Youth Exploring the Relationship between School Gardens, Food Literacy and Mental Well-Being Using Photovoice

Abstract

The goal of the project was to gain an understanding of the secondary school youth 14 experience with food literacy and school gardens on their mental well-being. Over the course of 15 five months, sixteen youth participated in a photovoice research project in which they expressed 16 their personal experiences about food and gardening through photography and writing. The 17 aspects of secondary school youths’ life experiences affected by exposure to food literacy and 18 school gardens and their impact upon their well-being were identified. These included emotions 19 and feelings, having a safe place, nutrition and relaxation. The youth explicitly connected 20 relaxation with the themes of love and connectedness, growing food, garden as a place, cooking, 21 and food choices. This was linked to nature, beauty, environment and sustainability. Youth clubs or 22 groups were also identified as a key enabler for connection. Youth shared their food literacy 23 experiences, observing that their engagement improved some aspect of their mental well-being. 24 They identified food literacy and gardens as being the most important to mental well-being 25 including: connecting, personal health and personal growth. The youth recognized that connecting 26 comes from having community, relationships and respect. Fostering opportunities for food literacy 27 such as growing and preparing food contributes to resiliency. 28