Research & reports
Peer-reviewed research and reports on community urban agriculture, food education, composting, welfare and more.
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Educational sources and resource accessibility are drivers of pollinator management in urban farming systems
2026Jennifer Roedel, Karma Thomas, Zsofia Szendrei · Renewable Agriculture and Food Systems · United States
This study surveyed 74 urban growers to evaluate how grower and farm characteristics influence the implementation of eight common pollinator management strategies and overall farm crop richness. It found that demographic variables had no impact; instead, growers' decisions were shaped most by their sources of educational information and by resource use and accessibility, with online materials appearing more effective than hard-copy formats. The authors conclude that more accessible educational resources are needed for these historically underserved urban growers.
PollinatorsFood educationBiodiversityEmploying a Community-Involved Process to Incorporate Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education into Community-Supported Agriculture Sites
2026Bree Bode, Sarah Mott, Jacob M. Cutler, Marci Scott · Health Promotion Practice · United States (Michigan)
In Michigan, this project used a community-involved process—listening sessions, brainstorming, and shopper surveys—to build SNAP-Ed nutrition education for community-supported agriculture (CSA) sites that accept SNAP benefits. Key lessons were that educators need autonomy to tailor activities to their local context and that strong relationships between nutrition educators and CSA staff are essential. These lessons informed a resource called the CSA Food Navigator Playbook.
WelfareFood educationCommunitySoldiers of the Soil: Subsistence
2026Emmanuel Destenay · Cambridge University Press eBooks · United States
In February 1918, the US Bureau of Education established the United States School Garden Army, an initiative that encouraged children nationwide to engage in local gardening. This program aimed to increase domestic food production, allowing the US to supply food to its allies and other dependent nations. Children participating in the program contributed to food production as unpaid labor, while also learning self-reliance, dietary moderation, and the concept of sacrifice.
Food educationCommunityWelfareBuilding Capacity for Food Justice: The Multifaceted Benefits of an Urban Home Gardening Intervention
2026Taylor Swenski, Jocelyn Smith Carter, Marjorie Kersten, Elizabeth Berkeley, K. Varner, Howard Rosing · Ecology of Food and Nutrition · United States (Chicago)
The "Grow Your Groceries Home Garden" intervention program, implemented in Chicago, United States in 2022, aimed to improve food access in food-insecure communities. A longitudinal investigation over two annual cycles surveyed 46 participants, complemented by focus groups with 9 participants, to evaluate food access, cost savings, health, and socioemotional outcomes. While results on improved gardening confidence over time emerged non-significant, participants reported increased food access, cost savings, healthier eating, stress reduction, and strengthened relational bonds.
Limited or null effectHealthWelfareCommunityFood educationSCHOOL GARDEN IN MOCAJUBA BASED ON STUDENTS' PERSPECTIVES AND THE WORK OF PIBID
2026Maria Eduarda Costa Maia, Nathalia Gomes Corrêa, Eder Everton Caldas de Oliveira, Waldenira Mercedes Pereira Torres · Aracê. · Brazil
This article reports on the creation and implementation of a school garden at Dep. Abel Figueiredo Municipal Elementary School in Mocajuba, Pará, Brazil. The project, initiated based on student demands identified through a documentary, involved 9th-grade students, PIBID scholarship recipients, and the school community. The school garden fostered practical learning, student leadership, collaborative work, and improved school meals, with strategies for sustainability including maintenance schedules and irrigation systems.
Food educationCommunityHealthBiodiversityConhecimento sobre plantas alimentícias não convencionais e produção da farinha de cansanção (Urera baccifera)
2026Maísa Aparecida da Costa · Brazilian Journal of Development · Brazil (Sete Lagoas)
This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge of unconventional food plants (PANC) among high school students' families in a private school in Sete Lagoas, Brazil, and to prepare flour from cansanção (Urera baccifera) leaves and assess its nutritional potential. While 54.1% of participants claimed to know the term PANC, consumption was low, with 62.2% reporting rare intake. Analysis of cansanção flour revealed high levels of protein (25.58 g/100 g), fiber (9.14 g/100 g), and calcium (5185 mg/100 g), highlighting its nutritional value.
Food educationCommunityHealthGardeners’ knowledge of arthropod ecological roles is shaped by experience, education, and gender
2026Edith Gonzales, Brenda B. Lin, Heidi Liere, Shalene Jha, Stacy M. Philpott · Figshare · United States (California)
An online survey of community gardeners in California, United States, assessed their knowledge of arthropod ecological roles. Gardeners demonstrated high knowledge, correctly classifying 71–83% of arthropod images. Female gardeners more accurately classified pollinators, while those who participated in a Master Gardener program more accurately classified herbivores and natural enemies.
CommunityBiodiversityPollinatorsFood educationEmpowering Communities Through Sustainable Urban Agriculture: A Case Study of Farmer Training Program for Resettled Refugees
2026Joonmo Kang, Euijin Jung, Cheryl Holmes, Benjamin Carpenter, Kristin Selby · Journal of Community Practice · United States (Kansas City)
A case study was conducted on New Roots, a farmer training program for resettled refugees and immigrants in Kansas City, USA. The research team participated in the program for a year before interviewing farmers and staff to gain insights into the program's impact. Findings revealed that farmers were drawn to New Roots for its flexibility, perceived benefits for mental well-being, and opportunities for social connection. The program was shown to offer a path to independence and cultivate a sense of community among participants.
CommunityWelfareFood educationAprender com a Terra: a horta como prática pedagógica em Educação Ambiental e Alimentar na Educação Infantil
2026Vívian Ariane de Oliveira Costa, Raíssa Aline Pereira, Mariana Azevedo Rabelo, Paula Montenegro Euzébio, Angela Liberali Pinheiro, Gabriella Ribeiro · Revista Brasileira de Educação Ambiental (RevBEA) · Brazil
This article reports on a school garden implemented in Early Childhood Education at Cirandinha School, in partnership with the Poços de Caldas Botanical Garden Foundation, after in-person classes resumed post-COVID-19. Using a qualitative and descriptive approach, the experiment aimed to promote critical environmental education and healthy habits. Results indicated active participation by children, increased autonomy, and environmental awareness, showing the garden as an integrative resource linking school, family, and community.
Food educationCommunityHealthBiodiversityA University–School Partnership Model for Sustainability Teacher Training: Integrating School Gardens into Basic Education
2026Yadeneyro de la Cruz Elizondo, Reyna Nirvana Montiel Rodríguez, Rosa María Arias Mota, Nancy Domínguez González, María de los Ángeles Chamorro Zárate · Sustainability · Mexico (Veracruz)
In Veracruz, Mexico, a university-school partnership model for teacher training in integrating school gardens into basic education was evaluated. A mixed-methods design involved a diagnostic survey of 71 teachers and subsequent training workshops for 34 teachers. Results showed high teacher motivation despite limited institutional infrastructure, and training strengthened pedagogical capacities. However, the integration of school gardens into formal curricula remains limited due to structural constraints and insufficient teacher preparation.
Governance failureFood educationCommunityPolicyFlorida–Friendly Edible Landscaping Educational Campaign
2026Tiare Silvasy · Proceedings of the Florida State Horticultural Society · United States (Florida)
An educational campaign was conducted in Florida to teach people how to grow food in an environmentally friendly way, specifically tailored for edible crops. The campaign covered topics such as efficient irrigation, planting the right variety at the right time, advanced soil building techniques, and integrated pest management strategies. Science-based information was made available online through multiple formats, including EDIS publications, an infographic, blogs, PowerPoint presentations, and YouTube webinar recordings. This campaign reached thousands of people and provided information to encourage environmentally friendly decisions in edible landscapes.
DIYFood educationOrganic cycleClimate changeGreen St. Louis Machine
2026Emilia A. Belciak, Taylor Sinclair Bowman · IntechOpen eBooks · United States (St. Louis)
This chapter presents the Green St. Louis Machine program as a case study of community-centered sustainability education in St. Louis, integrating urban agriculture, food justice, and STEAM learning. The authors conducted a qualitative document analysis of various sustainability frameworks and the program's website. The program uses hands-on cultivation, entrepreneurship, and community engagement to teach students about sustainable systems, ecological resilience, social wellbeing, and economic opportunity.
Food educationCommunityFood sovereignty & justiceUrban agriculture as regenerative infrastructure on a university campus in Brazil: challenges, opportunities and design requirements
2026Anelise Anapolski, Ana Passuello, Miguel Aloysio Sattler · International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education · Brazil
This study investigated urban agriculture (UA) as regenerative infrastructure on a university campus in Brazil, assessing challenges and opportunities before project implementation and proposing design requirements for future projects. Data collected from 120 questionnaires and 9 interviews revealed key challenges including maintenance, stakeholder engagement, risk of discontinuity, and lack of institutional support. The academic setting offers opportunities through integration with teaching, research, and outreach, and the campus community positively associates UA with innovation.
Governance failurePolicyFood educationCommunityUrban–rural linkageValerie Dumser
2026Valerie Dumser, Emma Kudelka · Digital Commons at Illinois Wesleyan University (Illinois Wesleyan University) · United States (Bloomington)
This oral history interview explores the history and evolution of the West Bloomington Revitalization Project (WBRP), co-founder Valerie Dumser's experiences living in and serving the West Side community, and the longstanding partnership between Illinois Wesleyan University and the WBRP. Dumser founded the WBRP Community Garden and has remained actively involved in the organization's growth and development.
CommunityFood educationPolicyDrainage and Pedestrian Access Improvements at City Farms SLO
2026Benjamin Marc Kocher, Jacob Anthony Booker · DigitalCommons - CalPoly (California State Polytechnic University) · United States (California)
This senior project planned, designed, and constructed drainage and pedestrian access improvements at City Farms SLO, a nonprofit in San Luis Obispo, California. Prior to construction, the site experienced stormwater pooling and erosion in a central area. The team excavated an 80-foot trench drain, installed a 15-foot corrugated HDPE culvert, built a seven-foot pedestrian bridge, and created a 17-foot gravel pathway. These upgrades effectively mitigated stormwater pooling and erosion while enhancing safe pedestrian access for visitors and program participants.
CommunityFood educationOrganic cycleAttributes of Thriving School Gardens in the US
2026Jennifer Morrison Daspin, Mariela Jiménez-Rivero, Bonnie Martin, Michele Hockett Cooper, Katie Nikah, Lyndsey Waugh, J. N. Davis · Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior · United States
A cross-sectional survey of 364 US school administrators, teachers, and garden coordinators identified attributes predicting thriving school gardens. Logistic regression analyses showed that each additional subject and grade taught increased the odds to thrive by 21-22%, an annual budget over $1,000 by 42 times, and higher administrative support by 42 times. Administrative support, budget, volunteer support, and garden workdays are integral to garden sustainability.
Food educationCommunityPolicyEconomicsAdvancing Resilient Biodiversity through Outreach, Repair, Education, Teamwork, Unity and Mentorship
2026Isaiah Sawyer, Reginald Andre, Yotam Shanun, Brendan Casal · Journal of International Crisis and Risk Communication Research · United States
This project, in partnership with the UCF Arboretum in the United States, involved activities such as clearing invasive vines, weeding and remulching beds in a community garden, and documenting local biodiversity across campus areas. Participants documented their service work through a culture audit to analyze the project's impact and leadership strategies. These activities contributed to building leadership skills, analytical tools, and a deeper sense of ownership over the campus's natural beauty.
CommunityBiodiversityFood educationBoosting soil health and crop nutrients with locally sourced biochar and compost in Sacramento urban agriculture
2025· Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems · North America (Sacramento, California, USA)
Field research conducted at two urban farms in Sacramento, California, USA. Investigates effects of locally produced compost and biochar amendments on soil health and plant nutrient uptake. Demonstrates feasibility of combining sustainable resource cycling with crop productivity in community-based urban agriculture systems.
CompostOrganic cycleFood educationHousehold food waste behaviors of participants in a municipal community compost program
2025Campbell C., Gusto C., Kelsey K.D., Haase H., Cohen N., Robertson K., Kiker G., Boz Z. · Journal of Agriculture, Food Systems, and Community Development, 14(2):9-26 · United States
A study in which 107 participants in a municipal community compost program in Gainesville, Florida, used a citizen-science approach to measure and record their household food waste for two weeks. Participants generated more than double the EPA's estimate (about 14 lb/week), yet 85.8% reported increased food-waste awareness and 71.5% reported reducing their waste, showing that community composting can nudge household food-loss reduction.
Food lossCompostCommunityFood educationSustainable transitions in food systems: a case study of an urban agriculture farming training program in Washington, United States
2025Soumya Keefe, Jean Lee · Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems · United States (Washington)
Using an urban agriculture farmer-training program in Washington, United States, this case study examines how such programs support sustainability transitions in the food system, applying the multi-level perspective and social practice theory. It finds the program creates a space for social learning and shifts graduates' collective practices and narratives, but their capacity to change the broader food regime is curtailed without intentional state and local policy support.
Food educationCommunityPolicyA Pilot Study of a Youth Gardening Retrospective Survey Tool: Evaluating Outcomes of School-Based, Garden-Enhanced Nutrition Education Programs
2025· Future · USA
A pilot study developing and testing a retrospective survey tool that practitioners can use across varied school sites, grades, and communities to evaluate outcomes of school-based, garden-enhanced nutrition education programs.
Food educationImpact of School Gardens on Nutrition Education Among Limited-Income Communities in Alabama
2025Sanchez · Journal of School Health · USA (Alabama)
A study examining the impact of school gardens on nutrition education among limited-income communities in Alabama.
Food educationHealthCooking up Knowledge: Empowering High School Students Through a Food Literacy Boot Camp
2025Food Literacy Education Research Center · PMC/NCBI · United States
Evaluates food literacy boot camp effectiveness in promoting healthy lifestyle choices among adolescents. Demonstrates food literacy as critical influence in disease prevention and youth engagement in agriculture.
Food educationWelfareGrowing kalo (taro) to promote culture and health in the Continental US
2025Leialoha Ka'ula, Nicole Lee Kamakahiolani Ellison, Constance James, Ashley Oshiro, Kacyn Ideue, Kahoku Ka'ula, Alexandra Malia Jackson · Frontiers in Public Health · United States
An explanatory mixed-methods study using community-based participatory research and an Indigenous evaluation approach, examining a māla kalo (a community garden growing taro) run by Native Hawaiians living in the continental United States. At the end of the 2023 growing season, 12 volunteers and 5 programme leaders aged 18–75 completed a survey and interview. Satisfaction was high and participants wanted to take part more often; thematic analysis identified connection to self, community and land, learning and sharing knowledge, and connection to culture. With only 17 participants and no health outcome measures, the study cannot establish health effects — it documents how a community garden growing a traditional staple can serve as a site of cultural connection for a displaced Indigenous community.
Heirloom & landraceCommunityFood educationHealthReurbanização da favela Vila dos Heróis: uma abordagem com dignidade socioambiental
2025Leonardo Ferreira da Silva, Maria Laura Fogaça Zei, Juliana Alcantara Fernandes, João Moreirão, Fernando Camilher Almeida · Dialnet (Universidad de la Rioja) · Brazil
This article presents the Vila dos Heróis reurbanization project in Brazil as an integrated urban intervention model for informal settlements, based on a qualitative case study. The project includes 84 housing units with sustainable infrastructure such as a floodable park, photovoltaic energy, water reuse, composting, and a community garden. The proposal demonstrates the viability of reurbanization models that integrate qualified technical planning, community leadership, and socio-environmental sustainability.
CommunityCompostFood education