The perceptions of community gardeners at Jones Valley Urban farm and the implications for dietary interventions

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to assess the reasons community gardeners at Jones Valley Urban Farm in Birmingham, Alabama participate in the community garden program, as well as to explore the potential impacts such participation has on the members' health, community, and diet. Twenty active gardeners participated in four focus groups. Gardeners reported prior experience, cost savings, taste, sustainability issues, and provision of fresh and organic food as reasons for participating. Gardeners also reported issues related to sharing, community development, mental health, personal pride, perceived health benefits, and new-found food variety as impacts of their participation. Findings from this study will hopefully serve to guide future quantitative research evaluating community gardening as a potentially healthful dietary intervention.