Addressing nutrition and social connection through community gardening: A South Australian study
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Date
2019-02-11
Authors
Mehta, Kaye Phillips
Lopresti, Silvia
Thomas, Jessica
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Wiley
Rights
© 2019 Australian Health Promotion Association
Rights Holder
Australian Health Promotion Association
Abstract
Background
This research aimed to evaluate the benefits of the community gardening program called ‘‘Magic Harvest (MH)” with respect to its key elements: social interaction; gardening skills; and, healthier eating. The MH program supports community participants to grow food, share produce, prepare and preserve food.
Methods
Two focus groups were conducted with participants in MH programs in the south of Adelaide, South Australia. The MH programs were located in lower socio‐economic areas. Focus group interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim, coded and analysed thematically.
Results
Thirteen participants took part in the focus groups and reported gains in community connectedness and shared learning, skills for growing food and healthy eating and making more sustainable food choices.
Conclusion
This study highlights the social and nutritional benefits that can be derived from a community gardening program in low‐income communities. Health practitioners and policymakers should consider community gardening as an effective health promotion strategy that can address physical and social determinants of health and nutrition for low‐income communities.
Description
This article may be used for non-commercial purposes in accordance with Wiley Terms and Conditions for self-archiving. © 2019 Australian Health Promotion Association All rights reserved.
This author accepted manuscript is made available following 12 month embargo from date of publication (February 2019) in accordance with the publisher’s archiving policy
Keywords
community development, nutrition, qualitative methods, social determinants
Citation
Mehta, K., Lopresti, S., & Thomas, J. (2019). Addressing nutrition and social connection through community gardening: A South Australian study. Health Promotion Journal of Australia. https://doi.org/10.1002/hpja.235