Campus Gardens as an Answer to Food Insecurity and the Health and Well-being of College Students

Item

Media
RickTingle_Thesis_2024.pdf
Title
Campus Gardens as an Answer to Food Insecurity and the Health and Well-being of College Students
Creator
Rick Tingle
Degree Name
thesis
Master of Science in Justice Studies
Project Type
thesis
Date
6/15/2024
Abstract
Food insecurity is a major concern on college campuses and has been known to affect student health and wellbeing and ultimately academic success. Campus Community Gardens (CCGs) have been found to be an answer to food insecurity by offering fresh vegetables and nutrition as well as healthy social connections. The purpose of this research is to explore successful methods of establishing a sustainable garden on a university campus. To find out what worked and did not work for these gardens, a review of successful working models from campus garden programs provided details on how that information might be applied to future garden programs. I used the Western Oregon University (WOU) Library database to find sources concerning food insecurity on campus relating to the health and wellbeing of students. These sources were reviewed and considered. The findings presented evidence explaining the ways in which CCGs can enhance student health and wellbeing by providing nutritious food at no cost. CCGs also offer an excellent opportunity for social interaction. Additionally, the importance of interdepartmental cooperation for program and social sustainability was identified, and the significance of community outreach and accessibility for garden activities was clarified. The results indicated that CCGs can be an effective medium for multidisciplinary cooperation, and therefore, program sustainability. The study is relevant because it offers insight into the elements necessary for the establishment of effective economic, environmental, and socially sustainable campus gardens so that Western Oregon University and other programs might benefit. This research offers significant findings relevant to the body of knowledge on this subject.
Keywords
campus community gardens, food banks, food insecurity
Rights
https://rightsstatements.org/page/InC/1.0/?language=en
Western Oregon University Library has determined, as of 6/29/2024, this item is in copyright, which is held by the author. Users may use the item in accordance with copyright limitations and exceptions, including fair use. For other uses, please ask permission from the author.
Language
English
Type
Text