Food choices and local food access among Perth's community gardeners

The recent proliferation of community gardens in Perth, Western Australia, and elsewhere around the world, is just one aspect of increasing concern about food security, food production methods and alternative food networks (AFNs). The literature on community gardens has thus far concentrated largely on their community-building and social dimensions, with less of a focus on the contribution of community gardens to local AFNs and food security. This research investigated members of community gardens in Perth, examining how they engage with local AFNs, their attitudes towards food production, and the food choices they make. The constraints which people experience in making these choices are highlighted and some ways in which these constraints may be overcome are suggested.