223685 Training family gardeners to impact the health of their community members

Monday, November 8, 2010

Kristen Arthur, MPH (c) , School of Public Health, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA
Anthony Bui, MPH (c) , School of Public Health, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA
Fritz Castillo, MPH (c) , School of Public Health, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA
Shanna Fischer, MPH (c) , School of Public Health, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA
Tiffany LaCom , School of Public Health, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA
Benita Lee, MPH (c) , School of Public Health, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA
Caroline Youssef, MPH (c) , School of Public Health, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA
Juan Carlos Belliard, PhD, MPH , School of Public Health, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA
Food insecurity has been identified as a high priority issue in San Bernardino, CA. This project aimed to increase perceived food security and consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables among community members through a service-learning partnership between a team of public health students and a community based organization (CBO). The project also aimed to increase the use of fresh vegetables provided by CBO's food programs by creating a sustainable community garden cared for by nineteen community families. Students, CBO staff, and community members collaborated to develop the community garden, which was recognized and supported by educators, city officials, and the Mexican consulate. The UC Extension's EFNEP survey measured nutritional behavior and an adaptation of the NHANES questionnaire measured food security at baseline (n=10) and EOP (n=3). An EOP key informant interview and focus group with five garden participants were conducted. Qualitative results deduced improved perceived food security and nutrient intake, increased exercise, improved mental health, and improved community relationships among garden participants. Results from the interview and kitchen inventories found an increase in fresh produce given to the CCLM kitchen. In this session we will demonstrate the impact that community gardens can have on the health of a community, how social capital can be leveraged and improved through such projects, what strategies were used to address challenges so that similar projects can be replicated in other communities, and we will demonstrate the power and benefits of reciprocal community-academic partnerships.

Learning Areas:
Implementation of health education strategies, interventions and programs
Program planning

Learning Objectives:
To demonstrate the impact that community gardens can have on the health of a community. To discuss strategies used to address challenges of implementing a community garden . To demonstrate the power and benefits of reciprocal community-academic partnerships.

Keywords: Community-Based Partnership, Food Security

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I am one of the Loma Linda University SPH students who worked on this project.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.