Trent University Environment and Resource Studies

Community gardening is integral to the creation of sustainable local food systems, providing fresh, healthy, nutritious food, while fostering resilient community spaces. The purpose of this study is to build on existing knowledge about the social benefits of community gardens and explore their application in the context of Peterborough. This research is conducted on behalf of Nourish, a community organization actively working to address food issues. Through this research, the social values of community gardening in Peterborough will help inform Nourish programming, outreach, and future grant proposals. In Peterborough, the unique social benefits experienced by community gardeners revealed a health-conscious orientation, supported by evidence of social cohesion and enhanced food security.