.
Help individuals develop a sense of ownership and control over their gardening experiences. This can counteract feelings of helplessness often associated with trauma.

LGBTQIA+PRIDE in Our Mental Health Awareness Day

Diversity is a Brain Food Garden Project Core Value

At the heart of the Brain Food Garden Project lies a deep commitment to diversity. We firmly believe our gardens can serve as profound healing spaces for everyone. From addressing the deep wounds of historical bias and trauma, to providing a safe haven for a Black transgender person facing threats in their community, our gardens offer solace and acceptance. We maintain a zero-tolerance policy for any form of hate in our gardens and farms. Becoming a BFF (Brain Food Farmer) requires a dedication to empathy and acceptance.

The Third Friday in May

The Brain Food Garden Project (BFGP) is excited to introduce "LGBTQIA+ PRIDE in Our Mental Health," a new annual awareness celebration dedicated to supporting the mental well-being of the LGBTQIA+ community. Launching on Friday, May 16, 2025, this initiative will be observed every year on the third Friday of May, aligning with Mental Health Awareness Month.

For the first year we kicked things off with a robust social media campaign and the release of a comprehensive toolkit, providing actionable ways to support LGBTQIA+ mental health.

This initiative is deeply rooted in the vision of BFGP's Founder Sean Brennan. As an openly queer farmer, Sean's commitment to inclusivity and empowerment forms the bedrock of our organization. Under his leadership as Executive Director, every Brain Food Garden Project initiative is cultivated as a safe and affirming space for individuals of all sexual orientations, gender identities, gender expressions, and sex characteristics.

Sean emphasizes, "Our workshops, partner gardens, and all future projects are built on the fundamental belief that everyone deserves a space to grow and thrive, both physically and mentally. As a queer individual, I understand how vital it is to feel safe and celebrated. 'LGBTQIA+ PRIDE in Our Mental Health' is a natural extension of our commitment to creating havens where the LGBTQIA+ community is not only welcomed but truly honored. As the Brain Food Garden Project expands, so too will this significant day of recognition."

Through our garden projects and outreach, the Brain Food Garden Project is dedicated to actively celebrating and affirming all facets of queer identity. This includes:

Affirming Communication: We use inclusive language and visuals across all our platforms, especially on social media.
Honoring Queer Heritage: We recognize and share the significant contributions of LGBTQIA+ individuals in fields relevant to our work through our toolkit and online content.
Celebrating Diversity in Nature: We highlight plants and their cultural significance within LGBTQIA+ communities in our campaigns and toolkit.
Fostering Connection: We create opportunities for LGBTQIA+ individuals to connect and build community, both in our garden spaces and online.
Resource Partnerships: We collaborate with organizations that provide vital mental health support to the LGBTQIA+ community, with information readily available in our toolkit.

Download our 2025 Toolkit Amplify Voices: LGBTQIA+PRIDE in Our Mental Health

Every year our toolkit will be updated and available for download on the third Friday of Mental Health Awareness month, to celebrate and support LGBTQIA+ mental health awareness. In promoting the event on social media we ask that you use the hashtag: #OurPrideQueerMinds.

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