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The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
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The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
Katherine Alaimo, PhD, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, SPH II, 109 Observatory, M3517, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, (734) 936-1318, kalaimo@umich.edu and FUGLUC Storytelling Subcommittee, Flint Urban Gardening and Land Use Corporation, 3126 Martin Luther King Avenue, Flint, MI 48505.
Community gardens and beautification projects can play a significant role in the restoration and revitalization of a community by transforming ugly and uncared-for spaces into attractive gardens and places where neighbors and kids can meet, socialize and work together. Few of these benefits have been documented, however. Since January 2001, the Flint Urban Gardening and Land Use Corporation has partnered with the University of Michigan School of Public Health and the Neighborhood Violence Prevention Collaborative on a community-based participatory research project, 'The Community Garden Storytelling Project of Flint'. Through an inventory of community gardens and beautification project, a neighborhood survey, case studies, storytelling and photography, this project has been documenting the benefits of the gardens, determining the gardeners strengths and assessing their needs. The information obtained is being used to gain recognition, support, and resources for community gardeners and beautifiers. In this session, we will share stories, photos, and our exciting research findings documenting the benefits of community gardens in Flint including: crime prevention, beautification, health, neighbors' and children's' relationships and friendships, and more.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session, participants will be able to
Keywords: Community Benefits, Food and Nutrition
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.