The benefits of community gardening
Today Although most community garden programs before the 1970s were generally considered temporary solutions to food shortages , economic depression and civic crises , most advocates today claim that community gardens have permanent , long-term functions that provide a number of benefits to individuals , families and communities . Those benefits include , but are not limited to , the following :
� Food production and access Community gardens enable people without suitable land of their own to grow high-quality fruits and vegetables for themselves , their families and their communities , possibly in places that lack grocery stores or other fresh food outlets .
� Nutrition Some research indicates that community gardeners eat more fruits and vegetables ( Bremer et al ., 2003 ).
� Exercise Gardening requires physical activity and helps improve overall physical health .
� Mental health Interacting with plants and having access to nature help reduce stress and increase gardeners ' sense of wellness and belonging . ( Malakoff , 1995 )
� Community Community gardens foster a sense of community identity , ownership and stewardship . They provide a place for people of diverse backgrounds to interact and share cultural traditions .
� Environment Gardens help reduce the heat-island effect in cities , increase biodiversity , reduce rain runoff , recycle local organic materials and reduce fossil fuel use from food transport .
� Education All ages can acquire and share knowledge related to gardening , cooking , nutrition and health . Some gardens have programs that provide training in horticulture , business management , leadership development and market gardening .
� Youth Gardens provide a safe place for youth to explore gardening , nature and community through formal programming or informal participation .
� Income Produce may be sold or used to offset food purchases from the grocery store .
� Crime prevention Gardens can help reduce crime .
� Property values Some research indicates community gardens may increase surrounding property values ( Whitmire )
Adapted from Multiple Benefits of Community Gardening , by Gardening Matters in Minneapolis
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