In late November, at the start of Parliament’s last – and busiest – sitting week, the Australia Institute and community organisation Grow it Local launched a report showing that Australians simply love growing food.

Our organisations partnered to conduct a national survey on Australians’ food growing habits and attitudes towards food waste. The results show that a whopping 45% of Australians—around 9 million people—are growing food at home, and even more are interested in starting edible gardening. And it’s not just a passing trend: a decade ago, the Australia Institute conducted a similar survey which found that one in two Australian households were growing food – to produce healthier food, to save money, and simply because they enjoy it. These results show that growing food is a lifestyle choice driven by the desire for healthier food, to save money, and to live more sustainably.

But as much as the desire to grow food is widespread, there are significant challenges standing in the way—especially for younger generations. This highlights the growing need for gardening programs and community gardens. Our survey revealed that more than three in five people interested in growing food face a significant barrier: lack of space. For those living in apartments or urban areas, and especially those who are renting, a patch of land to plant vegetables or herbs can be hard to come by. This barrier is all the more real for young people, as soaring house prices push them further away from homeownership. The lack of green space is also a challenge for Australians in social and affordable housing.

This is where gardening programs and community gardens become essential. They can provide opportunities for people, particularly younger generations, to engage in food growing—regardless of their living situation. Community gardens offer space for growing food but also foster a sense of connection, education, and collaboration. They allow individuals to learn new skills, access fresh produce, and reduce food waste through composting and worm farming.

It is here that Grow It Local plays a critical role: through their popular and accessible online resources, workshops and community events, Grow It Local have been helping to address gardening barriers for people all over Australia, whether they have a balcony, a patch in a community garden, or acres of space to use for edible gardening.

Beyond the benefits of fresh, homegrown produce, edible gardening helps tackle another big issue—food waste. Our survey reveals that 67% of food growers compost or use worm farms, helping to divert a staggering 361,000 tonnes of food waste from landfills each year – equivalent to seven Sydney Harbour Bridges worth of waste. Even more importantly, the activity has an overwhelmingly positive impact on the wellbeing of growers, and most say that spending time in their edible gardens makes them feel relaxed, happy and healthy. It’s clear that growing food is more than just a practical pursuit—it’s an activity that nurtures both body and mind.

At the report’s launch at Parliament House, Costa Georgiadis – National Patron of Grow It Local – echoed these findings:

“Don’t underestimate the power of growing small amounts of food in large numbers, it connects us to nature, to our communities and to ourselves. Growing food is equal doses of nature, nutrition and mental wellbeing. It’s good for the body, mind and soul.”

The desire to grow food is strong in Australia, particularly among younger generations. However, challenges like limited space and lack of skills are preventing many from taking the plunge. By investing in community gardens and gardening programs, we can empower more Australians to grow their own food, reduce food waste, and create healthier, more sustainable communities. The benefits go beyond the garden—helping individuals, communities, and the environment thrive.