摘要：Objectives. We considered the relationship between an urban adult population's fruit and vegetable consumption and several selected social and psychological processes, beneficial aesthetic experiences, and garden participation. Methods. We conducted a population-based survey representing 436 residents across 58 block groups in Denver, Colorado, from 2006 to 2007. We used multilevel statistical models to evaluate the survey data. Results. Neighborhood aesthetics, social involvement, and community garden participation were significantly associated with fruit and vegetable intake. Community gardeners consumed fruits and vegetables 5.7 times per day, compared with home gardeners (4.6 times per day) and nongardeners (3.9 times per day). Moreover, 56% of community gardeners met national recommendations to consume fruits and vegetables at least 5 times per day, compared with 37% of home gardeners and 25% of nongardeners. Conclusions. Our study results shed light on neighborhood processes that affect food-related behaviors and provides insights about the potential of community gardens to affect these behaviors. The qualities intrinsic to community gardens make them a unique intervention that can narrow the divide between people and the places where food is grown and increase local opportunities to eat better. Fruit and vegetable consumption is an essential component of a healthy diet and one of the most modifiable risk factors for chronic disease, but only a small percentage of the world's population consumes the recommended amount. 1 – 7 Reasons for shifting dietary patterns and concomitant health risks are complex, involving an array of factors that span individual lifestyle, cultural, social, ecological, and economic conditions as well as the range of structures, services, and amenities within our communities. 2 , 8 Undermining the US diet and healthy food choices and practices is the growing physical divide between people and the places where food is grown. 9 , 10 This division has resulted in a loss of experience with fundamental processes associated with growing food; limited access to alternative, viable, and affordable food sources (farmers’ markets, community-supported agriculture, small-scale grocery venues, food cooperatives); and changes in food choices. 11 Healthy-eating strategies that are place based (e.g., land policies and environmental changes that support and secure community farms and gardens) and that encourage positive social, emotional, and cultural connections may represent important aspects of health promotion efforts to increase fruit and vegetable consumption. 2 , 8 , 12 Previous research suggests that social and psychological processes and aesthetic experiences set, shape, and sustain beliefs and food preferences, choices, and practices. 9 , 13 – 16 Moreover, growing evidence indicates that community gardens represent a viable strategy to tap into these processes by fostering connections among community members and, importantly, connections between people and food-producing landscapes. 17 By allowing residents to actively engage in natural and social processes on an ongoing basis, the garden can promote a tacit and more holistic understanding of food-related behaviors among its members and others affected by such neighborhood places.
