Elizabeth Opiyo Onyango

Abstract Introduction: The ability to reliably access, afford, or obtain foods that are culturally significant, familiar, and aligned with one’s identity, foodways, religious beliefs, and the sociocultural preferences is an important aspect of food and nutrition security in immigrant communities. This is because access to culturally appropriate food is crucial for maintaining perceived healthy dietary and nutritional practices, finding comfort, and growing a sense of place.

You are already at the latest version Background: Community gardens are increasingly popular in Canadian cities, serving as transformative spaces where immigrants can develop self-reliant strategies for accessing culturally familiar and healthy nutritious foods.

1. Introduction Immigration is essential to Canada’s economic and population growth and over the past two decades, Canada has witnessed an influx of immigrants of diverse backgrounds including those from Sub-Saharan Africa [1]. In 2019, Statistics Canada estimated that immigration accounted for nearly 86% of Canada’s population growth with the fastest growing immigrant population being those from the African continent and those who identify as being Black [2].