Training family gardeners to impact the health of their community members

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.