The Impact of Culturally Affirming Community Gardens on Dietary Habits and Food Security in Low-Income Food Deserts

Food insecurity remains a critical global issue, driven by complex causes and producing wide-ranging consequences. In Newark, New Jersey, an urban community classified as a food desert, residents face persistent barriers to accessing fresh, affordable, and culturally affirming foods. While urban agriculture in Newark has emerged as a strategy to improve local food security and availability, questions remain about how to access local, affordable produce that reflects the traditions, preferences, and heritage of the communities they serve, and whether such efforts influence dietary habits and food security outcomes. This research surveyed community garden participants across multiple wards in Newark to examine the impact of culturally affirming community gardens on dietary habits and food security outcomes. It explores how gardening practices that reflect cultural traditions and preferences contribute to increased food access, healthier eating habits, and community resilience. Findings reveal common themes centered on the importance of social, emotional, and cultural garden-based workshops, diverse farm-to-fork education, opportunities for social engagement, and the foods that validate a person’s culture.