Positive Effects of Urban Agriculture

A 2013 Study from the University of California at Davis performs a literature review on the impacts of urban agriculture.  A few of the highlights are recapitulated below. 

Health Impacts

  • Improved Food Access
  • Increased Consumption of Fruit & Veggies
  • Improved Food & Health Literacy
  • Raised Nutrition awareness
  • Increased Healthy Cooking & Eating
  • Reduced junk food consumption

Promoting Entrepreneurs

  • Fostered self-determination & self-reliance
  • Instilled pride and activism
  • Encouraged added-value businesses
  • Catalyzed entrepreneurial endeavors
  • Successfully incubated new businesses

Social Justice

  • Shared excess food with local food banks
  • Offered affordable fresh produce 
  • Improved food access in food deserts
  • Created viable employment 
  • Increased household income

Building Community & Neighborhoods

  • Beautified Neighborhoods
  • Created local pride and attachment
  • Built trust in & concern for others
  • Served as community agent for change
  • Raised property values
  • Increased property tax revenues

Environmental Impacts

  • Recycled waste 
  • Remediated toxic land
  • Managed storm water
  • Promoted awareness of environment issues
  • Taught sustainable farming practices

Education

  • Trained people in business and marketing
  • Taught ethics, sustainability, & food systems
  • Created learning experiences for youth
  • Motivated youth to eat better
  • Connected youth to seniors