THE LIVED EXPERIENCE OF INDIVIDUALS IN LOW-INCOME NEIGHBORHOODS WHO PARTICIPATED IN COMMUNITY GARDENS IN BROWARD COUNTY, FLORIDA

Morris Auditorium

Objective. This phenomenological research aimed to understand the lived experience of community gardeners in low-income neighborhoods residing in Broward County, Florida. The research aimed to give the gardeners a voice to express their experiences with gardening and provide an inductive description of the lived experience. This study 24 also aimed to understand the essence of the experience. Background. Broward County, Florida, has a large number of low-income families receiving food assistance. An increase in the rates of obesity and diabetes has been noted in the statistical data for the county. Community gardens can provide low-income families with a sustainable resource for healthy food choices. However, there is a lack of research on the impact of community gardens in relation to health and well-being. Methods. A purposive sample of low-income gardeners at three sites in Broward County was studied. Data collection occurred from semi-structured interviews that were tape- recorded, and reflective journaling was used to allow the researcher to bracket personal assumptions and reduce bias. The data was transcribed and coded to demonstrate emerging themes. Results. The related themes of themes of healthy living, calming, and empowering emerged as a total representation of the individuals in low-income neighborhoods who participated in community gardens in Broward County, Florida. Conclusion. This research study exposed the depth of the benefits of participating in community garden for low-income people. A significant dimension of this experience of community gardening was self-transcendence. The gardeners were able to face the challenge of lack of access to healthy food and make a decision to lead healthier lives. Grants. N/A