Supporting food and beverage workers’ mental health - College of Arts and Sciences

May 6, 2026 - 19:38

A new collaboration between the Southern Smoke Foundation and the Community Clinic within UNC-Chapel Hill's Psychology and Neuroscience Department is set to provide free counseling services to food and beverage workers across North Carolina. The initiative aims to address the unique mental health challenges faced by those in the restaurant and hospitality industry, a workforce often characterized by long hours, low wages, and high stress.

Under the partnership, eligible workers will have access to no-cost therapy sessions through the university's community clinic. The clinic, which typically serves the local area, will expand its reach to cover the entire state. Southern Smoke, a foundation originally founded by the restaurant community, will provide funding and referral support to connect workers with licensed clinicians.

Organizers note that the hospitality sector has historically lacked accessible mental health resources, a gap that became more pronounced during the pandemic. By removing financial barriers, the program hopes to encourage more workers to seek help for issues like anxiety, depression, and substance use. The services are confidential and tailored to the specific pressures of the industry. This effort marks a significant step in normalizing mental health care for a workforce that often prioritizes service over self-care.