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Bayside Community Network Inc. (2023) Print
2023 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Community Health and Economic Empowerment
└ Addressing community health
└ Addressing community health
Older adults and individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Elkton face food insecurity and chronic health issues tied to poor nutrition. Bayside responded with "Growing Lunch," turning its greenhouse and kitchen into a garden-to-table program. Participants grew and harvested produce for daily meals, learned cooking skills and used new kitchen equipment to build independence. A refillable water station encouraged healthier habits. The project improved access to fresh food and created vocational training, laying the foundation for long-term health and employment opportunities.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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Honokaa, HI
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Addressing community health
Description: Food insecurity surged in rural Honokaa during the pandemic, leaving many older adults isolated and struggling to afford groceries. The project repaired the temple's kitchen roof, upgraded electrical circuits and added a three-door refrigerator, enabling safe storage and preparation of more than 25,000 meals annually. These improvements strengthened a program now serving over 500 weekly meals and grocery bags and paved the way for intergenerational cooking classes that teach economical meal planning. The upgrades also position the temple as a backup emergency shelter during disasters.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Milwaukee, WI
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Addressing community health
Description: Organizers with Milwaukee Turners hoped to break down barriers between different neighborhoods, all while eduating residents about healthy eating. The nonprofit worked with local community organizations to host walking tours through the Riverwest-Harambee, Metcalfe Park and Walker's Point/South Side neighborhoods. Recognizing that Milwaukee remains segregated, organizers intentionally chose participating neighborhoods from across the city to showcase the community's diversity. People who lived or worked in each neighborhood led the tours, where they shared personal stories and area history. In turn, walk participants asked questions and discussed their own lived experiences. Each walk culminated in a cooking demonstration. Many parts of Milwaukee are food deserts, so featured recipes incorporated healthy, affordable ingredients that residents can easily obtain in their neighborhoods. In the future, Milwaukee Turners hopes to host more walks in additional areas of Milwaukee.
Munich, ND
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Addressing community health
Description: In rural Cavalier County, limited grocery hours and staffing threatened food access for some who faced long drives in harsh weather. To keep the store viable and improve convenience, the project introduced a self-service model with keyfob entry to enable 24/7 access, security cameras and a new point-of-sale system. Volunteers, many age 50-plus, helped install the technology and train members. Residents now shop anytime, reducing travel burdens and supporting aging in place. "I think the key fob idea is great... you can go whenever you want," said one local teacher.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Elkton, MD
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Public space improvements to support recovery after extreme weather events
Description: Bayside worked to protect older adults and adults with disabilities who faced serious risks during storms and outages, and who often lacked an emergency plan or access to a safe place to shelter. The project installed a generator to keep the Day Program building operational as an emergency shelter. It also offered CPR, First Aid and preparedness classes that improved understanding of disaster risks for participants and caregivers. Post-project surveys showed major gains in awareness and confidence, and training with first responders strengthened readiness across households. The generator and ongoing classes now provide a stable foundation for long-term resilience for those most vulnerable during severe weather.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Newark, DE
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: An outdoor sound system will be installed at a public farm used for events and daily activities. Clear audio will improve communication and create a calmer, more inclusive environment for visitors.
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