Community farms are a relatively new type of local food initiative, defined by working landscapes that integrate producers into a supportive social environment in order to facilitate the long-term development of sustainable local food systems. In Ontario, the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) is the first, and presently the only, conservation authority providing public lands to community farms. In this case study of the TRCA, the conditions for the establishment of community farms on public conservation lands in Ontario are examined, and the implications for local food systems are discussed. Two of the four community farms based on TRCA lands are closely investigated, revealing that one focussed on supporting new farmers by developing an incubator farm, while the other developed a multi-functional project with food at the centre of a place-based community initiative.

Food insecurity refers to the lack of reliable access to nutritious and affordable foods for people of all backgrounds (Meenar and Hoover, 2012) and is a problem faced by approximately 50 million Americans (Smith, 2011) and thirteen percent of North Carolina households. Food security and poverty have been directly linked and North Carolina's poverty rate (14.3%) is above the national level (13%) (Curtis, 2010). Community gardens have been recognized globally by many experts including health professionals, community organizers, environmental activists, and policymakers, as an "important contributor to economic development, food security, and environmental management"(Baker, 2004). Together, these professionals use gardens as a means to educate the public about food production and nutrition. Empirical research has documented many community garden benefits, however, the examination of educational programs associated with these gardens is limited. The purpose of this case study was to examine the development and implementation of a beginner gardening program and its influence on program participants in an area known to be food insecure within North Carolina. The researcher utilized multiple means of qualitative methods including: 1) semi-structured pre- and post- interviews with program coordinators and participants, 2) content analysis, 3) a reflection journal used to observe the program, and the facilitation of a 4) focus group with program participants. The findings revealed the challenges program coordinators encountered throughout the development and implementation, as well as the effects of the beginner gardening program on program participants. / Master of Science in Life Sciences