A qualitative analysis of lived experiences of community garden participants in local food deserts

ABSTRACT

Community gardens were designed to bring communities together while providing an area of comfort and solace, social interactions, and a physical place for those living in apartments or areas in which they are not able to garden. Often, community gardens are started by nonprofit organizations looking to solve problems that plague urban areas. An abundance of literature described and analyzed the role of community gardens in addressing food insecurities, but little has been done in understanding the experiences of participants in the garden. The purpose of this phenomenological study was to gather and identify the perceptions and thoughts of community garden participants in food deserts, and to recommend additional resources that would be beneficial for these areas. By using a qualitative phenomenological methodological approach, the research question for this study addressed discovering the lived experiences of those participating and volunteering in the community gardens and their impacts in areas such as food deserts. This was completed following the theory of reasoned action, which examined a person's behaviors and intentions to behave a certain way. Participants were interviewed in-depth regarding their experiences working and participating in the gardens. Findings indicated participation provided mental and social health benefits during the COVID-19 pandemic and a sense of "community." Results gained from the interviews provide suggestions to community leaders and activists who play a key role in the community for positive change as to how to raise awareness of food insecurity and food deserts to outlining areas. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved)