This project will support the surge in gardening as a means to address food insecurity challenges.
Project Dates: 2020 - 2022
Funding Amount: $3,000
Students Hired: 1
Project Summary
The coronavirus pandemic is amplifying some of our nation's most pressing problems, including food insecurity, hunger and isolation. This applied research project is engaging with local residents in the Comox Valley to support the surge in gardening as a means to address these challenges. The research will investigate what benefits this pursuit brought to residents, what helped them get started, what barriers they have faced in relation to gardening, and what else they need or needed to succeed, and to evaluate whether mentoring can improve skills, enhance food access, and build social relationships. This knowledge will help us to support communities as we move forward into a prolonged period of pandemic living.
Research Team
Jen Wrye
Lead Researcher
Siskin de Balasi Brown
Research Assistant