Examining Disparities in Food Access and Enhancing Food Security

Abstract

Urban and school gardens have emerged as a viable resource for community outreach and education. They are an important resource for at-risk communities to learn about healthy foods and healthy lifestyles, while also serving as a food source for communities of limited food access. This study focused on food access within the urban and school gardening context across Michigan and Northwest Ohio. We surveyed garden managers and educators to better understand the role of gardens as resources for underserved and minority communities. Census data was utilized to map demographics and to highlight issues of food access. We found the urban gardens in Toledo can function as both hubs for social justice and examples of diverse growing system, with upwards of 82 crop varieties grown on a single urban garden. We also found that public school gardens are supporting Michigan local food initiatives across the state. In addition we found that garden educators are finding creative ways to align their school garden curricula with state educational standards.