As Mental Health Awareness Month takes center stage every May, Kellanova reaffirms its unwavering dedication to prioritizing employee well-being through the provision of educational tools and resources aimed at supporting mental health. This commitment not only underscores solidarity with individuals navigating mental health challenges but also advocates for policies and initiatives that spotlight mental health care and support.
Earlier this year, Kellanova expanded its mental health toolkit with the introduction of Made Academy 2.0, building upon the e-learning resource initially implemented in 2023. By offering this comprehensive mental health training program, Kellanova empowers employees with the knowledge to identify signs of distress, offer appropriate support, and access resources as needed.
Recently, as Vice President of Global Total Rewards, I had the opportunity to engage in a dialogue with Aaron Harvey, co-founder and executive director of the Made of Millions Foundation, the global mental health advocacy nonprofit behind the development of the Made Academy curriculum.
Interview Highlights:
Q: Why establish the foundation and the Made Academy curriculum?
Aaron Harvey (AH): “After enduring over two decades of silence with an undiagnosed obsessive-compulsive disorder, I felt compelled to establish the foundation. My mission became advocating for and facilitating access to mental health education and resources in the workplace, exemplified by offerings like Made Academy.”
Q: How does Made Academy 2.0 differ from the original?
AH: “While our initial offering provided self-paced e-learning focused on understanding different mental health conditions and treatment options, Version 2.0 expands upon this by examining mental health through diverse perspectives and intersections. It delivers easily digestible information, including firsthand storytelling, exploration of workplace/environmental triggers of mental health struggles, and measures for individuals and organizations to mitigate them.”
Q: What impact underscores the significance of mental health education?
AH: “The impact is palpable in the private conversations that ensue when individuals who have grappled with the fear and stigma of mental illness find the courage to share their experiences. They suddenly feel seen, a sensation I intimately understand and regard as paramount.”
Q: Why partner with companies like Kellanova?
AH: “It’s simple – mental health education is often absent from traditional schooling, making the workplace a crucial avenue to reach a captive audience. Partnerships with companies like Kellanova afford the opportunity to disseminate mental health awareness, equipping employees with vital information to navigate their own mental health journeys and support others in need.”
Q: Why is National Mental Health Awareness Month significant?
AH: “This month serves as a pivotal moment for companies and organizations to reaffirm that employees’ mental health is a top priority. With an estimated 53 million Americans living with some form of mental illness, and approximately half of them going untreated, this awareness month sparks essential conversations about mental health disorders that might otherwise go undiscussed within demanding work environments.”
About Kellanova:
Kellanova (NYSE: K) stands as a leader in global snacking, international cereal and noodles, and North American frozen foods, boasting a rich heritage spanning over a century. Driven by a portfolio of distinguished brands including Pringles®, Cheez-It®, Pop-Tarts®, Kellogg’s Rice Krispies Treats®, RXBAR®, Eggo®, MorningStar Farms®, Special K®, Coco Pops®, and more, Kellanova aspires to become the world’s premier snacks-led powerhouse, leveraging the potential of its unique brands and dedicated workforce. In 2023, our net sales totaled $13 billion.
At Kellanova, our mission is to cultivate better days and ensure inclusivity through our trusted food brands. We are steadfast in our commitment to promoting sustainable and equitable food access by addressing the intersections of hunger, sustainability, well-being, and diversity, equity & inclusion. With the ambition to create Better Days for 4 billion people by 2030 (from a 2015 baseline), Kellanova remains dedicated to fostering positive change on a global scale.
