A community garden collaborative between low-income communities, local congregations, vulnerable youth and university researchers

San Bernardino County is the home to a large population of low-income Hispanics and Blacks carrying a large disease burden of cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and type 2 diabetes. Limited access to nutritious foods, a safer environment for outdoor activity, and a lack of knowledge about healthy living are major contributors. Community gardens have been identified as one approach to enhancing healthier lifestyles and promoting improved quality of life. Guided by a Community Based Participatory Research (CBPR) designed needs and asset assessments (NA+A), a faith-based collaborative titled “Back to Eden Community Gardens” has established gardens in 5 cities in the County with over 168 gardening plots, representing 300 families. The project brings together University researchers, , members of diverse local congregations, community members, local schools with vulnerable youth transitioning to adulthood, as well as senior citizens living in nursing homes. Participants engage in organic gardening skills workshops, cooking classes, and free health clinics testing for hemoglobin A1C, a complete lipid profile, creatinine, height, weight, and body mass index (BMI) and blood pressure at their various garden sites. Baseline clinic results are compared to post- clinic (4-6 months) results. Preliminary garden workshop pre-test and post-tests results indicate a 70% increase in participant knowledge and gardening skills, with a 50% increase in their access to a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables. Process and impact evaluations are currently underway to assess the success of this congregational model for cultivating a commitment to local population food security issues and creating local sustainable food systems.