From turf wars to fertile grounds: Urban farming to prevent violence

The presentation will describe a cross-cutting strategy that brings together violence prevention and obesity prevention advocates. The Westwood community of Denver, CO is poor, has a high crime rate and high rate of obesity and other weight and heart disease-related illnesses. Through new, innovative partnerships, healthy eating and active living is being achieved through a unique avenue: violence prevention. This 18-month pilot project funded by the Convergence Partnership implemented evidence-based strategies that both prevent violence and promote healthy eating and active living. The Westwood partners focused on creating alternatives to crime and violence through 1) sustainable jobs in urban agriculture for at-risk youth and gang-affiliated families at a local training farm and backyard gardens, 2) neighborhood beautification through art murals by youth, and 3) capacity building of youth and community residents to advocate for policy change. The presentation will share the project outcomes and learnings from bringing together a multi-sectoral, interdisciplinary partnership, which includes a city council member, the public health department, youth, and community-based organizations focused on urban farming, gang prevention and reduction, and community capacity building. These organizations have a long history of community work in health, community organizing, and violence prevention; however, this pilot is the first time these organizations, with seemingly disparate missions, have collaborated. The collaboration of violence prevention and public health is a new but promising field in the promotion of healthy eating and active living. The organizations bring separate but complementary experience and knowledge to the field presenting a rich learning opportunity.