RESEARCH

Community Gardening in Poor Neighborhoods in France: A Way to Re-Think Food Practices?

This study in Marseille found that while community gardens didn’t dramatically increase the amount of homegrown produce, they did encourage gardeners to buy significantly more fruits and vegetables, indirectly improving their diets. The gardens also provided important social and cultural benefits, fostering community connections and boosting self-esteem among the gardeners.

Program Types: Social

Population Groups: General Population, Master Gardeners

Setting or Context: Community Gardens, Public/Botanical Gardens

Health and Wellness Outcomes: Increased Horticultural Knowledge, Increased Self-Efficacy

Type of Activity: Outdoor Gardening, Edible Plant Gardening

Evidence Type: Peer-Reviewed Studies

Measurement and Evaluation: Program Effectiveness

Access: Free

Print Form

Summary

This study explored community gardens in poor neighborhoods of Marseille, France, to see if gardeners there had better access to healthy food, especially fruits and vegetables, compared to their neighbors who didn’t garden. The researchers looked at how much food the gardeners grew, what they bought, and also considered the social and cultural importance of gardening. They found that while the amount of food actually grown in the gardens was small, the gardeners’ households bought significantly more fruits and vegetables than their non-gardening neighbors.

The study suggests that even though the gardens didn’t produce a huge amount of food, they encouraged women in these communities to prioritize buying more fruits and vegetables. The act of gardening also had social and cultural benefits, like creating community connections and boosting self-esteem. The researchers conclude that community gardens can indirectly improve people’s diets by influencing their food choices, and could be a valuable addition to other food policies.

Link

Martin, P., Consalès, J.N., Scheromm, P. et al. (2017). Community gardening in poor neighborhoods in France: A way to re-think food practices? Appetite, 116, 589-598.

Other Recommended Research

‘The nourishing soil of the soul’: The role of horticultural therapy in promoting well-being in community-dwelling people with dementia

Gardening can help people with dementia feel more active, connected, and less lonely by improving their physical and mental well-being. The article highlights the need for more accessible gardening programs in the community to support social engagement and a better quality of life.

‘Into the Wild’: A meta-synthesis of talking therapy in natural outdoor spaces

This Meta-synthesis highlights the benefits of holding therapy sessions in nature, which can reduce stress, improve mood, and enhance emotional well-being. While outdoor therapy offers unique advantages, such as greater openness and connection with nature, it also requires careful consideration of client suitability and professional training.

“Connecting people and the earth”: the occupational experience of people with different capabilities participating in an inclusive horticultural social enterprise

This thesis examines how a gardening-based social enterprise helps people of all abilities by providing meaningful work, social connections, and a sense of belonging. While it highlights the benefits of inclusion and community participation, it also points out challenges like funding and governance that need to be addressed for long-term success.