Date of Conferral

2023

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Human Services

Advisor

Eric Youn

Abstract

Food insecurity impacts economically disadvantaged communities around the world, including in the United States where over 41 million people experience issues of food insecurity in their daily lives. This lack of access to food can have a ripple effect on individuals and communities in multiple ways, including impacts on mental, physical, and social states of well-being and stability. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to increase the understanding of urban agriculture (UA) as a component of food insecurity assistance. This study focused on the experiences of food insecure individuals with various forms of UA, asking the research question, if food insecure individuals perceive and experience UA as a contributor towards food security. Sustainable development and food justice theory are the guiding conceptual framework for the study. The research design is of the generic qualitative approach, including five semi-structured interviews with food insecure individuals participating in various forms of UA in Jacksonville, FL. Rigorous thematic analysis was used to interpret the data. Overall, the major overarching themes that emerged from the data are 1) Overall positive perception of UA and its potential contribution towards food security for oneself, family, and community and 2) There is a need for more UA in Jacksonville, FL that contributes to food security by providing ample supply of fresh, healthy food, that is affordable and easily accessible, contributing to overall food sustainability. Ultimately, the findings of the study may contribute to positive social change by gaining a better understanding of UA and how it can most effectively contribute towards greater food security in the community.

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