Meaningful Activities during the COVID-19 Public Health Crisis: Benefits and Challenges of Home Food Gardening in Santiago, Chile

The significant contribution of gardening to provision and well-being in global crisis contexts was highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic. People's health and well-being were largely affected by the consequences of measures taken to control the spread of COVID-19. Consequently, many people suffered from higher stress levels, reduced physical activity, increased food insecurity and feelings of loneliness due to mass confinement and isolation. We recently illustrated how this situation motivated the emergence of new home ‘crisis’ gardens in Santiago de Chile. This chapter qualitatively emphasises how food gardening was a meaningful activity in many ways. Gardening facilitated close contact with nature when little outdoor public activities were allowed, contributing to environmental consciousness, acting as a family bonding activity, especially when involving kids and allowing people to share with neighbours and the community. Finally, growing one's own food provided therapeutic effects, such as feeling less stressed, being happy oreven helping overcome depression. The main challenges identified were the high cost of maintaining the garden, the lack of space and the need for educational resources. These findings highlight that home food gardening can contribute to health and well-being in a metropolitan context, supporting coping associated with the pandemic and possibly future crises.