A unique program at The Ohio State University teaches cancer survivors to reconnect with healthy eating through hands-on farming.
COLUMBUS, Ohio — For cancer survivors, the journey back to wellness often includes rebuilding their relationship with food. At The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, an innovative program called the Garden of Hope is helping patients do exactly that through urban gardening and nutrition education.
The program serves more than 200 patients and their loved ones each year at a 1.5-acre garden located at the Waterman Agricultural and Natural Resources Laboratory on Ohio State’s campus. Participants can harvest from over 100 varieties of produce, including vegetables, herbs, fruits and edible flowers during the growing season from June through October.
“Eating fruits and vegetables is super important for everybody, but especially for cancer survivors because these foods are so high in vitamins, minerals, fiber, phytochemicals,” said Dena Champion, a registered dietitian and postdoctoral student specializing in oncology nutrition who helps facilitate the program. “Scientific studies show that a plant-rich diet may lower the risk for cancer and is recommended for cancer survivors.”
The Garden of Hope provides free weekly vegetable harvests, individual nutrition counseling, hands-on educational opportunities and cooking demonstrations. Registered dietitians offer evidence-based nutritional information aligned with national oncology guidelines that promote plant-focused dietary patterns.
Breast cancer survivor Molly Miely credits the program with transforming her approach to food and cooking.
“I never cooked with fresh vegetables or gardened before joining the Garden of Hope, but getting my hands in the dirt was so peaceful,” Miely said. “It turned a dark time in my life into a healing experience, and I now have cherished memories harvesting with my grandkids and feel empowered to make healthier nutrition choices.”
Champion is currently leading a pilot study to measure how urban gardening impacts cancer survivors’ nutrition and overall health. The two-year research project tracks changes in dietary habits, quality of life, nutrition security and carotenoid levels. Carotenoids are plant pigments with cancer-fighting properties that researchers can measure non-invasively through skin testing.
“Cancer survivors often face nutritional challenges from therapy, previous eating patterns and conflicting dietary advice,” Champion noted. “Programs like urban gardening and evidence-based nutrition education can support healthy, lasting habits essential for survivorship.”
The program aims to create lasting change by helping survivors develop a deeper connection to their food through the growing process.
“Seeing the food growing can really provide people with a deeper connection to their food and influence overall healthier dietary patterns,” Champion said. “Our goal is to give survivors an appreciation for healthy foods for a lifetime.”
Initial findings from Champion’s study suggest the Garden of Hope serves as a valuable bridge in transitional care, offering support and improved quality of life after treatment. During scheduled harvest sessions, staff members are available to answer both gardening and nutrition questions.
The Garden of Hope is part of JamesCare for Life Supportive Services. More information is available at cancer.osu.edu.
