Research & reports

Justin B. Richardson, Eric Vukicevich, Eric C. Sirkovich · Bulletin of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology · United States

Soils, sap, and maple syrup were collected from four artisanal maple syrup producers in four suburban areas across the northeastern United States to assess nutrient and trace element concentrations. Soil arsenic and lead concentrations approached or exceeded EPA limits. Sap and syrup arsenic, cadmium, nickel, lead, and zinc concentrations reached or exceeded FDA limits for food.

Pinder, Elizabeth · CSUSB ScholarWorks (California State University, San Bernardino) · United States (California)

This study evaluated the impact of the Caramel Connections Foundation (CCF) Seeds of Joy Community Garden in Ontario, California, on social equity, public health, and community engagement. Using a mixed-methods design, secondary data from program records, surveys, and focus groups were analyzed. The findings suggest that the garden enhances social cohesion and contributes to health equity by addressing food insecurity and increasing access to nutritious food, green space, and educational programs.

Aline Oliveira Zoia do Amaral, Regina Yoshie Matsue, Luciana Yuki Tomita · Ambiente & sociedade · Brazil (São Paulo)

This engaged, reflexive case study analyzed the implementation of a community garden in a condominium in Heliópolis, a high social-vulnerability neighborhood in São Paulo, Brazil, and the participants' motivations, drawing on participant observation, a field diary, and semi-structured interviews. The garden was established through crowdfunding (a "vaquinha virtual"). It contributed to the household budget, expanded the variety of vegetables consumed to include unconventional food plants, and improved diet. It also became a space for recovering affective memories, socializing, an activity for elderly women, and bringing the condominium's children closer to the practice of growing food.

Caroline Pacífico de Assis, André Manoel Correia dos Santos, Andrea Bittencourt de Santana Teixeira · OBSERVATÓRIO DE LA ECONOMÍA LATINOAMERICANA · Brazil (São Paulo)

A quali-quantitative online survey of 136 residents of Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil, assessed demographic profile, information sources, consumption forms, and perceptions of the nutritional value, functionality, and toxicological risk of edible flowers from unconventional food plants (PANC), including nasturtium, marigold, sunflower, and butterfly pea (clitoria). Results showed only partial knowledge and restricted consumption, with barriers related to lack of information, limited access, and cultural unfamiliarity; hibiscus and sunflower were the most recognized species, while nasturtium and clitoria had low visibility despite their bioactive compounds and nutritional value. Most participants expressed willingness to consume and promote the use of these flowers.

Cristiane Cruz Barros, Luciano Pires de Andrade, Horasa Maria Lima da Silva Andrade · Vivências · Brazil

Families participating in the Integrated Community Gardens Project near the Pernambuco Supply and Logistics Center (CEASA/PE) in Brazil were studied in a case study assessing the impact of urban agriculture on food and nutrition security (SAN) and eating behavior. Secondary data and primary data from semi-structured interviews were collected across 8 sections ('alcas') of the project, and community gardens were found effective at promoting and securing the principles of food and nutrition security and strengthening healthy eating habits among participants.

Hellen Chrystianne Lucio Barros, Danielle Fernandes de Araújo Oliveira, Iris Alves Feitoza Albuquerque · Ambiente & Educação · Brazil

A study, based on interviews with six teachers at a state school in Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil, that has a community school garden project among its open spaces, examining possible relationships between green environments at school and the promotion of learning, well-being, and environmental care. The analysis found that teachers perceive the school garden as a pedagogical resource that facilitates learning, promotes well-being associated with students' mental health, and allows for discussion of environmental care and healthy eating, viewing it as a potential resource for learning in the field of socio-environmental education.

Mecca Howe, Jennifer Meta Robinson · Journal of Agriculture Food Systems and Community Development · United States

This case study examined psychosocial impacts among 13-to-17-year-old participants in the Felege Hiywot Center's 2023 STEAM Farm Camp in an underserved urban US neighborhood with limited access to affordable, nutritious food, where teens designed and maintained garden plots, prepared shared meals, and did science projects. Using survey and facilitated-journaling data, the study found that gardening produced positive feelings and was experienced as stress relief and a source of accomplishment, that teens built friendships and mentorships, and that participation was associated with metacognitive skill development including self-awareness and reflection.

Sarah Corcoran, Rachael Condley, Rachel A Liebe, Tuba Khan, Jillian Joyce, Deana Hildebrand, Ashlea Braun · Journal of Hunger & Environmental Nutrition · United States (California)

At a hybrid food and resource center with an attached community garden in California, USA, a longitudinal, sequential explanatory mixed-methods study of 30 patrons (mean age 45.9, 73.3% women) combined quantitative measures (survey and skin carotenoids) with qualitative semi-structured interviews to examine barriers to and facilitators of fruit and vegetable intake. Skin carotenoid levels, a biomarker of fruit and vegetable intake, were largely unchanged before and after (P = .51); among the 26 participants interviewed, facilitators cited included perceptions of quality and alignment with health goals, while barriers included mental health and competing priorities, leading to the conclusion that programs aiming to improve fruit and vegetable intake should prioritize non-diet determinants.

Ikrema Hassan, Innocent Mugudamani, Saheed Adeyinka Oke · Environments · Canada

Top and subsoil samples from Carleton community garden in New Brunswick, Canada, affected by an industrial fire hazard, were analyzed for toxic heavy metals using ICP-OES and ICP-MS, with ecological risk assessed via the ecological risk factor and potential ecological risk index (PERI) and human health risk assessed using a standard approach. Mean concentrations of lead, zinc, copper and tin exceeded permissible limits under Canadian soil quality guidelines and upper continental crust values; nickel posed a high ecological risk across both soil layers while all other metals showed low ecological risk, and overall PERI indicated low ecological threat. In the human health assessment, children faced non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risk from arsenic exposure while adults did not face risk from any of the metals studied, identifying arsenic as the primary contaminant of concern and children as the most vulnerable population.

Rodriguez, Eliza · Digital Commons - CSUMB (California State University, Monterey Bay) · United States

A community outreach and education project in Gonzales, California, was implemented by the organization Savor the Local in partnership with the City of Gonzales and the Community Alliance with Family Farmers, aiming to raise awareness of healthy eating and identify barriers to accessing nutritious food among the city's working-class residents. Activities included distributing an informational pamphlet, a follow-up survey, and support for a community garden and healthy cooking classes. Eight survey participants reported a better understanding of the importance of healthy eating and helped identify some reasons residents were not easily accessing healthy foods; the project reported meeting its goals of increasing awareness and gathering feedback on food-access barriers.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency · U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) · United States

This EPA page (last updated December 22, 2025) explains chromated copper arsenate (CCA), a wood preservative used since the 1940s for utility poles, posts, and other structural lumber. Manufacturers voluntarily ended CCA use for residential wood products in December 2003. EPA notes cancer and non-cancer health risks for workers and environmental risks to aquatic invertebrates and plants, while stating there is no health risk to the general public; removal of existing CCA structures is not mandated, though periodic sealant coating is recommended to reduce leaching.

Monsur M., Mansur M., Trina N.A., Cosco N. · International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 21(11):1485 · United States (Texas)

A randomized trial in eight Lubbock County childcare centers (149 children) testing standardized raised-bed garden intervention on preschoolers' fruit and vegetable knowledge and liking. Shows that collaborative childcare-garden programs can improve vegetable preferences even in semi-arid climates.

Maeve Malone, Kabindra M. Shakya · Sustainability · United States

This paper reviews the state of heavy metal contamination (such as lead, arsenic, and cadmium) in community garden soils across the United States, noting that gardeners are exposed through pathways such as inhalation and ingestion. It states that contamination hot spots are higher in city areas with greater minority populations and lower incomes. The review outlines mitigation approaches including applying biochar and compost, using raised beds, and maintaining a natural pH.

Hannah M. Ohm, Thomas M. DeSutter, Christina L. Hargiss, Keith A. Anderson, Nathan E. Derby, Beverly Alvarez‐Torres · Urban Agriculture & Regional Food Systems · United States

This perspective article argues that, although urban agriculture is gaining popularity across the United States and national-level soil information exists, urban residents often have limited detail about the soils in their communities. It suggests that agencies such as the Natural Resources Conservation Service could expand existing soil survey programs (e.g., WebSoilSurvey) and that trace-element testing and interpretation would improve knowledge of the risks urban soils pose to food quality. The authors emphasize opportunities for local, state and federal entities to support the soil-science needs of urban growers.

Gangamma R., Walia B., Minkoff-Zern L., Tor S. · Journal of Patient Experience · United States

A mixed-methods study examining the role of gardening in the mental health, food security, and economic well-being of resettled refugees.

Yang et al. · GeoHealth · United States (Massachusetts)

Decadal study of Boston's municipal composting program. Lead concentrations consistently exceeded EPA soil benchmarks. Program halted in 2012. Highlights importance of compost safety for urban agriculture.

Boston University School of Public Health · Boston University School of Public Health · United States

Examines historical inequities in urban organic waste and composting access. Highlights disparities in low-income and communities of color. Advocates for equitable policy design and implementation.

Wendy Demark-Wahnefried, Robert A. Oster, Kerry P. Smith, Harleen Kaur, Andrew D. Frugé, W. Walker Cole, Julie L. Locher, Gabrielle B. Rocque, Maria Pisu, Jennifer R. Bail, Harvey Jay Cohen, Douglas R. Moellering, Cindy K. Blair · JAMA Network Open · United States (Alabama)

A randomized trial in Alabama, USA, assigned 381 older cancer survivors (mean age 69.8 years, 69.0% female) with suboptimal vegetable and fruit intake, physical activity or physical function to a one-year home vegetable gardening intervention (supplies plus mentoring by certified master gardeners) or to a waitlist. The primary outcome — a composite index of improvement in vegetable and fruit intake, moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and physical function — did not differ significantly (4.5% intervention vs 3.1% waitlist, P=.53), nor did vegetable and fruit intake between arms (mean difference 0.3 servings/day, P=.10). The intervention arm did show significant gains in physical performance (2-minute step test +6.0 steps; 30-second chair stand +0.8 repetitions), perceived health (+8.4 points on a 100-point scale) and gut microbiome alpha diversity. The COVID-19 pandemic significantly moderated effects, so the trial does not establish that gardening halts functional decline in older adults.

Beatriz Barbosa da Silva, Caroline Senatore, Manueli Monciozo Domingos, Jackline Freitas Brilhante de São José · Ensaios e Ciência C Biológicas Agrárias e da Saúde · Brazil (Vitória)

From March to May 2023, the microbiological quality of food and medicinal plants, soil, and irrigation water was evaluated in an urban garden at an educational institution in Vitória, Brazil. 16.6% (n=2) of the analyzed plants exceeded legal limits for total coliforms at 35ºC, and Salmonella spp. was detected in 41.6% (n=5) of plants. Salmonella spp. was also found in 80.0% (n=4) of soil samples, suggesting a potential source of plant contamination.

Pierric Calenge, Maie Gérardot · Métropolitiques · United States (Cleveland)

The work by Max Rousseau and Vincent Béal illuminates the ambiguities of a policy that organizes urban decline and racial segregation in Cleveland. This policy promotes urban degrowth and racial segregation, balancing algorithmic management and urban greening. The study focuses on the Rust Belt region, which experiences de-urbanization marked by the subprime crisis, racism, and segregation.

Samina Raja · Urban agriculture · United States

Urban agriculture initiatives in US cities face complications, including information asymmetry and elite capture, which limit their potential for equitable development. This chapter introduces a volume exploring the opportunities and quandaries in addressing questions of equity in the research, pedagogy, and practice of planning for urban agriculture.

Letícia Pereira Cardoso, Luyane Castro de Sousa, Millena de Oliveira Martins, Sarah Luíza Ribeiro Avelino, Wédila Souza Aires Jácome, Otávio Cabral Neto · Revista Multidisciplinar do Nordeste Mineiro · Brazil (Palmas-Tocantins)

This study focused on biodynamic strategies applied in urban gardens in Palmas-Tocantins, Brazil. In addition to a literature review, practical methods included technical visits and an exclusive interview with a producer-researcher, investigating cultivation methods, organic composting, water efficiency, natural pest control, the use of beneficial fungi, and organic fertilizers. The study aims to contribute to sustainable development and innovation in organic food production in small urban spaces.

Laura E. Balis, Emily Shaw, Whitney Fung Uy, Katie Nelson, Maryan Isack, Laura Flournoy, Daniele Vest, Jessie Deelo, Amy L. Yaroch · Agriculture & Food Security · United States

This scoping review examined the environmental and health impacts of locally distributed specialty crops in the Midwestern United States, analyzing 9 grey and 19 peer-reviewed sources. While specialty crops positively impacted nutritional intake for diverse populations, the effectiveness of production practices on soil and plant quality and greenhouse gas emissions was mixed. The review concluded that more rigorous study designs with long-term follow-up are needed.

Yevheniia Varyvoda, Taylor Ann Foerster, Joona Mikkola, Matthew M. Mars · Sustainability · United States (Arizona)

This multi-method study in Southern Arizona, USA, explored the adoption of nature-based solutions (NbS) by local food entrepreneurs (LFEs) for climate adaptation. The findings revealed that existing NbS were primarily introduced through learning-by-doing practices, which were constrained by economic and technological resource limitations. Priority adaptation pathways identified for NbS included funding, financing, and knowledge co-creation, with LFEs likely to adopt NbS based on their ability to address climate issues and generate revenue.

Kristen Speakman, Nicole Neault, Ventura Lovato, Katie Cueva, Ivanka Szabo, Rebecca Wallis, Jennifer Richards, Allison Barlow · Progress in community health partnerships · United States

Three tribal communities in the Southwestern United States partnered with the Johns Hopkins Center for Indigenous Health to develop culturally relevant plans for the "Feast for the Future" program, addressing community concerns about obesity. Using a community visioning process, Community Advisory Boards from each community identified opportunities, challenges, goals, and visions, leading to the development of seven program components including Edible School Gardens and Community Gardens. A community-based participatory action research process was critical to this development.