Urban food growing

There is a huge amount of food growing and sharing happening across metro-Melbourne and the peri-urban fringe that often goes unrecognised. From backyard chooks to community gardens to food swaps and composting, people are learning new skills and connecting with their communities over food.

 
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What is urban argiculture?

Urban agriculture refers to food growing activities in backyards, public spaces and small enterprises, which contributes to urban food security. Urban agriculture creates training opportunities for socially isolated groups, increases sustainability and improves community connectedness.

Benefits


Health

  • Increasing urban food security
  • Increasing the amount and variety of fresh fruits and vegetables consumed
  • Improving physical health outcomes including reducing diet- related illnesses
  • Improving mental health outcomes, including through stronger social connections


Social
& cultural

  • Increasing social cohesion and creating connections across cultures and generations
  • Allowing people to grow culturally appropriate food not available for purchase
  • Improving land aesthetically for the local community
  • Increasing liveability and security of urban areas through productive placemaking that increases the safety of public spaces


Environmental



  • Bolstering the resilience of communities against climate change and other system shocks
  • Increasing sustainability through reduced food miles, packaging and food waste
  • Increasing understanding of and practice of seasonal cooking and eating
  • Providing opportunities for biodiversity support and education
  • Changing behaviour towards more sustainable consumption and lifestyles
  • Creating spaces for community to come together to plan for meaningful action around the climate emergency and sustainability


Economic



  • Saving money on groceries for gardeners
  • Providing training and up-skilling opportunities for diverse groups
  • Creating economic opportunities for small enterprises
  • Eased economic pressure on the health system through preventative healthcare benefits
  • Decreased cost of landfill and waste management from changing production and use of organic waste