Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) include abuse, neglect, and family or household changes that create toxic stress during childhood. ACEs have been shown to lead to wide range of chronic diseases and conditions later on in life. Those in Kentucky working in food and farming often have a higher ACEs score. In Michelle’s work to create community and connection among Kentucky’s food and farming workers she’s identified that mental health, addiction, poor health outcomes, and suicidal thoughts are regularly experienced by those working on the front lines of food equity work. This retreat was developed over 10 years of experience working with the BRIGHT coalition* (Barren River District Community Health Planning Council), CHAT (Allen County Community Health Action Team), Kentucky Public Health Association, and various organizations focused on the physical, mental, and spiritual health of Kentuckians.
