Eleventh International Conference on Food Studies

Abstract

Community food gardens have long been sources of healthy local food but are increasingly vulnerable given development and land speculation especially in urban areas. Public library collections and programs serve to support communities in myriad and sometimes surprising ways. Though there are a number of historical examples of food and flower gardens at public libraries, this study focuses on current efforts by librarians to address issues of food and health literacy, food security, and community wellness through the development of library projects that include food gardens, seed libraries, and even community kitchens. I document these efforts and use that data to engage the following questions which are framed in terms of the literature of community food gardens and food security, and the role of the public library in the U.S.: Why are libraries developing programs and initiatives in these areas? How and with whom are libraries partnering on these projects? How is this type of work funded? Who benefits and how?