Eating Disorder Education Network St. Louis

Education. Awareness. Advocacy.

The Torah teaches"Lo ta'amod al dam re'echa" -

"Do not stand idly by the blood of your fellow." (Leviticus 19:16)

This principle reminds us that when members of our community are struggling, we have a responsibility to learn, to care, and to act.

Eating disorders are serious medical and psychiatric illnesses that affect individuals and families across all backgrounds. Yet stigma, misconceptions, and lack of awareness often prevent people from recognizing warning signs or seeking help.

EDEN STL was founded to promote eating disorder awareness, education, and advocacy within the Orthodox Jewish community. Through educational programming, community outreach, and resource development, we seek to foster understanding, encourage early intervention, and ensure that no individual or family feels alone in their struggle.

Together, we can build a community that is informed, compassionate, and prepared to support those affected by eating disorders.

About EDEN STL

Eating Disorder Education Network St. Louis (EDEN STL) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing awareness and understanding of eating disorders within the Orthodox Jewish community.

Eating disorders are often misunderstood. Many individuals and families struggle silently due to stigma, misinformation, or uncertainty about where to turn for help. EDEN STL was established to address these barriers through culturally sensitive education and advocacy.

Our mission is to empower students, parents, educators, healthcare professionals, and community members with the knowledge needed to recognize eating disorders, support those who are struggling, and promote early intervention.

We believe that education saves lives. By fostering open conversation and providing evidence-based information, we hope to create a community where individuals feel supported, understood, and empowered to seek help when needed.

Our Mission

At EDEN STL, our mission is to promote awareness, education, and understanding of eating disorders within the Orthodox Jewish community of St. Louis, with a particular focus on middle and high school students. Through culturally sensitive education, community engagement, and advocacy, we strive to reduce the stigma surrounding these illnesses and encourage early recognition and intervention. Our goal is to ensure that no child or family feels isolated or alone in their struggle with an eating disorder.

Our Vision

A community in which every individual affected by an eating disorder is met with understanding, compassion, and access to appropriate support, and where no child or family faces these challenges alone.

Why This Matters

Eating disorders are among the most serious psychiatric illnesses and carry one of the highest mortality rates of any mental health condition. Yet despite their severity, they are often misunderstood, overlooked, or hidden behind stigma.

These illnesses affect individuals of all ages, backgrounds, body sizes, and levels of religious observance. They are not a choice, a phase, or simply a matter of willpower. Eating disorders are complex medical and psychological conditions that require understanding, support, and appropriate treatment.

The need for awareness has never been greater. Studies estimate that nearly one in five children and adolescents worldwide exhibits disordered eating behaviors, and rates of eating disorders among young people have risen significantly in recent years. Emergency department visits related to eating disorders among adolescents have increased dramatically, highlighting the growing impact of these illnesses on children and families.

While eating disorders occur in every community, research suggests that concerns surrounding body image, weight, and eating may be particularly relevant within Orthodox Jewish adolescent populations.

Silence about these topics does not make them disappear. Unfortunately, stigma and misconceptions can make it difficult for individuals and families to recognize warning signs or seek help.

Awareness, education, and open conversation are essential to recognizing struggles early and ensuring that individuals receive the support they need. Early intervention can save lives. Research consistently shows that the earlier an eating disorder is identified and treated, the greater the likelihood of recovery and the lower the risk of serious medical and psychological complications.

By educating ourselves, supporting one another, and creating space for open conversation, we can help ensure that no child or family faces these challenges alone.

At EDEN STL, we are committed to supporting children and adolescents struggling with eating disorders

in the Orthodox Jewish community through a variety of programs and services:

What We Do

IN SCHOOL

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMMING

We deliver engaging and informative presentations at schools to educate middle and high school age students about eating disorders, fostering awareness and understanding.

COMMUNITY

EDUCATIONAL PRESENTATIONS

We deliver presentations for the broader community, including parents and educators, to foster meaningful conversations around eating disorders and mental health, raise awareness, and promote a supportive environment for those affected by eating disorders.

RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT

We help connect community members with reliable information and evidence-based resources related to eating disorders, treatment, recovery, and family support.

ADVOCACY

We advocate for increased awareness and understanding of eating disorders within the Orthodox Jewish community, working to reduce stigma, promote early identification, and ensure that individuals and families have access to the support and resources they need.

PROFESSIONAL COLLABORATION

Our educational efforts are informed by healthcare professionals with expertise in adolescent medicine, psychology, psychiatry, nutrition, and eating disorder treatment, helping ensure that the information we provide is not only culturally sensitive but also reflects current best practices.

Get in Touch

info@edenstl.org

314-660-9575