Hope Begins with Nourishment
Hope is fundamental to life. It motivates us, strengthens our resilience, and brings possibility to the impossible. At Wall of Hope Foundation, we're building a movement that transforms mental health through the power of nutrition.
Our mission is twofold: to educate Central Ohio about food's science-based role in mental health, and to provide nutrient-dense meals to families facing immediate mental health crises.
“Hope is being able to see light through the darkness.”
– Desmond Tutu
A Crisis Needing Action
America faces a growing mental health emergency affecting people of all ages. Anxiety, depression, and substance abuse rates continue to climb, with suicide rates rising alarmingly among young adults.
Despite billions spent treating symptoms, we’ve made little progress finding root causes. Year after year, mental health metrics trend in the wrong direction. What we do know is that lifestyle factors exercise, sleep, stress management, social connections, and especially nutrition profoundly influence our mental state.
The connection between what we eat and how we think, feel, and act offers an unprecedented opportunity to transform the mental health conversation. This transformation begins here in Columbus, Ohio, through the power of food.
THE GOOD FOOD GOOD MOOD CONNECTION
Emerging research in Nutritional Psychology reveals what many have overlooked: what we eat significantly impacts how we feel, think, and act. The clinical connection between our gut and brain isn’t just fascinating—it’s a vital piece of the mental health puzzle.
To function optimally, our brains need specific nutrients found in whole foods like fatty fish, blueberries, leafy greens, nuts, and legumes. When we fuel our bodies properly, we support our minds in remarkable ways.
BACKED BY SCIENCE
SMILES Study by Jacka:
This groundbreaking research showed that dietary improvement can be an effective treatment strategy for depression.
EASe-GAD Study:
This research explored the effectiveness of nutritional interventions for generalized anxiety disorder.
2017 HELFIMED Study:
Demonstrated that a Mediterranean diet supplemented with fish oil improved depression symptoms and quality of life
AFS Ramsey LaChance Study:
Developed the Antidepressant Food Scale, identifying key nutrients that help prevent and treat depressive disorders.
AMMEND Study:
Showed how a Mediterranean diet positively affects depression symptoms in young males.
2019 Diet and Depression JAMA Study:
Published in the prestigious Journal of the American Medical Association, this research further confirmed the connection between dietary patterns and depression risk.
Our approach is evidence-based and continuously informed by the latest scientific findings in nutritional psychology.
12 Key Nutrients
The Antidepressant Food Scale (AFS) is a profiling system that has identified 12 essential nutrients your brain craves for peak performance, and is a leading tool informing dietary recommendations for mental health optimization.
The Antidepressant Food Scale (AFS) is a profiling system that has identified 12 essential nutrients your brain craves for peak performance, and is a leading tool informing dietary recommendations for
SELENIUM: Selenium helps produce the antioxidant glutathione, which neutralizes free radicals and prevents neurodegenerative diseases. Rich sources include Brazil nuts, sunflower seeds, tuna, and shrimp.
THIAMINE: Also known as B1, thiamine helps metabolize glucose to energy, supporting brain function. Deficiency can lead to neurological symptoms. Found in legumes, whole grains, salmon, and nuts.
VITAMIN A: Prevents cellular damage, supports neuroplasticity, and reduces the risk of dementia and depression. Found in grass-fed beef, eggs, seafood, leafy greens, and vegetables.
VITAMIN B6: Supports the synthesis of neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin, aiding mood and immunity. Found in whole grains, tofu, chickpeas, bananas, tuna, salmon, and chicken.
VITAMIN B12: Supports brain health and mood regulation by aiding neuron function and insulation. Found in grass-fed beef, fish, and eggs.
VITAMIN C: A powerful antioxidant that protects brain cells from inflammation and supports nutrient absorption. Found in fruits and vegetables.
mental health optimization.
SELENIUM: Selenium helps produce the antioxidant glutathione, which neutralizes free radicals and prevents neurodegenerative diseases. Rich sources include Brazil nuts, sunflower seeds, tuna, and shrimp.
THIAMINE: Also known as B1, thiamine helps metabolize glucose to energy, supporting brain function. Deficiency can lead to neurological symptoms. Found in legumes, whole grains, salmon, and nuts.
VITAMIN A: Prevents cellular damage, supports neuroplasticity, and reduces the risk of dementia and depression. Found in grass-fed beef, eggs, seafood, leafy greens, and vegetables.
VITAMIN B6: Supports the synthesis of neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin, aiding mood and immunity. Found in whole grains, tofu, chickpeas, bananas, tuna, salmon, and chicken.
VITAMIN B12: Supports brain health and mood regulation by aiding neuron function and insulation. Found in grass-fed beef, fish, and eggs.
VITAMIN C: A powerful antioxidant that protects brain cells from inflammation and supports nutrient absorption. Found in fruits and vegetables.
OUR IMPACT IN ACTION
FEEDING MINDS
Our flagship program delivers high-quality, nutrient-dense meals to individuals and families facing mental health emergencies. We partner with Central Ohio high schools, the City of Upper Arlington (UA CARES), and trusted organizations like Nationwide Children’s Mobile and Stabilization Services.
LIVE SŌW WELL SERIES
Our monthly educational speaker series brings Central Ohio’s most respected health practitioners together to share knowledge about optimal living through nutrition and wellness.
MENTAL WELLNESS MONDAYS
We provide nourishing meals to families spending time in the Ronald McDonald Family Room inside the Big Lots Behavioral Health Pavilion at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. To date, we’ve served over 1,050 meals.
ROUND-IT UP
Every time you dine at a SŌW Plated or SŌW To Go restaurant, you can “round up” your check to the nearest dollar. 100% of these contributions directly support Wall of Hope programming, turning small change into meaningful impact for mental health in our community.
GIVING OPPORTUNITIES
JOIN THE MOVEMENT
Standing before us is a unique opportunity to transform mental health through the power of food. Beginning in Columbus, we’re creating a beacon of hope that can inspire our entire nation to prioritize mental wellness through nutrition.
The mental health crisis affects every community. Despite increasing resources dedicated to treatment, mental health conditions continue to rise. For caregivers supporting loved ones with mental health challenges, simply preparing meals becomes overwhelming—let alone creating nutrient-dense foods that support brain health.
FUNDABLE OPPORTUNITIES
Feeding Minds High School Program
Deliver HOPE to a school of your choice with nutrient-dense family meals and educational resources:
$2,500 per school year (enrollment under 500 students)
$3,750 per school year (enrollment 501-999 students)
$5,000 per school year (enrollment 1,000+ students)
Live SŌW Well Speaker Series
$10,000/year to be Lead Sponsor
$1,000 to sponsor a monthly speaker conversation
One-Time Donation
Every gift—whether $100 or $100,000—directly supports our mission to deliver hope through nutrition.
ACH Transaction
Contact our Fundraising Liaison at info@wallofhope.org or (614) 580-5109
ABOUT WALL OF HOPE
Wall of Hope Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Columbus, Ohio. Our name reflects our commitment to creating spaces where people can find hope, optimism, and encouragement during difficult times.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
John Fahlgren, President
Clayton Hall, Treasurer
Samantha Coughlin, Secretary
Linda Kaufmann
Sunny Fahlgren
GET IN TOUCH
Together, we can transform mental health through the power of good food.