Research Proves that Community Gardens Work!   According to https://www.dug.org/research-proves-community-gardens-work/ (updated 1.04.17)

• Community gardeners consume two times as many fruits and vegetables as non-gardeners.
• Age-related increase in Body Mass Index (BMI) in community gardeners is essentially zero, in contrast with non-gardeners where BMI steadily increases over time.
• Almost 80% of adult gardeners gardened as children, highlighting the importance of DUG’s school-based community gardens and education programs.
• A typical Denver resident reports 6.4 days/month in poor health, in contrast to DUG gardeners who report only 2.6 days/month spent in poor health.
• Ninety-five percent (95%) of Denver’s community gardeners give away fresh produce to friends, family, and others in-need.
• Community gardeners have been shown to continue to make healthy food choices year-round, even during the off-season.
• The presence of a school garden is associated with higher test scores in reading and science for urban students.
• Community gardens are associated with the revitalization of depressed urban areas, increasing property values, and reducing urban flight.

Do you want to be a part of proven-effective methods that improve health and well-being for your neighbors?  https://dug.org/

Support your local community garden.  One way is to donate a book to Valencia Community Gardens’ Little Free Library.