Healthy Development Measurement Toolkit

Indicator PI.8.g Proportion of households with 1/4 mile access to a community garden

Data Source

Location of community gardens from San Francisco Garden Resource Organization.  Available at:  http://www.sfgro.org/.

Household data from Applied Geographic Solutions, Inc. Spring 2007 Update: Current Year Estimates. Methodology available at: http://www.appliedgeographic.com/library.html.

Map prepared by City and County of San Francisco, Department of Public Health, Environmental Health Section using ArcGIS software.

Table data is presented by planning neighborhood. While planning neighborhoods are larger geographic areas than census tracts, census tracts do not always lie completely within a planning neighborhood. SFDPH used ArcGIS software and a 'centroids within' methodology to convert census blocks to geographic mean center points. We then assigned census blocks to planning neighborhoods based on the spatial location of those geographic mean center points and calculated the planning neighborhood totals for the table. Detailed information regarding geographic units of analysis, their definitions, and their boundaries can be found in the HDMT at the following links:

http://www.thehdmt.org/etc/Geographic_Units_of_Analysis.pdf

http://www.thehdmt.org/data_map_methods.php

Explanation and Limitations

Map prepared by San Francisco Food Systems using ArcGIS software. Location of community gardens mapped with 1/4 mile radius onto an ArcGIS base map illustrating San Francisco neighborhoods. The map displays all community gardens in San Francisco along with quarter mile boundaries around each community garden.

As of June 2008, San Francisco had approximately 52 community gardens. Although every community garden is represented on the same map, the size, management and upkeep differ considerably. Geographic proximity to a garden (i.e., within a five minute walk) increases the likelihood that residents may access the benefits of community gardens. Community gardens serve to increase local access to fresh, high quality produce; help beautify the neighborhood; develop social connections; increase opportunities for outdoor exercise and active lifestyles; and promote sustainable urban environments. Geographic proximity, however, does not equal access. Various factors, such as perceived safety of the neighborhood, topography, access to public transportation, hours of access to community garden, financial and time constraints, lengthy wait lists, and physical disability may limit access to community gardens. A waiting list for a community garden may not be a useful proxy for demand for community gardens. The various factors mentioned above, as well as cost for participation, publicity about the garden's existence, and awareness about who can use the garden all contribute to use and demand for a community garden.

The Recreation and Open Space Element of the San Francisco General Plan, Policy 2.12 states community gardens are a valuable use of open space in dense urban areas. They improve the quality of life in the city by revitalizing neighborhoods, and stimulating social interaction and neighborhood cooperation. In addition they provide opportunities for recreation and exercise for those who work in the gardens, and provide visual interest to the general public. The City should also investigate opportunities to preserve existing gardens, in order to maximize the opportunity for San Franciscans to use, enjoy, and benefit from community gardens.

Why is this a Community Health Indicator?

Community gardens can provide a source of fresh fruits and vegetables for users, supporting the achievement of federal nutritional recommendations. Research shows that living in greener environments is also associated with reduced self-reported health symptoms, better self-rated health, and higher scores on general health questionnaires.^a Gardens may also provide a venue for social interaction, supporting the development or maintenance of social cohesion and social capital.