Title

Community Gardens Increase Local Food Security

Relevance

Food is at the heart of our social, cultural, economic, and environmental well-being. How food is produced and consumed intersects with every pressing local and global challenge that communities face. The Institute of Medicine and National Research Council’s A Framework for Assessing Effects of the Food System states, “The food system is woven together as a supply chain that operates within broader economic, biophysical, and sociopolitical contexts. Health, environmental, social, and economic effects are associated with the U.S. food system, often with both beneficial and detrimental aspects.” It is well known that food impacts many facets of our life. Research indicates that eating well helps reduce physical health problems. It can also aid with sleep patterns, energy levels and overall health. In personalized or precision nutrition, food can be a tool for improving overall health status. Food is also closely linked to an individual’s cultural identity. Food culture refers to the practices, attitudes, and beliefs as well as the networks and institutions surrounding the production, distribution, and consumption of food. Food can also serve as an identity marker, defining personality, social class, lifestyles, gender roles and relationships, from family to community, to ethnic groups or nationality. Food security is a central focus of our society. Federal agencies, including Health & Human Services, Department of Agriculture, Department of Defense and others, lead the effort to increase food security and reduce hunger by providing children and low income individuals with access to food, a healthful diet and nutrition education that supports agriculture. In March 2022, the USDA released a report entitled “USDA Actions on Nutrition Security” that emphasizes how nutrition security builds upon food security—recognizing the co-existence of food insecurity along with diet-related diseases and disparities. This is evidenced by those who are food insecure are also at higher risk for diet-related diseases, such as obesity, diabetes, and hypertension. Growing food either at home gardens or at community gardens can increase the intake of fresh fruits and vegetables. Gardening has positive impacts not only on gardeners, but also on their families and neighborhoods. Community gardens bring different people together, increase social connections and create a united community. The benefits of community-based gardening projects likely extend beyond food security, as gardens provide fresh vegetables, and the process of gardening involves physical exercise. Family and social relationships can also be strengthened through community gardening, since community members provide advice and support to help overcome challenges and all receive the benefits the gardening project offers.

Response

School and community gardens have been an integral part of Missouri’s SNAP-Ed and EFNEP programs for many years. Pre-pandemic, MU Extension educators worked with over 900 gardens utilizing the garden as a hands-on learning laboratory and site for nutrition education programs. During 2020 and 2021, the number of gardens diminished by more than 50%. In 2022 and 2023, the Missouri Department of Social Services (DSS) provided Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) funding to the University of Missouri to expand school and community gardens throughout the state. Community gardens were critical to address the issues of nutrition security, supply chain disruptions, physical activity, mental health and family relationships that were all heightened during the pandemic. The investment into community gardens created sustainable opportunities to increase the overall health of Missourians and reducing the risk for nutrition-related chronic diseases.

Results

In 2022, DSS provided just over $202,000 to support 91 gardens throughout the state. These funds allowed the creation or expansion of school and community gardens. Raised beds, water supplies, tools, and soil were the most items most often requested. Many of these sites were newly established community gardens so infrastructure was needed. In 2023, DSS provided just over $412,000 to support 103 gardens throughout the state. Twenty-one (21) of these gardens were those who had received funding in 2022. The remaining 82 gardens were new to the program in 2023. The most requested items were portable garden sheds to store tools and supplies and portable greenhouses to extend the growing season. Soil for raised beds and tools were also readily requested. Forty-two percent of the 2022 gardens reported the weight of the produce grown in their 2023 gardens. These gardens produced a retail value of just over $18,000. Our goal is to have over 80% of the 173 total gardens reporting in 2024. Most of the produce was either made available so community members could harvest; incorporated into school food service; or given to local food pantries to support those with the greatest food insecurity. We are also hopeful to receive additional funding in 2024 to support more garden infrastructure needs. One of the biggest impacts of the program is the number of individuals who are establishing home gardens at their place of residence. Many who have participated in the community garden programs are now purchasing raised beds or establishing gardens at their homes. Organizations are also investing in the community garden sites. A community college has established a student-run garden, in addition to their student food pantry, to ensure students have access to fresh produce. This institution has budgeted $15,000 to install a water line to the new garden site in 2024. Another community has seen one of its members donate a large above ground water tank in addition to the grant-funded water barrels. One community member then delivered 250 gallons of water each week during the 2023 growing season. While these types of in-kind donations were not recorded, it does not diminish their value.

Public Value Statement

Primary Focus Area

Food Security

Secondary Focus Area

Nutrition & Health

Impact Statement