Māla ʻAi, or food gardens, are an accessible solution that is not only in high demand, but meets a variety of human needs, including physical and mental health, access to fresh foods, community cohesion, and sustainable urbanism. They empower the gardener to be involved in the stewardship, placemaking and health of themselves, their relations, and the land.

By collaborating and focusing on food gardens, we can address the issues of food system resilience, promote sustainable agriculture practices, and enhance the availability of fresh and nutritious foods for all residents. Establishing a network and facilitating communication among changemakers in the food system space can provide guidance and structure.

Food gardens are one part of multiple strategies and interventions for food system transformation. Focusing on food gardens specifically helps us design actions and strategies that might differ from other food system interventions, including:

• the inclusion and involvement of growers (gardeners) of all styles, backgrounds and skill sets;
• the identification of kīpukas where gardens fit well, whereas larger-scale food production might not;
• the designing of policy recommendations unique to lands that are not slated for agriculture;
• the harnessing of volunteer power;
• the shaping of gardening opportunities that speak to a diverse set of needs, environmental injustices, and food equity challenges;
• and the potential for positive externalities associated with food gardens (in addition to food production) such as youth and adult education, community building, recreation, physical and mental health, greening cities, and creative placemaking.