A pilot study of community gardening and its relationship to produce intake and food spending among rural households in Appalachia

This pilot study examined the relationship of household food security status, produce intake and behaviors, health, and social capital among community gardeners in rural Appalachian Ohio in 2009 and 2010. Gardeners were surveyed annually (n=121), with preliminary results indicating a 41% response rate. Respondents were primarily Caucasian and female. The majority of respondents were food secure, but preliminary results indicate that approximately 18% of respondents were food insecure. Preliminary findings indicated that participants eat more produce (n=38, 76%), make better choices about eating (n=36, 74%), spend less money on food (74%), are more physically active (n=33, 66%), and have made new friends (n=37, 74%). Food insecurity was associated with eating more fruits and vegetables (p<0.05) and spending less money on food (p=0.05) due to the produce from the garden. Community gardening appears to be positively associated with both improved produce intake and decreased food spending among food insecure households, which warrants further exploration.