Harvest of Hope: A Community-Academic Partnership to Develop and Evaluate a Church Garden Project

Background: Chronic disease is a leading cause of mortality and African Americans have disproportionately high rates. Existing evidence suggests an association between high fruit and vegetable (F&V) intake and a reduced risk for chronic diseases. Barriers such as cost and availability make it difficult for lower-income populations to consume enough F&V. This study seeks to examine the effects of a community garden on a low-income, rural African American community. Methods: Church leaders identified their congregants' most pressing health issues, initiated a garden project, and sought a partnership with UNC-Chapel Hill to study how garden participation might address these issues. Together, we applied for and received funding. We collected pre- and post-test data on diet, food alienation, empowerment, and BMI. Food alienation was measured with these scales: attitudes about grocery shopping, gardening history, cooking skills, attitudes about farming, gardening, food production, and F&V. Diet was measured using the Block Brief Food Frequency Questionnaire and empowerment using the Revised Perceived Control Survey. Results: Quantitative results will include whether garden participation was associated with changes in BMI, diet, empowerment, and food alienation. Qualitative results will include lessons learned during project implementation and by working through a community-academic partnership from the perspectives of community and academic partners. Conclusions: The potential benefits of garden participation are numerous, however, project implementation and participant motivation can be challenging. Faith communities can reduce those barriers. For example, participants come to the church already thereby increasing the likelihood of attendance. Other barriers, however, can still be present.