Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

Growing Food Security: The Impact Of Community Gardens On Food Security In Denver, Colorado, Grace Catherine Kellner

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Community gardens increase mental health, physical health and social inclusiveness and cohesiveness, while directly connecting gardeners to their environment. In some U.S. cities gardens additionally increase community and individual food security by providing fresh food to those who struggle to feed themselves and their families. This study examined the relationship between community gardens and increased food security in Denver, and is one of the first studies of its kind in this location. Specifically, I investigated who participates in community gardens, why they participate, whether gardens are accessible, and whether community gardens have the potential to improve individual and community food …