Evaluating Community Support for an Elementary School Education Garden

Abstract

This study surveyed 202 residents in the community of Winter Park in Wilmington, North Carolina to evaluate interest in the maintenance of a proposed education garden for Winter Park Elementary School (WPES). Results indicated strong community support for this garden. Additionally, four groups of variables (demographics, parenthood status, availability, and lifestyle preferences) were used to predict willingness to volunteer at the garden. Results showed that respondent age, number of children enrolled at WPES, driving distance between the household and WPES, and frequency of organic food purchases were the most consistent predictors of willingness to volunteer at the garden.