Cultivating Community Gardens

The Role of Local Government in Creating Healthy, Livable Neighborhoods

Local government leaders are in a unique position to promote healthy eating and active living in their communities by supporting community gardens. Community gardens are places where neighbors can gather to cultivate plants, vegetables and fruits. Such gardens can improve nutrition, physical activity, community engagement, safety, and economic vitality for a neighborhood and its residents.

Barriers, such as liability expenses, code restrictions and a lack of resources, which often make it difficult for communities to establish or maintain gardens in their neighborhoods, can be overcome with local government engagement. This fact sheet offers case studies, best management practices, resources and tools for policy-makers regarding creative, cost-effective solutions that reduce barriers and facilitate the creation of community garden programs.

Cultivating Community Gardens (PDF, 528 KB)

• Detailed Case Studies:
  • Improving Food Security in Del Paso Heights, California
  • Gardening in the San Diego School District
  • Oregon Food Policy Councils Sow Seeds for Better Health
• How Local Government Can Help
• References
• Download this information in one file (PDF, 192 KB)