Sec. 2. Findings
232 words·~1 min read·
/bill/113/hr/4084/ih/section-2A research copy — for the controlling text, always check the official state or federal source. Not legal advice.
Congress finds the following: A community garden improves the quality of life, encourages self-reliance, produces highly nutritious food, reduces family food budgets, and creates opportunities for recreation, social interaction, exercise, education, and economic development for people participating in the garden. The creation of community gardens has been an effective approach to cleaning up and maintaining abandoned vacant lots. Many community gardens donate fresh fruits and vegetables to local food pantries, cooperatives, and homeless members of the community, and provide for a source of fresh fruits and vegetables for participants of the gardens.
An August 2013 report by the Union of Concerned Scientists entitled The $11 Trillion Reward concluded that if Americans were to eat 2.5 cups of vegetables and 2 cups of fruit daily, as recommended by Federal dietary guidelines, nearly 130,000 deaths could be prevented and $17 billion could be saved in medical costs. The Department of Health and Human Services recommends eating more dark green vegetables, legumes, and fruits; and eating fewer refined grains, less fat, and fewer calories.
A 2010 review of the Nutritional Implications of Farmers’ Markets and Community Gardens published by the Journal of the American Dietetic Association found that community gardens promote healthy behaviors. A 2011 pilot study entitled LA Sprouts published by the Journal of the American Dietetic Association found that teaching gardening and nutrition improved the dietary intakes of children and reduced childhood obesity.