Why grow food in the city?

Health benefits

• People who grow their own food are more aware of where their food comes from and are more likely to eat fresh vegetables.
• Provides physical activity for all ages and abilities
• Increases access to healthy food
• Gardening is a proven stress reliever and enhances self-esteem

Environmental benefits

• Creates more urban green space, which cools the city and reduces air pollution
• Rainwater is filtered through gardens, helping to keep lakes, rivers and groundwater clean and reducing the impact of storm water runoff
• Contributes to biodiversity by creating habitat for pollinators and birds
• Sustainable growing methods like composting divert waste, reduce methane gas released from landfill sites and trap carbon in the soil 
• Growing food is a good way to engage people who might not get involved in environmental issues. More people involved = greater impact!
• See more about climate change here

Community benefits

• Brings people of different backgrounds and experiences together
• Increases neighbourhood safety, reduces crime
• Reduces social isolation and increased sense of belonging
• Gives people an opportunity to give back to their community
• Encourages life-long and intergenerational learning
• Allows people from other countries to grow traditional foods and share their knowledge
• Teaches people community organizing skills that they can use in other contexts
• Uses under-utilized land and rooftops
• Provides opportunities for youth to develop skills and demonstrate leadership
• Creates vibrant public spaces that everyone can enjoy (not just gardeners!)

Adapted from: GrowTO: An Urban Action Plan for Toronto and the HSC Community Garden