RESEARCH

What Gardens Grow: Outcomes from Home and Community Gardens Supported by Community-Based Food Justice Organizations

This study examines the outcomes of home and community gardens supported by community-based food justice organizations, highlighting benefits in health, food security, cultural connection, and social change.

Program Types: Therapeutic, Social

Population Groups: General Population, Corrections/Justice-Involved

Setting or Context: Community Gardens, Homes/Private Residences

Health and Wellness Outcomes: Improved Mental Health, Enhanced Emotional Well-being, Greater Sense of Purpose, Better Nutritional Awareness, Increased Social Engagement & Skills, Decreased Need for Pain Medication, Community Building

Allied Profession Intersections: Social Work

Type of Activity: Outdoor Gardening, Edible Plant Gardening, Growing Plants from Seed, Mindfulness/Visualizations

Evidence Type: Case Studies, Qualitative Research, Anecdotal Evidence/Testimonials

Measurement and Evaluation: Metrics for Mental Health, Metrics for Physical Health, Patient-Reported Outcomes, Program Effectiveness

Access: Free

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Summary

The research explores the impact of community-based gardening initiatives, using mixed methods over multiple years across five food justice organizations in the U.S. The findings categorize gardening benefits into four key areas: (1) improving health by increasing fruit and vegetable intake, reducing food insecurity, and fostering physical and mental well-being; (2) producing high-quality food in meaningful quantities; (3) providing cultural ecosystem services such as social connection, recreation, and preserving cultural food traditions; and (4) fostering healing and social transformation, particularly in marginalized communities.

The study emphasizes the role of community-based organizations in enabling access to gardening, supporting self-sufficiency, and empowering individuals through food production. It also highlights the need for further research on the best strategies to maximize the health and social benefits of gardening, especially for communities affected by food insecurity and systemic inequities. The findings advocate for policy and funding support to expand gardening initiatives as a tool for community resilience and well-being.

Link

Porter, C. (2019). What gardens grow: Outcomes from home and community gardens supported community-based food justice organizations. Journal of Food Systems Community Development, 19(8 Suppl.1), 187-205.

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