Providence, RI

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025

Project Category: Community Gardens

Description: This project will teach older adults at the West End Community Center about Straw Bale Gardening, a cost-effective method to grow vegetables safely despite contaminated soil.

Stone Mountain, GA

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023

Project Category: Community Gardens

Description: Immigrant and refugee growers in Stone Mountain needed better resources and infrastructure to farm collectively. The grant funded upgrades at two sites-Indian Creek MARTA Station Farm and North Dekalb Mall Garden-adding land improvements, garden tools, seed bins and picnic tables. These enhancements created safer, more functional spaces for older adults and strengthened community engagement. Both gardens are now part of long-term plans, including a partnership with Atlanta's transit authority and integration into a major mixed-use redevelopment. This helps position growers to sell produce locally and sustain food access.

Providence, RI

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023

Project Category: Community Gardens

Description: Urban soil contamination left residents without safe gardening options, especially older adults with limited mobility or no yard space. The center introduced straw bale gardening, teaching participants how to grow vegetables without heavy tools or transportation. Over the summer, older adults found joy and improved mental well-being through gardening, while learning a method that promotes independence and self-sufficiency. One volunteer shared cucumbers with a crossing guard while explaining the benefits, showing how the project sparked community connections and will continue through outreach for future planting seasons.