Hello there, my name is Elisa and today I'll speak about food.  As you can see from the title I did some research on the benefits of growing some food in a vegetable garden. According to the website http://www.sparkpeople.com/resource/nut … 275&page=2 there are 8 benefits of backyard garden:
1.Improve your family's health: "eating  more fresh fruits and vegetables is one of the most important things you and your family can do to stay healthy. When they’re growing in your backyard, you won’t be able to resist them, and their vitamin content will be at their highest levels as you bite into them straight from the garden."
2.Save money on groceries: "a packet of seeds can cost less than a dollar, and if you buy heirloom, non-hybrid species, you can save the seeds from the best producers, dry them, and use them next year. If you learn to dry, can, or otherwise preserve your summer or fall harvest, you’ll be able to feed yourself even when the growing season is over."
3.Reduce your environmental impact: "if you grow your food organically, without pesticide s and herbicides, you’ll spare the earth the burden of unnecessary air and water pollution, for example. You’ll also reduce the use of fossil fuels and the resulting pollution that comes from the transport of fresh produce from all over the world (in planes and refrigerated trucks) to your supermarket."
4.Get outdoor exercise: "planting, weeding, watering, and harvesting add purposeful physical activity to your day. If you have kids, they can join in, too. Be sure to lift heavy objects properly, and to stretch your tight muscles before and after strenuous activity. Gardening is also a way to relax, de-stress, center your mind, and get fresh air and sunshine."
5.Enjoy better-tasting food: "fresh food is the best food! How long has the food on your supermarket shelf been there? How long did it travel from the farm to your table? If the food that you had planted tastes better, you’ll be more likely to eat the healthy, fresh produce that you know your body needs".
6.Build a sense of pride: "watching a seed blossom under your care to become food on your and your family’s plates is gratifying. "
7. Stop worrying about food safety; "when you responsibly grow your own food, you don't have to worry about contamination that may occur at the farm, manufacturing plant, or transportation process."
8.Reduce food waste: "When it's "yours," you will be less likely to take it for granted and more likely to eat it (or preserve it) before it goes to waste."
LET ME KNOW IF YOU AGREE OR DISAGREE WITH THESE 8 BENEFITS! :-)

I agree with the 8 benefits you listed of growing your own garden. It makes me wish  I had a garden at home. Unfortunately my home isn't a very plant friendly place as any plant my mom tries to take care of ends up dying. I'm sure there are people who struggle to grow gardens or lack the ability and/or space to do so. Those such people, including my own family, can buy local produce to reduce their carbon footprint. They can visit farmer's markets and be sure to only buy fruit in season so it's not imported. Here is a link to site that lists advantages of eating locally grown foods http://msue.anr.msu.edu/news/7_benefits … ocal_foods.