Why some families turn to home gardening for healthier food

(WISH) — Some U.S. families are turning to home gardening to grow their own fruits and vegetables, reducing reliance on store-bought produce that often travels over 1,500 miles before reaching consumers.

Experts highlight that produce in grocery stores may carry pesticides and microplastics, and have fewer nutrients due to long transit times. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, about 60% of fruits and vegetables in U.S. grocery stores are imported, often spending up to two weeks in transit. The lengthy trip can diminish the nutritional value of the produce.

To combat this, initiatives like Edible Landscapes are helping families transform unused lawn space into productive gardens.

“Growing your food is the best way to take control of your life,” said Alexander Luna, chief program officer at Edible Landscapes in Orlando, Florida.

Jason Victor’s family is one of many benefiting from Edible Landscapes, a nonprofit focused on converting lawn space into food-producing gardens. “We grabbed a carrot the other day. My kids love ’em. That’s their favorite thing.”

Luna offered several tips for beginner gardeners, emphasizing the importance of six to eight hours of sunlight and starting small.

A four-by-eight, raised bed can yield over 100 servings of fresh produce per season, potentially saving more than $600 in grocery costs.

Gardening is not only beneficial for the wallet but also for health. Research from Blue Zones – Blue Zones specific geographic areas identified for having a higher-than-average concentration of people living to 100 years old and experiencing high levels of health and well-being — indicates that regular gardening is associated with longer life, reduced stress, and increased activity levels into one’s 90s.

As more families embrace home gardening, they are not only improving their health and saving money but also contributing to a more sustainable food system. “It’s a simple start that can grow into something much bigger,” Luna said.

This story is from a script aired on WISH-TV. This story was formatted for WISHTV.com using AI-assisted tools. Our editorial team reviews and edits all content published to ensure it meets our journalistic standards for accuracy and fairness. Health Spotlight is presented by Community Health Network.

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