Heart disease and healthy living: Bridging the gap between knowledge and action through container gardening

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the US and there is a lack of knowledge about its risk factors, and prevention. Some people know that prevention is related to eating more grains, fruits, and vegetables, and increasing physical activity (PA). However, due to the inaccessibility of reasonably priced healthy foods and the limited accessibility of exercise choices, people find it hard to live a healthier lifestyle, and thus lack the knowledge of following through with healthier choices. To best inform program development, graduate students conducted a targeted needs and assets assessment (NA+A) with participants from the Helping Hands Pantry (HHP) in the city of San Bernardino, CA. HHP participants are the working poor who receive food once a week from the Pantry. Data were collected through windshield surveys, literature reviews, site observations, 10 theory-based semi-structured interviews, and a confirmatory focus group. Data were coded, themed and analyzed using Grounded Theory methods. Participants reported that although some of the foods they receive from the Pantry are not very healthy, they are grateful for what they receive, but they find it hard to supplement their diets to eat healthier, due to the lack of reasonably priced healthy foods. They also voiced a strong need for learning to container garden, which would increase their accessibility to more fruits and vegetables, while increasing their PA. We then developed, implemented and evaluated a pilot program using process and impact evaluation for program improvement. Results will be discussed in light of program sustainability.