N12: Food Production

(2 points)

INTENT

Improve access to fresh produce and provide opportunities for on-site food production.  

SUMMARY

This WELL feature requires the provision of space, infrastructure and tools for on-site food production.

ISSUE

As the urban population continues to grow, changing economic and environmental conditions have led to a disconnect between city dwellers and food production. Most food is produced hundreds of miles from where it is consumed, often threatening local food systems. However, consumers have an increasing desire to know how their food is made, raised or grown. This had led to the growth of a global movement committed to reconnecting individuals, communities and local food systems.

SOLUTIONS

Increasing access to locally grown food is important for many reasons, including food access and sustainability as well as community building efforts. Individuals who participate in community and home gardening projects have higher levels of fruit and vegetable consumption and are more likely to meet national recommendations for fruit and vegetable intakes than nongardeners. These benefits have been shown to extend beyond the individual gardener, with participation in community agriculture associated with increased household fruit and vegetable intake as well. Beyond contributing to nutritional benefits, gardens are associated with several social benefits. Participation in community gardening can help fortify social cohesion and community involvement, increase physical activity, provide on-site educational opportunities and increase perceptions of community safety. Gardening may also benefit mental health by reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression.

IMPACT

Local food production cultivates equitable access to healthy, sustainably grown food and raises awareness around health and nutrition. 

REQUIREMENTS

Part 1

Provide Gardening Space (1 point)

Verified by Owner, Photographic evidence

For All Spaces except Dwelling Units

The project provides a permanent and accessible space for food production within 800 m [0.5 mi] of the project boundary that meets the following requirements:

1. The space includes at least one of the following:

   1. Garden or greenhouse with food-bearing plants.
   2. Edible landscaping (e.g., fruit trees, herbs).
   3. Hydroponic or aeroponic farming system.

2. The space is open to regular building occupants during regular building hours and foods grown are made available to regular building occupants. 

3.  The space is at least 0.09 m² [1 ft²] per eligible employee or 0.05 m² [0.5 ft²] per student, whichever area is greater (up to a maximum of 70 m² [750 ft²]). The area calculated is the actual growing area (vertical or horizontal) used for the production of food-bearing plants.

For Dwelling Units

The project provides a permanent and accessible space for food production within 800 m [0.5 mi] of the project boundary that meets the following requirements:

1. The space includes at least one of the following:

   1. Garden or greenhouse with food-bearing plants.
   2. Edible landscaping (e.g., fruit trees, herbs).
   3. Hydroponic or aeroponic farming system.
2. The space is open to regular building occupants during regular building hours and foods grown are made available to regular building occupants.
3. The space is at least 1.4 m² [15 ft²] per unit (up to a maximum of 140 m² [1,500 ft²]). The area calculated is the actual growing area (vertical or horizontal) used for the production of food-bearing plants.

Part 2

Provide Planting Support (1 point)

Verified by Owner, Photographic evidence

For All Spaces

Note: Projects may only receive points for this part if Part 1: Provide Gardening Space is also achieved.

The following requirements are met:

1. Gardening space(s) are managed and maintained for a minimum of three years.
2. Training, programming or educational opportunities are made available to regular building occupants (e.g., gardening workshops, plant harvesting guidelines) and offered quarterly, at minimum.
3. Projects provide planting supplies, including planting medium, watering system, lighting (interior spaces only), plants and gardening tools.

 

Note: Trainings must include culturally appropriate and literacy level appropriate education. Trainings may be provided on-site, off-site or online; in group or individual settings; and through vendors, on-site staff, health insurance plans or programs, community groups or other qualified practitioners.

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