Fruit and vegetable intake among urban community gardeners

Abstract

Objective: To determine the association between household participation in a community garden and fruit and vegetable consumption among urban adults.

Design: Data were analyzed from a cross-sectional random phone survey conducted in 2003. A quota sampling strategy was used to ensure that all census tracts within the city were represented.

Setting: Flint, Michigan.

Participants: 766 adults.

Variables measured: Fruit and vegetable intake was measured using questionnaire items from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. Household participation in a community garden was assessed by asking the respondent if he or she, or any member of the household, had participated in a community garden project in the last year.

Analysis: Generalized linear models and logistic regression models assessed the association between household participation in a community garden and fruit and vegetable intake, controlling for demographic, neighborhood participation, and health variables.

Results: Adults with a household member who participated in a community garden consumed fruits and vegetables 1.4 more times per day than those who did not participate, and they were 3.5 times more likely to consume fruits and vegetables at least 5 times daily.

Conclusions and implications: Household participation in a community garden may improve fruit and vegetable intake among urban adults.