Research & reports
Peer-reviewed research and reports on community urban agriculture, food education, composting, welfare and more.
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Critical findings
322 results(7 / 13)
Oficina de horta comunitária do projeto DIST Shopping Park como aliada na geração de renda, segurança alimentar e educação ambiental para a comunidade
2019Lais Abreu Tedde, Geovana Rodrigues de Lima, Giovana Velloso Galante · Revista Em Extensão · Brazil (Uberlândia)
In Uberlândia, Brazil, the "DIST – Shopping Park" project established a community garden workshop aimed at providing income and social reintegration opportunities for at-risk individuals. A key activity was the installation of a mandala garden at the Maria Euvira Sabbag Municipal School. Through the garden's establishment and subsequent production, educational activities were conducted to connect early childhood education students with organic food production, enhancing their knowledge of farming and garden management.
CommunityFood educationWelfareEconomicsFood sovereignty & justiceA feminist political ecology of food justice in Iowa
2019Carrie Chennault · Iowa State University Digital Repository (Iowa State University) · United States
This three-year feminist ethnographic study examined the Growing Together Iowa community donation gardening and food rescue program, focusing on its institutional and community partners. The research aimed to understand how solutions to food insecurity emerge from social relations and socio-historical contexts. Findings demonstrated that uneven power relations permeate even well-intended efforts to address food insecurity within such initiatives.
Equity & displacementCommunityFood sovereignty & justiceWelfarePolicyEconomicsFood Deserts, Libraries, and Urban Communities: What Is the Connection?
2019Tracey Overbey · Public Library Quarterly · United States (Cleveland, Ohio)
The Cleveland Public Library addressed food security issues in Cleveland, Ohio, by collaborating with local organizations like The Ohio State University Extension and the Cuyahoga County Land Bank. This paper describes how public libraries are changing their services in disadvantaged communities and provides a step-by-step approach to starting a community garden at a local public library or community property.
CommunityFood educationWelfareFarm-to-school education grants reach low-income children and encourage them to learn about fruits and vegetables
2019Caroline Rains, Kristen Giombi, Anupama Joshi · Translational Behavioral Medicine · United States (Oregon)
Oregon's Farm to School Education Grant Program aimed to increase knowledge of and preference for fruits and vegetables among children in low-income school districts. The study analyzed Oregon Department of Education Farm to School Baseline and Progress Reports from school year 2015-2016 and conducted interviews with education grantees. Education grants reached over 20,000 students in 30 districts, including 25 low-income districts. Reported activities included nutrition and food-based lessons, school gardens, and farm field trips, leading to students eating fruits and vegetables, trying new foods because of gardens, and learning about growing produce.
Food educationWelfareHealthFormative Evaluation of a Food Access Enhanced Nutrition Education Program
2019Jared T. McGuirt · Carolina Digital Repository (University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill) · United States
This mixed-methods formative evaluation, part of a larger randomized trial in four US states, assessed an affordable Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program integrated into federal nutrition education. A survey of 262 low-income adults showed high interest (85%), with more interest if a CSA was included (84%). A choice experiment (n=42) indicated preferences for a large, mixed-variety CSA box, distributed twice monthly for under $15, and not significantly further than a supermarket.
CSA & TeikeiFood educationWelfareCommunityCarolina Campus Community Garden: Institutionalizing the Campus Community Garden as a Model for Sustainable Food and Gardening Education in the UNC Community
2019Anne Cabell, Veronica Conti, Trent E. Johnson, Shelly Yu, Chris Akiba · Carolina Digital Repository (University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill) · United States
The Carolina Campus Community Garden (CCCG) aims to improve access to fresh fruits and vegetables for UNC's lowest-paid employees and serve as a learning community for gardening education. Currently, CCCG lacks a permanent land plot and sufficient ongoing funding, necessitating institutionalization within UNC to secure a permanent location, sustained funding, and increased utilization. A Capstone student team conducted formative research, including a literature review, semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders, focus groups with housekeepers, and surveys with students and administrators, to understand community needs and beliefs.
CommunityFood educationWelfarePolicyDireito à alimentação e os direitos da personalidade: da previsão à concretização desse direito sob a perspectiva do acesso à justiça
2019Dirceu Pereira Siqueira, Mariana Peixoto Espósito, Bruna Caroline Lima de Souza · Revista de Constitucionalização do Direito Brasileiro · Brazil (Maringá)
This article aimed to analyze the right to food and related public policies in Brazil, with an emphasis on the Urban and Periurban Agriculture Program and the Community Garden Program of the City of Maringá / PR, examining their effectiveness as public policies for realizing the right to food. The methodology involved a bibliographic review and interview-based field research. It was concluded that the Community Gardens Program is effective as a public policy in realizing the right to food.
PolicyFood sovereignty & justiceCommunityWelfareA Mixed-methods Examination of the Geospatial and Sociodemographic Context of a Direct-to-Consumer Food System Innovation
2019Jared T. McGuirt, Marilyn Sitaker, Stephanie Jilcott Pitts, Alice S. Ammerman, Jane Kolodinsky, Rebecca A. Seguin‐Fowler · Journal of Agriculture Food Systems and Community Development · United States
This study examined the sociodemographic and geospatial context of cost-offset community supported agriculture (CO-CSA) pickup locations in relation to low-income customer residential locations across 23 pickup sites in four U.S. states (New York, North Carolina, Vermont, and Washington). Using GIS and interviews, it was found that pickup sites were an average of 6.2 miles (10 kilometers) from customers’ homes, further than the supermarket (2.9 miles or 4.7 km). Farmers reported efforts to select convenient locations, but CO-CSA customers expressed mixed levels of accessibility.
CSA & TeikeiWelfareEconomicsCommunityDoes Urban Agriculture Improve Food Security? Examining the Nexus of Food Access and Distribution of Urban Produced Foods in the United States: A Systematic Review
2018Siegner A., Sowerwine J., Acey C. · Sustainability 10(9):2988 · United States
Systematic review of US urban agriculture and food systems literature. Finds strong emphasis on multiple benefits but few studies robustly measuring urban farms' impact on food security in low-income communities.
WelfareHealthCommunitySocial perception of urban agriculture in Latin-America. A case study in Mexican social housing
2018Nadal A., Cerón-Palma I., García-Gómez C., Pérez-Sánchez M., Rodríguez-Labajos B., Cuerva E., Josa A., Rieradevall J. · Land Use Policy 76:719-734 · Mexico
Through interviews with 65 stakeholders in Mérida's social housing, this study analyzes social perceptions of urban agriculture in low-income Latin American settings, exploring its potential for safe, nutritious food supply and social benefits.
CommunityWelfarePolicyPhysical and Mental Health Impacts of Household Gardens in an Urban Slum in Lima, Peru
2018Korn A., Bolton S.M., Spencer B., Alarcon J.A., Andrews L., Voss J.G. · International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, Vol. 15, No. 8 · Peru (Lima)
A longitudinal pilot study examining the feasibility and health outcomes of household garden implementation in a Lima urban slum, collecting anthropometric and mental health data at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months, finding positive associations with nutritional status and wellbeing.
HealthWelfareCommunityGrowing ‘good food’: urban gardens, culturally acceptable produce and food security
2018Lucy O. Diekmann, Leslie C. Gray, Gregory A. Baker · Renewable Agriculture and Food Systems · United States (Santa Clara County)
This research evaluates how three types of urban gardens in Santa Clara County, California—home gardens, community gardens, and community food security (CFS) program gardens for low-income families—contribute to food security using a multidimensional framework. In summer 2015, median production ranged from 26 kg (CFS participants) to 56 kg (home gardeners), enough for at least one adult to meet federal vegetable guidelines; interviews further showed gardeners valued knowledge, control, freshness, flavor, organic methods, and cultural acceptability, not just quantity.
HealthCommunityWelfare"We're not in the business of housing:" Environmental gentrification and the nonprofitization of green infrastructure projects
2018Jeremy Németh, Alessandro Rigolon · Cities · USA (Chicago, The 606)
Case study of Chicago's publicly-backed 606 greenway showing how reliance on park nonprofits to deliver large green-infrastructure projects accelerates environmental gentrification: the governance model disclaims responsibility for the displacement it causes.
PolicyEconomicsWelfareBrownfields to Greenfields: Environmental Justice Versus Environmental Gentrification
2018Juliana Maantay, Andrew Maroko · International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health · United States (New York City)
This study examined whether proximity to community gardens in less affluent neighborhoods is associated with an increased likelihood of gentrification, using Brooklyn, New York as a case study. Employing GIS and spatial analysis, the results suggest that proximity to community gardens is associated with significant increases in per capita income over a five-year period. This indicates that environmental improvements, such as community gardens, may paradoxically spur gentrification and the displacement of existing lower-income residents, raising concerns for environmental justice.
Equity & displacementCommunityEconomicsPolicyWelfareBuilding capacity through urban agriculture: report on the askîy project
2018Wanda Martin, Lindsey Vold · Health Promotion and Chronic Disease Prevention in Canada · Canada (Saskatoon)
This qualitative case study examined how participation in the "askîy" urban agriculture project in Saskatoon, Canada, empowered young adults and built food-growing capacity. Seven interns (aged 19-29) participated in 2015, and their experiences were analyzed using a sustainable livelihoods framework. Findings indicated that collaborative engagement fostered connections, influenced grocery shopping habits towards more vegetables, and motivated interns to continue gardening and apply their knowledge in their home communities.
CommunityHealthFood educationWelfareCompeting Discourses of Household Food Insecurity in Canada
2018Zsofia Mendly‐Zambo, Dennis Raphael · Social Policy and Society · Canada
Household food insecurity (HFI) affects over 1.7 million Canadian households, yet government action to address it has been remarkably limited. Non-governmental efforts like food banks and community gardens have depoliticized HFI, complicating solutions. The study argues that the critical materialist political economy discourse, which is least considered, best explains HFI in Canada and offers the most effective response.
Limited or null effectWelfareCommunityPolicyEconomicsRaíces Del Sur: Cultivating Ecofeminist Visions in Urban New Jersey
2018Renata Blumberg, Rosa Huitzitzilin, Claudia Urdanivia, Brian C. Lorio · Capitalism Nature Socialism · United States (New Jersey)
This article examines the challenges and possibilities of community gardening in small, peripheral cities with large immigrant populations, using concepts from feminist geography and food justice research. Focusing on the "Raíces Del Sur" community garden in Passaic, New Jersey, as a case study, it argues that these concepts provide a useful framework for enacting ecofeminist visions through community gardens. The study emphasizes the need for greater ecofeminist engagement with community gardening initiatives in cities throughout New Jersey.
CommunityFood sovereignty & justiceWelfareUrban–rural linkageCaregivers’ Perspectives on the Determinants of Dietary Decisions in Six First Nation Communities
2018Lorrilee McGregor, Pamela Toulouse, Marion Maar, Nancy L. Young · International Journal of Indigenous Health · Canada
A narrative analysis of eight focus groups with 33 caregivers in six First Nation communities in Canada explored determinants of dietary decisions. Caregivers identified changes in food systems due to factors like wage economy participation, low income, hunting/fishing regulations, and processed food availability. These factors have altered food systems and influenced dietary choices, leading communities to pursue initiatives such as community gardens, freezers, and hunting camps to regain food sovereignty.
Food sovereignty & justiceCommunityHealthWelfareGrowing Gardens Sustainability: Challenges and Opportunities Facing the Strategic Expansion of Anchorage, Alaska’s Community Garden System
2018Shannon Donovan · Case Studies in the Environment · United States (Anchorage)
A multi-faceted needs assessment, including a community survey, stakeholder workshop, and key informant interviews, was conducted in Anchorage, Alaska, to explore the strategic expansion of its community garden system. The study found that demand for community gardens far outweighs supply. To sustainably meet diverse needs, expansion efforts should focus on accessible locations, gardener capacity building, and strengthening partnerships.
Limited or null effectCommunityWelfareFood sovereignty & justicePolicyWhat Gardens Grow: Outcomes from Home and Community Gardens Supported by Community-based Food Justice Organizations
2018Christine Porter · Journal of Agriculture Food Systems and Community Development · United States (Wyoming)
This mixed-methods study, conducted over five years with five food justice Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) in the U.S., including quantifying harvests from 33 gardeners in Laramie, Wyoming, and surveying 20 of them, documented benefits of home and community gardening. Four categories of benefits were identified: improving health, producing quality food in nutritionally meaningful quantities, providing cultural services, and fostering healing and transformation. The findings illustrate a range of health, food, cultural ecosystem services, and social change outcomes from gardening.
CommunityHealthFood sovereignty & justiceWelfareOCUPAÇÃO
2018Paola Brum · PIXO - Revista de Arquitetura Cidade e Contemporaneidade · Brazil (Pelotas)
The "Ocupação Canto de Conexão" is an occupied abandoned building in Pelotas, Brazil, near the Federal University. It provides student and popular housing, a community garden, and cultural activities for residents, students, and the homeless. For nearly two years, the space has been maintained by volunteers and community contributions, operating without public funding.
CommunityWelfareFood sovereignty & justiceWhy Garden? Personal and Abiding Motivations for Community Gardening in New York City
2018Nancy F. Sonti, Erika S. Svendsen · Society & Natural Resources · United States (New York City)
Semi-structured interviews with community gardeners in New York City explored their motivations for gardening. Gardeners' motivations were found to be both personal and collective, with community gardens providing a space for reflection and a deep connection to nature for many. Joy and personal fulfillment consistently remained the most prevalent motivations over time, while the impulse to improve the community decreased, and food production and cultural identity connections became more common motivations.
CommunityHealthFood sovereignty & justiceWelfareFood access, food security and community gardens in Rockford, IL
2018Walter W. Furness, Courtney M. Gallaher · Local Environment · United States (Rockford)
A study in Rockford, Illinois, examined community gardens to assess their contribution to residents' access to fresh produce and other social benefits. Data was collected through interviews with gardeners, focus groups, and surveys of food pantry users. The findings indicate that while non-gardening community members benefit from increased produce provided by the gardens, they do not receive all the social and communal benefits associated with active garden participation.
Limited or null effectCommunityFood sovereignty & justiceWelfareHealthColorful Gardens and Empowerment: Black Resistance and Self-Determination through Urban Farming
2018Joakim Ethan Cohen · · United States
This thesis explores Black food justice organizations in Oakland and Detroit addressing food security in low-income communities of color. It argues that food deserts result from discrimination and marginalization perpetuated by racist laws and policies. The thesis explains how urban gardening enables Black people to regain control of the food system and promotes empowerment and self-determination.
CommunityFood sovereignty & justiceWelfareAnálise da necessidade de escolarização de jovens, adultos e idosos: O estudo de caso na Horta Comunitária Girassol – São Sebastião/DF
2018Tallyrand Moreira Jorcelino, Getúlio Francisco Silva, Jorge Alfredo Cerqueira Streit · Cadernos de Agroecologia · Brazil (São Sebastião/DF)
A qualitative, exploratory-descriptive research was conducted at the Girassol Community Garden in São Sebastião/DF, Brazil. The study aimed to collect educational data from garden members through non-participant observation, semi-structured interviews, and documentary analysis, intending to contribute to public policy formulation. Main results showed that 62.5% of Girassol Community Garden members had incomplete elementary school, 25% had completed high school, and 12.5% had incomplete high school. The conclusions identified a necessity for access to schooling in youth and adult education segments, and for knowledge relevant to environmental education and the work they develop in the garden.
CommunityFood educationPolicyWelfare