Urban Gardening: Community and Economic Benefits

Read the following passage:

Recent studies indicate that urban gardening not only provides a sustainable source of food, but also enhances community relations and mental well-being among residents. By engaging in gardening, individuals tend to foster social interactions and build a sense of community, which can often lead to reduced feelings of isolation.

Listen to the following lecture:

In the lecture, the professor expands on the passage by discussing the economic benefits of urban gardening. He points out that urban gardens can reduce food transportation costs and improve food security in neighborhoods characterized by food deserts. Additionally, he mentions how urban gardens can create job opportunities and stimulate local economies through the sale of fresh produce at farmers' markets.

Using the information from the reading and the lecture, summarize the main points and explain how they are related.