(P05-39-26) Community Gardens and Urban Farms: Benefits, Challenges, and Support Needs in a Midwestern Urban County

Objectives: Community gardens and urban farms share common aims of improving access to healthy food, fostering community, promoting education, and enhancing overall well-being in the community. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the history and goals of community gardens, what additional supports are desired, the benefits of community gardens, and how the University could address some of their needs.

Methods: Semi-structured phone interviews were completed with representatives at community gardens, learning gardens, and urban farms in Wyandotte County. Interviews were digitally recorded and transcribed verbatim. Once all interviews were completed, interview contents were analyzed to explore common themes.

Results: 15 interviews were completed with representatives from the community gardens and urban farms. Common challenges community gardens frequently faced included recruiting and retaining volunteers, time constraints and scheduling conflicts, obtaining adequate funding, and accessing resources and expertise. Community garden representatives reported needing support with financial resources, volunteers, land access, partnerships with other organizations, and providing educational programs. Despite numerous challenges, community gardens and urban farms play an important role in the community by providing food access in food deserts, enhancing social and emotional learning, providing education about nutrition and health, and encouraging a sense of community.

Conclusions: Community gardens and urban farms are essential for addressing food insecurity and promoting healthy eating, particularly in low-income communities and food deserts. However, ongoing support, resources and collaboration are needed, which universities can help to address.

Funding Sources: Live Abundantly Using Guided Helping Hands (LAUGHH) Foundation