Researchers set out to gather systematic data on the benefits and challenges of community gardens in Southeast Toronto. Researchers held 10 focus groups, and interviewed garden coordinators and community members. The main benefit of community gardens is greater access to fresh foods. The gardens also benefit the broader health of the community by providing a place for social interaction and a source of neighbourhood pride. Garden users were all concerned about access to the gardens in the face of growing development. The researchers are attempting to provide garden users with the research results so they can make the argument for community gardens to local developers and decision makers.

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