Research & reports
Peer-reviewed research and reports on community urban agriculture, food education, composting, welfare and more.
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563 results(4 / 23)
Adaptation and study protocol for harvest for health together Arizona: A mentored community garden intervention for survivors of cancer
2024Meghan B. Skiba, Dylan V. Miller, Delaney Stratton, Caitlyn Hall, Sharon McKenna, Cindy K. Blair, Wendy Demark‐Wahnefried · Contemporary Clinical Trials Communications · United States (Arizona)
This study adapted "Harvest for Health," a home-based mentored gardening intervention for cancer survivors, into a community-based intervention for Arizona's arid desert environment. The adapted intervention, "Harvest for Health Together Arizona (H4H2-AZ)," will enroll participants for two growing seasons (6 months) in 30 ft2 community garden plots, with Master Gardeners providing one-to-one mentorship and gardening supplies. This pilot six-month single-arm intervention aims to determine the feasibility, acceptability, and appropriateness of the adapted program for skin cancer survivors, with secondary outcomes exploring effects on cancer preventive health behaviors and health-related quality of life.
CommunityHealthWelfarePublic Engagement in Community Gardens: Communicating to Prepare for a Changing Climate
2024Olivia M. Erskine, Alexa J. Lamm, Kevan W. Lamm, Catherine E. Sanders · Journal of Applied Communications · United States
A study in the United States analyzed U.S. adults' motivations for engaging in community gardens and the perceived importance of climate-smart adaptations. Respondents primarily engaged in community gardens for health and social reasons and assigned some level of importance to climate-smart adaptations. Future research should explore the impact of rurality, food accessibility, and socioeconomic status on reasons for engagement and the associated importance of climate-smart adaptations.
CommunityClimate changeFood sovereignty & justiceHealthRemediation of Soils Contaminated by Timbers in Community Gardens
2024Wendy J. Heiger-Bernays, Alicia Fraser, Valerie Burns, Kerry Diskin, Diedre Pierotti, Kian Merchant-Borna, Michael D. McClean, Daniel J. Brabander, H. Patricia Hynes · Scholarworks (University of Massachusetts Amherst) · United States (Boston)
This study identified the nature and extent of soil contamination by polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from railroad ties and arsenic from chromated copper arsenate (CCA) pressure-treated lumber in a representative community garden in Boston. Elevated levels of PAHs and arsenic were present in the gardens studied, with these timbers serving as a continuous source of contaminants. This is the first study to investigate contaminants other than lead and evaluate the effect of adding city compost on select soil contaminants in urban garden soil.
Contamination & food safetyHealthCommunityCompostSoil, Soul, and Society
2024Kevin Richardson · Advances in logistics, operations, and management science book series · United States
Community gardens in Black neighborhoods across the United States serve as resilient oases of change, particularly in areas characterized by limited access to fresh, nutritious foods and health disparities. These communal spaces address not only physical health but also the interconnected facets of mental well-being and community resilience, fostering a sense of identity, belonging, and strength beyond cultivating crops.
CommunityHealthWelfarePromoting healthy food access initiatives in urban areas of the USA: Strategies to address food insecurity and improve nutritional health
2024Queen-Mary Akudo Ebugosi, Janet Aderonke Olaboye · International Journal of Applied Research in Social Sciences · United States
This concept paper proposes initiatives to promote healthy food access in urban areas of the USA, aiming to address food insecurity and improve nutritional health. It discusses the current state of food insecurity and its health impacts in urban areas, then examines successful strategies such as community gardens, farmers' markets, and mobile food markets. Key components like community engagement, policy advocacy, and partnerships are highlighted, along with the role of technology like online grocery delivery. The paper provides insights into effective strategies for policymakers, healthcare providers, and community organizations to improve food access and health outcomes.
HealthWelfareCommunityPolicySpatial Barriers to Transforming toward a Healthy Food System in the Noreste of Mexico
2024Rob Roggema, Aleksandra Krstikj, B. J. Erazo Flores · Nutrients · Mexico (Monterrey)
This study in the Noreste of Mexico, focusing on Monterrey, investigated spatial and non-spatial barriers to adopting healthy diets and accessing plant-based foods. Findings revealed significant disparities in food access across the Monterrey metropolitan area, with central urban zones having superior access to fresh foods compared to suburban and peripheral regions. This inequality disproportionately affects marginalized areas with higher poverty rates, worsening food insecurity.
Equity & displacementHealthEconomicsFood sovereignty & justiceUrban–rural linkageEffects of Organic Soil Amendments on Antimicrobial-Resistant Bacteria in Urban Agriculture Environments
2024Qingyue Zeng, Kevin Lam, Autumn Salcedo, Rohan V. Tikekar, Shirley A. Micallef, Ryan A. Blaustein · Journal of Food Protection · United States (Washington D.C.)
This study explored the impacts of biological soil amendments of animal origin (BSAAOs) on antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) bacteria in leafy vegetable production environments across seven urban farms and community gardens in the Washington D.C. area. Amended plots showed significantly higher concentrations of total heterotrophic bacteria than bulk soil, which was associated with reduced fractions of tetracycline-resistant bacteria and case-specific trends for reduced ampicillin-resistant bacteria and coliforms. Soil pH positively correlated with tetracycline-resistant bacteria in amended soils, suggesting pH-targeting management strategies could control related risks.
CommunityHealthOrganic cycleHow healthy are horticultural plants cultivated in urban gardens in polluted cities? The case of Mexico City
2024Ivonne Alonso Durán, Elizabeth Hernández-Álvarez, Ofelia Mortón-Bermea, Javier Castro-Larragoitia, Margarita Collazo-Ortega · Revista Internacional de Contaminación Ambiental · Mexico (Mexico City)
This study investigated the concentrations of 15 metal(loid)s in four vegetables (tomato, onion, chili, lettuce) cultivated in four urban garden locations in Mexico City. While soil analysis showed only vanadium exceeded Mexican limits in one location, various vegetables harvested in the study exceeded international recommended limits for cadmium, mercury, and lead. Lettuce exhibited the highest metal concentrations and transfer factors, with exceptionally high transfer factors for cadmium in lettuce and mercury in tomato.
Contamination & food safetyHealthPerfil de alimentação promotora de saúde entre produtores de horta comunitária de Teresina, Piauí
2024Kaline Soares da Costa, Regina da Silva Santos, Carmen Viana Ramos, Ana Karolinne da Silva Brito, Luana Kelle Batista Moura, Liriane Andressa Alves da Silva, Joyce Lopes Macedo, Maria do Carmo de Carvalho e Martins · Somma Revista Cientifica do Instituto Federal de Educação Ciência e Tecnologia do Piauí · Brazil
This cross-sectional study investigated the profile of healthy eating habits among 45 community garden producers in Teresina, Piauí, Brazil, referencing the "10 Steps to Healthy Eating" from the Brazilian Dietary Guidelines. The dietary profile of the producers was considered inadequate; while 97.78% followed the water consumption guideline, only 4.44% followed the guideline for milk/meat/eggs consumption and 6.67% for fruits/vegetables consumption. No participant followed all 10 steps, and a better socioeconomic level was associated with healthier behaviors.
CommunityHealthFood educationDevelopment and Validation of a Functional Health Literacy Survey for School Gardening
2024Valerie A. Ubbes, Karly S. Geller, Sophia Whitesel · American Journal of Health Education · United States
This study developed and validated the Functional Health Literacy Survey for School Gardening (FHLS-SG) using 31 questions administered to 651 children in grades K-4 in the United States. The FHLS-SG demonstrated statistically significant reliability (Cronbach’s alpha 0.69-0.84, test-retest 0.59-0.81). Health literacy showed small to medium mediation effects on relationships between individual, environmental, and behavioral factors in school gardening, particularly between the garden environment and the individual (M = 0.36).
Food educationHealthThe Integrating Cultural Aspects Into Diabetes Education (INCLUDE) Study to Prevent Diabetes in Chinese Immigrants: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial
2024Lu Hu, Nelson Lin, Yun Shi, Jiepin Cao, Mary Ann Sevick, Huilin Li, Jeannette M. Beasley, Natalie Levy, Kosuke Tamura, Xinyi Xu, Yulin Jiang, IRIS H. ONG, Ximin Yang, Yujie Bai, Liwen Su, Sze Wan Chan, Stella S. Yi · JMIR Research Protocols · United States
The INCLUDE study protocol describes a 3-year randomized controlled trial (n=150) to test a social media-based intervention adapting the Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) for Chinese immigrants in the US, combined with a culturally adapted, community-supported agriculture program. Participants with prediabetes or at risk for T2D are randomized, with the intervention group (n=75) receiving 12 weeks of DPP videos, biweekly phone support, and 10 weeks of produce. Weight is the primary outcome, measured at baseline, 3-month, and 6-month intervals.
HealthCSA & TeikeiCommunityAssessing Healthy Effects between Local Level Farmer’s Markets and Community-Supported Agriculture and Physical Well-Being at the State Level
2024Patsy Kraeger, Rhonda Phillips, J. H. Lubin, Jonathan Weir, Kristina R. Patterson · Sustainability · United States
This study investigated the connection between local farmers markets (FMs), community-supported agriculture (CSAs), and physical well-being at the state level across the 50 states of the United States. Analyzing 2016 data from the United States Department of Agriculture using an ordinal logistic regression model, the study found an inconclusive relationship at the state level. While local FMs and CSAs may increase physical well-being, this study did not find such an increase.
Limited or null effectCSA & TeikeiHealthEconomicsUrban Agriculture as a Public Good: Valuing Farming and Gardening in Philadelphia and Chicago
2024Domenic Vitiello · Urban agriculture · United States
US cities have developed urban agriculture support systems reflecting competing values, with some prioritizing public good and others economic gains. A chapter reflecting on urban agriculture planning in Chicago and Philadelphia notes that institutional structures significantly impact equity and justice. The study indicates that the existing urban agriculture support systems in these cities may not adequately promote equity and justice.
Equity & displacementPolicyCommunityEconomicsHealthRAÍZES DO BEM: EXPERIÊNCIA EXTENSIONISTA VOLTADA À PROMOÇÃO DE SAÚDE E BEM-ESTAR PARA A POPULAÇÃO IDOSA ATRAVÉS DA HORTICULTURA TERAPÊUTICA
2024Stephanie Bezerra Muniz Falcão, Laysla Tamyres de Oliveira Borges, ANA PATRICIA BASTOS FERREIRA · International Journal of Health Science · Brazil
This extension project in Jaboatão dos Guararapes-PE, Brazil, aimed to promote mental health and physical well-being for elderly residents in a Long-Term Care Institution (ILPI) through horticulture. A community garden was created for therapeutic horticulture activities, including sensory gardening and aromatherapy. The project found that horticulture was effective in reducing depressive symptoms, improving mood, and enhancing the quality of life for participants.
ElderlyHealthCommunityFood educationLocal Food System Approaches to Address Food and Nutrition Security among Low-Income Populations: A Systematic Review
2024Katharine Garrity, Kathleen Krzyzanowski Guerra, Hannah Hart, Khawlah Al-Muhanna, Emily C. Kunkler, Ashlea Braun, K. Poppe, Kara Johnson, Emma Lazor, Yang Liu, Jennifer Garner · Advances in Nutrition · United States
A systematic review of 34 studies (37 articles) from 2000-2020 evaluated the impact of local food system (SVC) models on food and nutrition security among low-income populations in the United States. Farmers market interventions were more extensively evaluated than other SVC models, with fruit and vegetable intake being the most measured outcome. Barriers to SVC use included lack of program awareness, limited accessibility, and cultural incongruence, while facilitators included health-promoting environments, community cohesion, financial incentives, and high-quality produce.
Food sovereignty & justiceEconomicsHealthCSA & TeikeiCultivating a Sustainable Tomorrow: Community Gardens and Food Security in the City of Santa Clara
2024Brandon, Chrislyn · Scholar Commons (Santa Clara University) · United States (Santa Clara)
The City of Santa Clara faces significant challenges in ensuring equitable access to food for its residents amidst rising living costs and economic disparities. Enhancing support for residents' food security needs through increased knowledge sharing and resource provision in community areas is an efficient strategy to reduce hunger rates and create welcoming community spaces that support sustainability. This initiative addresses two key focus areas in Santa Clara's Climate Action Plan.
CommunityFood sovereignty & justiceClimate changeHealthThe Practical Ethics of Urban Agriculture in Public Housing
2024Nevin Cohen, Michael H. Stein, Annie Hancock, Alfonso Morales · Urban agriculture · United States
This paper examined two housing authority-led urban agriculture projects in New York City and Denver, Colorado, highlighting their multidimensional benefits such as skill-building and community cohesion. While these projects improved residents' daily experiences, the study noted that social problems persist despite new interactions. The analysis emphasized the need to consider both stated and implicit goals in urban agriculture ethics, acknowledging that attempts to harmonize competing claims are at the root of urban agriculture practices.
Equity & displacementCommunityPolicyHealthWelfareA Culturally Specific Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) Program to Improve Diet in Immigrant Communities in Brooklyn, New York
2024Sze Wan Chan, Matthew G. Chin, Rachel Suss, Kiran Yan Kui, Stanley Z. Lam, Elizabeth Dowd, Calliope Bosen, Steve Mei, Kathleen Barth, Michelle Hughes, Stella S. Yi · Health Promotion Practice · United States (New York City)
A community-supported agriculture (CSA) pilot program was implemented for 38 immigrant families in Brooklyn, New York, from June to October 2022 over a 20-week period, providing Chinese-specific produce and nutrition education. Participants reported eating more and a greater variety of vegetables, and had higher vegetable intake measured via skin carotenoid scores. This pilot program may inform the adaptation of nutrition interventions to reduce inequities in chronic diseases in immigrant communities.
CSA & TeikeiHealthCommunityWelfareEffects of a School-Based Garden Program on Academic Performance: A Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial (TX Sprouts)
2023Landry M., Asigbee F., Vandyousefi S., Ghaddar R., Davis J. · Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 123(3):637-643 · United States
A cluster randomized controlled trial in mostly low-income, Hispanic Texas elementary schools testing whether the TX Sprouts garden, nutrition and cooking intervention affected academic performance. It found the program did not harm academic outcomes, showing that garden-based food education can be integrated into instructional time without lowering achievement.
Food educationHealthEconomicsBioactive and nutritional compounds in fruits of pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) landraces conserved among indigenous communities from Mexico
2023García-Vásquez R., Vera-Guzmán A.M., Carrillo-Rodríguez J.C., Pérez-Ochoa M.L., Aquino-Bolaños E.N., Alba-Jiménez J.E., Chávez-Servia J.L. · AIMS Agriculture and Food 8(3):832-850 · Mexico
Compared phenolics, vitamin C, carotenoids, capsaicinoids, and antioxidant activity in Oaxacan Huacle and De Agua pepper landraces versus commercial Jalapeño. Landraces showed higher flavonoid and carotenoid contents, underscoring indigenous germplasm value.
Heirloom & landraceBiodiversityHealthCommunityEffects of a community gardening intervention on diet, physical activity, and anthropometry outcomes in the USA (CAPS): an observer-blind, randomised controlled trial
2023Litt J. S., Alaimo K., Harrall K. K., Hamman R. F., Hébert J. R., Hurley T. G., Leiferman J. A., Li K., Villalobos A., Coringrato E., Courtney J. B., Payton M., Glueck D. H. · The Lancet Planetary Health 7(1):e23-e32 · United States
Observer-blind RCT among Denver community-garden waitlist adults. The gardening intervention significantly increased fiber intake and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, and reduced perceived stress and anxiety compared with controls.
HealthCommunityCommunity Gardening Increases Vegetable Intake and Seasonal Eating From Baseline to Harvest: Results from a Mixed Methods Randomized Controlled Trial
2023Alaimo K., Beavers A. W., Coringrato E., Lacy K., Ma W., Hurley T. G., Hébert J. R. · Current Developments in Nutrition 7(5):100077 · United States
Mixed-methods analysis of an RCT showing community gardeners increased vegetable intake from baseline to harvest, an effect mediated by greater seasonal eating of locally available produce.
HealthCommunitySurveying and localized screening of soil contamination with the growth of urban community agriculture in Northern Utah
2023Frank Oliver, Melanie N. Stock, Paul Grossl, Grant Cardon · Urban Agriculture & Regional Food Systems · United States (Salt Lake County)
This study conducted an initial screening survey of soil contaminants (lead, arsenic, and benzo(a)pyrene) in community gardens and urban farms in Salt Lake County, Utah, where urban agriculture is expanding. Lead ranged from 14.8 to 516 mg/kg (mean 91.8) and arsenic from 2.83 to 39.3 mg/kg (mean 11.8), with all arsenic values exceeding the US EPA regional screening level of 0.68 mg/kg. The baseline data were used to develop local screening levels and soil management plans for producers.
CommunityHealthCommunity‐Engaged Assessment of Soil Lead Contamination in Atlanta Urban Growing Spaces
2023Samuel J. W. Peters, Sydney M. Warner, Eri Saikawa, P. Barry Ryan, Parinya Panuwet, Dana B. Barr, Priya E. D'Souza, Gil Frank, Rosario Hernandez, Taranji Alvarado, Arthur Hines, Chris Theal · GeoHealth · United States (Atlanta)
Using community-engaged research, researchers and community gardeners co-designed a study measuring soil lead concentrations via XRF and ICP-MS at 19 urban agricultural and residential sites in west Atlanta and three rural Georgia sites. Most sites were below the EPA residential screening levels but above the University of Georgia's low-risk agricultural levels, and some sites containing metal-refining waste or slag reached three times the EPA level. The findings led local and federal agencies to initiate cleanup of the slag residue.
CommunityHealthPolicyChemically Catalyzed Phytoextraction for Sustainable Cleanup of Soil Lead Contamination in a Community Garden in Jersey City, New Jersey
2023Zhiming Zhang, Dibyendu Sarkar, Frances Levy, Rupali Datta · Sustainability · United States (Jersey City)
This field study demonstrated the effectiveness of a chemically catalyzed phytoextraction model, using the biodegradable chelating agent EDDS with vetiver grass, in a lead-contaminated community garden in Jersey City, New Jersey. Despite ongoing lead input from a nearby construction site, soil lead fell from 1144 to 359 mg/kg over three years. EDDS converted non-plant-available lead forms into plant-available forms, and vetiver roots accumulated more lead than in plots without EDDS.
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