"Newfoundland, Newfoundland...how does your garden grow?" Exploring the impact of gardening on health and food security in the Northeast Avalon region

Winsor, Mercy Dhlakama (2018) "Newfoundland, Newfoundland...how does your garden grow?" Exploring the impact of gardening on health and food security in the Northeast Avalon region. Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

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Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this qualitative descriptive study was to explore home and community food gardening and its perceived impact on health and food security within the Newfoundland and Labrador context. Objectives: 1) to describe the demographic characteristics of gardeners in the Northeast Avalon region; 2) to explore their key reasons and motivations for gardening; 3) to understand the perceived impacts of gardening on health and food security and; 4) to explore the challenges and barriers to gardening, and subsequently suggestions on how to address these challenges and barriers. Findings: Research participants were mostly young to middle aged, well-educated, mid-to-high income individuals. Almost all participants reported taking part in gardening for enjoyment and self-satisfaction. Most participants were health conscious and gardened to complement other healthy practices. The impact of gardening on food security appeared to be a secondary benefit of the practice. Implications: While acknowledging the limitations of gardening in directly addressing food security, this study highlights the potential role of gardening as a tool for promoting and supporting health. Recommendations on how to enable gardening to become an accessible option for those who wish to engage in the activity are proposed.

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