Mental Health Support for Food and Farm Entrepreneurs

May is Mental Health Awareness Month—a time to shine a light on how emotional well-being influences not just our personal lives, but the sustainability of our businesses. For food and farm entrepreneurs, the mental burden of running a mission-driven venture often goes unspoken, even as pressures mount.

According to the Founder Report, nearly 88% of entrepreneurs face at least one mental health challenge, yet only 18.5% are aware of resources tailored to their needs. While stigma has long been a barrier, particularly in farming communities, that’s beginning to change. In an American Farm Bureau Federation survey, 92% of farmers said they’d feel comfortable talking with friends or family about mental health, signaling a cultural shift toward openness and support.

At Michigan Good Food Fund, we know that strengthening Michigan’s food system means investing not only in businesses, but in the people behind them. We’re focusing on the mental health challenges unique to food entrepreneurs—and offering tools, resources, and real stories to help navigate them.

Why Mental Health Belongs in Your Business Plan

Running a good food business is demanding. Entrepreneurs juggle logistics, operations, marketing, and community engagement all at once. That’s a heavy lift.

Here’s why food and farm entrepreneurs often face higher mental health strain:

• Financial uncertainty – Tight margins and inconsistent revenue create persistent stress.
• Staffing and supply chain challenges – Delays, shortages, and turnover disrupt daily operations.
• Long hours and blurred boundaries – The hustle makes it difficult to unplug or prioritize personal time.
• Seasonal instability – Farmers face weather- and climate-related volatility that affects both crops and cash flow.

The numbers reinforce the urgency. Half of entrepreneurs report struggling with anxiety, according to the Founder Report. Meanwhile, Scientific American notes that farmers experience significantly higher rates of depression and anxiety than the general population, due largely to isolation and financial stress.

Our Commitment: Lending with People in Mind

At Michigan Good Food Fund, we believe community nourishment starts with supporting the entrepreneurs who help feed it. That’s why we partner with lenders who understand that financial health and mental health are deeply connected.

One such partner is Michigan Women Forward, which supports women entrepreneurs with funding and holistic education. Their blog on mental health tips features insights on setting boundaries, embracing rest, and viewing wellness as a business strength, not a luxury.

Building a Culture of Well-Being in Your Business

Whether you’re a solo founder or leading a team, here are ways to center mental wellness in your daily operations:

• Normalize the conversation – Talk openly about stress, burnout, and emotional health. It reduces stigma and fosters trust.
• Establish clear boundaries – Set work hours and encourage regular breaks—even during peak season.
• View rest as strategy – Great ideas are born from rest. Time off is not a detour; it’s part of long-term success.
• Lead by example – Your team follows your cues. Prioritize your well-being to give others permission to do the same.

Resources for Mental Health Support

Whether you’re on the farm, in the kitchen, or somewhere in between, you’re not alone. These organizations provide tools and support designed for food and farm entrepreneurs:

For Food & Hospitality Entrepreneurs

• Not 9 to 5 – Mental health resources for culinary professionals
• James Beard Foundation – Tools for managing stress and burnout
• Culinary Hospitality Outreach Wellness (CHOW) – Peer groups and wellness tools

For Food & Hospitality Entrepreneurs

• AgriSafe – Health training with mental health modules
• Farm Aid & Cultivemos – Mental health support networks for agricultural workers

Michigan & National Resources

• Michigan Crisis and Access Line – 24/7 confidential support via phone, text, or chat
• Zencare – Michigan-based therapist directory, including specialists for entrepreneurs
• National Alliance on Mental Illness of Michigan & Affiliates  – Mental health education and local support groups
• Michigan Labor and Economic Opportunity’s Mental Health in the Workplace Initiative – Wellness resources for small businesses
• Mind Share Partners – Workplace mental health training and tools

Stay Connected Through Mentorship & Peer Support

Entrepreneurship doesn’t have to feel isolating. Build connections by seeking mentors or offering mentorship. Find networking opportunities and professional development to build connections and confidence. Here are some examples of community organizations offering peer-to-peer support:

• Ann Arbor SPARK – Networking and mentorship for Southeast Michigan entrepreneurs
• In the Business of Food – Free virtual consults with food industry professionals
• Build Institute – classes for business owners to learn entrepreneurial skills and get ready for funding

Hear Stories from Other Entrepreneurs

You are never alone in your journey. Explore stories from entrepreneurs supported by Michigan Good Food Fund. You can also stream the Techstars documentary series on mental health in entrepreneurship.

Mental health isn’t a side note—it’s central to your success. At Michigan Good Food Fund, we’re here to support the entrepreneur, not only the business.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t hesitate to reach out. If you’re thriving, share your experience. Together, we’re building a more resilient, inclusive food system—one that nourishes both communities and those who serve them.