Research & reports

Mateus Andrade Rocha Vitório, Victor Guilherme Pereira da Silva Marques, Rivanna Sousa Moura, Sarah Lays Campos da Silva, Fernanda Raquel Andrade da Silva Dos Santos, Diego Rodrigues de Sousa, Sabrina Amorim Paulo, Michelle Vicente Torres · Revista Multidisciplinar do Nordeste Mineiro · Brazil (Teresina)

This qualitative experience report describes the "Hortiviva" project, conducted from April to December 2024, by residents of the Family Health Residency Program at the State University of Piauí, Brazil. The project involved 15 to 30 family horticulturists in a community garden in northern Teresina, focusing on health education through monthly meetings and active methodologies. Results showed the community garden became a therapeutic space for socialization, income generation, and well-being, strengthening ties between professionals and the community.

Lucas Velasques, Janaína Wohlenberg, Osmar Manoel Nunes, D. Friedrich, Norton Víctor Sampaio · Revista Científica Agropampa · Brazil (Dom Pedrito/RS)

This field study, involving 20 residents of Dom Pedrito/RS, Brazil, who practice home gardening, aimed to identify motivational factors, difficulties, and benefits. The main difficulties reported were the time required for cultivation and the presence of pests and insects. While benefits included consuming healthy food, health improvements, and supermarket savings, the significant challenges of time commitment and pest management indicate limitations to the widespread positive impact of home gardening.

Daniel de Araujo Barbosa, Renata Rodrigues Gomes, Jesuana Oliveira Lemos, Joyce de Oliveira Vieira · Contribuciones a las Ciencias Sociales · Brazil (Federal District)

An exploratory study in Águas Claras, Federal District, Brazil, investigated the mental health impacts of participating in the "Terraterapia" community garden group. Using mixed methods with semi-structured questionnaires for 10 participants, the study found a significant improvement in self-assessed mental health, with an initial average of 6.2 rising to 9.4. Participants reported reduced anxiety and loneliness, emphasizing community bonds, socialization, and garden management as central to the intervention's success.

Cline, Madelyn Renee · UKnowledge (University of Kentucky) · United States

A study evaluated the effect of a dedicated outdoor green space (hospital community garden) for nurses during shift breaks on their Professional Quality of Life (ProQOL). Using a one-group pretest-posttest design, all aspects of participants’ ProQOL improved from baseline to the final survey, though not statistically significant. Baseline scores for Burnout, Secondary Traumatic Stress, and Compassion Satisfaction were moderate, and while an overall positive change was observed, statistical significance was not achieved.

Valarie Blue Bird Jernigan, Tori Taniguchi, Kaylee R Clyma, Kristina Gabriel, Jessica Reese, Ying Zhang, Susan B. Sisson, Tara L. Maudrie, Jann Hayman · AJE Advances Research in Epidemiology · United States

The Go Healthy Study is a community-based participatory research study designing a 16-week randomized, wait-list controlled trial for approximately 400 Native American adults in the Osage Nation with a BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2. The intervention includes weekly produce boxes, a healthy eating and traditional foods curriculum, cooking demonstration videos, and a kitchen starter kit. Primary outcomes are to improve systolic blood pressure and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and to increase fruit and vegetable intake.

Ashley Brito Valentim, Guiomar Freitas Guimarães, Carla Soraya Costa Maia, Fatih Şekercioğlu · Regional science and environmental economics · Canada (Toronto); Brazil (São Paulo)

This study analyzed and compared the impact of Urban Community Gardens (UCGs) as "third places" in Toronto and São Paulo. It is a review-based study utilizing publicly available data from policy documents, academic literature, and official websites. UCGs were shown to contribute not only to food production but also to social cohesion, financial resilience, environmental sustainability, cultural transmission, and mental well-being.

Ana Luiza Snoeck Neiva do Amaral, Regina Yoshie Matsue, Luciana Yuki Tomita · Ambiente & sociedade · Brazil (São Paulo)

This 2025 case study analyzed a community garden in Heliópolis, São Paulo, Brazil, established via crowdfunding. The garden improved nutrition, contributed to household budgets, and expanded vegetable variety for participants. It also served as a space for socialization, memory reclamation, activities for older adults, and connecting children with food cultivation.

Sullivan, Miriam Caroline · DigitalCommons - CalPoly (California State Polytechnic University) · United States

This project explores how urban planners can create regional food equity, defined by six dimensions: nutritional adequacy, affordability, cultural relevance, social and spatial equity, and popular agency in the food system. It includes a research paper on historic context, current trends, and case studies, followed by guidance for policy and plan creation. The project also analyzes three food systems plans—San Diego (2024), Chicago (2010), and Austin-Travis County (2024)—evaluating them against the outlined criteria, and delves into urban agriculture and community gardens as methods for improving regional food equity.

Sirlei Rodrigues do Nascimento, Oduvaldo Vendrametto, Luiz Lima, Luigi Pavarini de Lima · Seven Editora eBooks · Brazil (São Paulo)

This exploratory action-research study adopted a methodology to assess the feasibility of implementing modular school gardens in Ribeirão Pires, SP, Brazil, involving the active participation of students, teachers, and the local community. Feedback from thirteen participating students indicated an increase in knowledge about sustainable practices and cultivation techniques. The results suggest that modular gardens facilitate practical knowledge about food production and demonstrate potential for replication in other educational contexts, emphasizing the importance of integrating them as a pedagogical strategy.

Brandi Stein, Megan Knapp, Elisa Muñoz, Donald Rose · Nutrients · United States (New Orleans)

This case study examines the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the New Orleans food system and the community's and local government's responses to strengthen its resiliency. Using a participant-observer approach, including a 2020 online survey of 56 local food organizations, the study identified key themes and efforts. These efforts included the "Greaux the Good" campaign for increased food assistance, policy changes for food vendor permitting, and the establishment of City Food Specialist and Urban Agriculture Liaison positions within local government. Additionally, innovative grassroots citizens' programs positively impacted food access.

Leialoha Ka’ula (22407355), Nicole lee Kamakahiolani Ellison (22407358), Constance James (22407361), Ashley Oshiro (22407364), Kacyn Ideue (22407367), Kahoku Ka’ula (22407370), Alexandra Malia Jackson (12343792) · Figshare · United States

To explore the potential benefits of "māla kalo" (community gardens growing taro) in a continental US community, a survey and interviews were conducted with 12 participants and 5 program leaders, aged 18 to 75 years, at the end of the 2023 growing season. Findings indicated high levels of satisfaction and an interest in more frequent participation. Qualitative data suggested that volunteering at the māla kalo may support connections to self, community, and land, facilitate learning and sharing of knowledge, and foster cultural connections.

Tatiane Sueli Coutinho · Revista Ciência em Extensão · Brazil

The Ervaterapia project conducted 14 workshops (10 at IFC, 4 with CRAS) in Brazil, focusing on producing handmade soaps with medicinal herbs from a community garden. These 3-hour workshops aimed to raise awareness about medicinal herbs as a health promotion alternative to allopathic medicines and to foster an alternative income source through natural soap sales. The project successfully brought the community and the educational institution closer, promoting regional social and economic development.

Carithers, Jaci, Gowen, Samantha, Jenney, Francis · Digital Commons - PCOM (Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine) · United States (Atlanta)

A study in a Metro Atlanta residence, United States, analyzed lead contamination in soil and plant samples using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The research found substantial lead contamination, particularly in areas where crops were grown. Results demonstrated the propagation of lead from contaminated soil into local vegetation over time, with an average level of 143.9 mg/kg, ranging from 5.1 mg/kg to 499.5 mg/kg.

Nancy Domínguez González, Fernando Naranjo Chacón, A Solé, Miguel Ángel Escalona Aguilar, A. Medina · Tropical and Subtropical Agroecosystems · Mexico (Xalapa)

A descriptive study was conducted at Federal Secondary School No. 4 David Alfaro Siqueiros in Xalapa, Mexico, to evaluate the impact of a school garden on student learning, bonds, and intrinsic purposes. A qualitative Likert scale survey was applied to 80 actively participating students before and after the garden's implementation and related workshops. The intervention process failed to generate statistically significant changes in students' learning about school garden aspects (plant growth, planting, care, harvesting, processing), in the bonds developed through teamwork, or in the meaning they attributed to working in the school garden.

Jacqueline de Almeida Barbosa Franco, Quintino Augusto Có de Seabra, Bruno Humberto da Silva, Adriano Alves Teixeira, Rosane Aparecida Gomes Battistelle, Bárbara Stolte Bezerra · Anthropology & Aging · Brazil (São Paulo)

This report examines an inclusive community vegetable garden project at Vila Vicentina, a long-term care facility in Bauru, São Paulo, Brazil, initiated through participatory action research. The project created a space for older adults to engage in leisure and horticultural activities. Findings suggest the initiative contributed to improvements in physical engagement, social interaction, and overall well-being among older adults.

Margaux Robinson, Karen Cunningham, Jeffery Young, Nicole Breazeale, Kenneth R. Jones · Journal of Extension · United States

This paper discusses the evolving role of Extension in urban food production, noting progress made by educators in engaging with both social and horticultural aspects of urban agriculture. It suggests that appropriately designed urban food systems can offer healthy food access, community and environmental resilience, and economic prosperity. The authors provide recommendations for Extension staff, urging them to prioritize mediating the rural/urban dichotomy, tackling structural power dynamics, and intensifying community resilience strategies.

Emma Lewis, M. Renée Umstattd Meyer, Kathryn M. Janda, Jay E. Maddock, Marco A. Palma, Andrew McNeely, Yetunde Olawuyi, Rebecca A. Seguin‐Fowler · Public Health in Practice · United States

This narrative review synthesized 29 sources of published and grey literature on agrihoods, published until November 2024, to explore their opportunities and challenges for improving health in the United States and globally. The study identified four key themes: opportunities for improved health and wellbeing, challenges to promoting equal and equitable health, community engagement for health-related needs, and recommendations for future development. The review contributes to the scientific knowledge base on agrihood initiatives.

Sara-Charlotte Cayen, Kesnamelie-Ann Outha, Pierre Paul Audate · International Journal of Environmental Health Research · North America

This narrative review synthesized the ecosystem services of urban food forests and their contributions to urban health and food sustainability in North American cities. Based on 13 studies published between 2018 and 2023, it identified that food forests provide services such as sustainable food production and climate regulation. However, their implementation faces challenges including public space governance, maintenance costs, regulatory barriers, and ecological risks like invasive species.

Bree Bode, Sarah L. Mott, Jacob M. Cutler, Nicole Jess, Sarah Panken, Marci Scott · International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health · United States (Michigan)

Nutrition education was provided to SNAP-eligible shoppers at Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) sites in Michigan. This multi-phase, mixed-methods study evaluated the delivery of nutrition education, shopper needs, and behavioral outcomes through outcome surveys, staff feedback, educator activity logs, and focus groups with shoppers and educators. Results indicated significantly higher fruit and vegetable consumption among shoppers compared to national SNAP incentive participants, and qualitative themes included relating over transacting and personalized experiential education.

Ranjith P.C, Deekshith M, Murulidhar Venkannanavar, Geeta Gadekar · · Singapore; Brazil (Curitiba)

This chapter explores the contributions of green spaces, including parks, forests, and urban greenery, to key United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) such as Good Health and Well-being (SDG 3) and Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11). It highlights how nature access improves health, supports biodiversity, mitigates climate change, and strengthens urban infrastructure, while also promoting social inclusion and economic opportunities. Case studies from Singapore and Curitiba illustrate successful integration of nature into urban planning.

Lara Fernanda Carlos Lima, Cláudio Fernando Gomes Gonçalves, Diego Santos, Ingrid de Oliveira Carvalho, Marília Victória Nunes Garcez, Wállyson Alves e Silva, Vítor Souza da Costa, Júlio César Paiva e Silva, Samira Rêgo Martins de Deus Leal · Revista Multidisciplinar do Nordeste Mineiro · Brazil (Teresina)

This qualitative and descriptive study reports on the "Cultivating Health" project, conducted from April to October 2025 in Teresina, Brazil, with 8 to 14 community garden horticulturists. The project, led by a multidisciplinary team, used active methodologies to address health topics. Findings showed the group fostered knowledge exchange, socialization, and well-being, strengthening ties between professionals and the community.

Ana Caroline Ferreira Rodrigues Acosta, Álvaro Ribeiro Nicotti · Revista Educação e Saber – REdeS · Brazil

This paper presents the "Movimento dos Quintais Brincantes" (Playful Backyards Movement) in Brazil, focusing on an experience in 2023 at Quintal Aroeira in Imbé-RS. The project involved five families and children aged 2-6, offering free play, outdoor activities, organic food from a community garden, and family participation in space maintenance and activity planning. After one year, it was concluded that this space contributed to children's autonomy, creativity, health, cooperation, and the creation of bonds among families, educators, and the surrounding community.

Belma Soto-Fernández, Lurys Bourdett-Stanziola · Asian Journal of Agricultural and Horticultural Research · Latin America

A documentary review on the importance of urban gardening in Latin America revealed that urban gardening, when approached through the lens of agrobiodiversity, has become a key strategy for safe food production and environmental sustainability. However, it was found that several Latin American countries lack clear and established laws to regulate this activity. Preliminary evidence of rotavirus was detected in fresh vegetables from an urban garden in Panama, indicating that urban gardens can become infection foci capable of causing diseases of public health and veterinary importance.

Sawsan Salah, Lori A. Francis · Journal of Clinical and Translational Science · United States

This project developed a community garden at a childcare center in Harrisburg, PA, serving a low-income community where 74.6% of residents identified as Black or Hispanic/Latino. A listening session with six community members provided positive feedback and ideas for the garden, which was then installed with four beds. Weekly gardening activities engaged 20-50 children (n=50 total in summer program) for nine weeks, resulting in positive responses from children and staff, demonstrating the feasibility of such an initiative.

Rodrigo Calderón, Diana Garcia-Cejudo, Rob Roggema · Land · Mexico (Querétaro)

This study analyzes the paradox of food swamps, food availability, and food's ecological footprint in Querétaro, Mexico, to promote the creation of community gardens. Findings corroborate a soaring number of unhealthy food stores, elevated carbon footprints related to food production, and a community request for urban agriculture, including the regeneration of community public areas. The research proposes designing and implementing community gardens in two marginalized neighborhoods (Tlacote and San Antonio–Bolaños) in Querétaro.