Have you had a snack today? A social snack, that is! 

We are big believers that, as a community, we can impact change together. And creating that impactful community can start with something as simple as Social Snacking.

CUPS is proud to join a coalition of 36 community groups and social services — led by the United Way of Calgary — to improve our collective mental health through this simple concept of #SocialSnacking.

What is a social snack?

A social snack is a way to build connections through something as simple as a kind word, a smile to a stranger or offering your seat on the bus. 

Just like a real snack, we’re not looking for a five-course sit-down meal. These are small, brief interactions that can have a powerful impact on our mental health as individuals and the greater community. It’s a connection at a moment in time that can fuel us forward for the rest of the day, week or month. 

Need a few more ideas? 

• Pick up trash as you walk to the bus stop

• Ask for the name of the coffee barista who always knows your name

• Chat with someone in line to pay for your groceries

Social snacking is a small, but powerful, way we can work on preventative mental health care in our community, especially through the continued COVID-19 pandemic. Many people are feeling lonely, isolated and struggling to find their way forward through changing restrictions. Research shows loneliness can lead to depression and emotional suffering. We need to manage loneliness just as we manage physical health ailments. 

CUPS is an active partner in working on preventative mental health programs. From engagement with the City’s Mental Health and Addiction Strategy to the development of Rapid Care Counselling with Catholic Family Service and other important initiatives, we know that collectively as a community, we need to continue to work together on preventative programs and opportunities for the broader community.

So this week…we start with a social snack. And the more we can social snack our way through 2022, the stronger the bond we can create in our community and improve our mental health at the same time. 

Check out this great infographic on Social Snacking and start building connections today!