Development of an Organic Gardening Workshop and Community Engagement Activities to Develop a Healthy, Local Food System

Abstract

When sustainable practices are used, gardening has the potential to positively impact the environment and enhance the local food system, which is consistent with ecological sustainability. The manuscript describes The ECOhio Garden Project which had the primary nutrition message of: Everyone Can, in OHIO, Garden [plants] And Rake Dirt [to] Enhance Nutrition ECOHIO GARDEN. The purposes of the program were to (1) improve access to fresh produce through the introduction of gardening by individuals and families living in Athens County, Ohio; (2) enhance the local food system in Athens County, Ohio, through the introduction of organic gardening and fruit permaculture at community hubs in the area; and (3) develop a fruit map of fruit trees and shrubs on public land in the community of Athens, Ohio. This program can be replicated in other communities to enhance the local food system.

Keywords:

• organic gardening
• community gardening
• community building
• food security
• community food security
• produce