Fruit and vegetable intake among urban community gardeners.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the association between household participation in a community garden and fruit and vegetable consumption among urban adults.


METHODS
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.


METHODS
Flint, Michigan.


METHODS
766 adults.


METHODS
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.


METHODS
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
Household participation in a community garden may improve fruit and vegetable intake among urban adults.
Alaimo
Katherine
K
Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, USA. alaimo@msu.edu
Packnett
Elizabeth
E
Miles
Richard A
RA
Kruger
Daniel J
DJ
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000383:Agriculture; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004034:Diet Surveys; D005260:Female; D005638:Fruit; D006801:Humans; D016014:Linear Models; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008824:Michigan; D008875:Middle Aged; D014505:Urban Population / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D014675:Vegetables