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2014 Autumn | Agriculture and Food Systems, Arts & Humanities, Education & Outreach

A Garden a Day Keeps the Doctor Away

Student(s):

Olivia Lewis

Program or Department(s):

  • Program on the Environment
  • University of Washington

Site supervisor(s):

Kathy Krogslund

Partner(s):

  • University District Ppatch

Faculty advisor(s):

Eli Wheat, Program on the Environment, University of Washington

I interned at the University District Ppatch, a community garden a few blocks away from UW. Over the course of the summer I maintained several garden plots, growing over 480lbs of fresh, organic produce that was donated to the University District Food Bank. I researched case studies about community gardens across the globe, and distributed a survey to the local gardeners. My objective was to explore the physical indirect and direct health benefits that an individual can experience by participating in community gardening activities. I discovered numerous health benefits from community gardens, and that these gardens have the potential to fight issues stemming from urbanization.