Hagerstown, MD

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020

Project Category: Addressing community health

Description: During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Washington County Commission on Aging purchased and outfitted a trailer to operate as a mobile office. Commission staff deployed the trailer at drive-through vaccination events. That way, older adults seeking vaccinations could drive to the trailer's location, then complete their required paperwork without leaving their personal vehicles. During the first three months of 2021, the Commission held 12 events, vaccinating 670 people. Since the vaccination drives, the Commission has used the trailer for other mobile services. During tax season, it provided a space to coordinate tax document drop off and pick up.

Greenville County, SC

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020

Project Category: Addressing community health

Description: Mill Community Ministries hoped to increase the amount of healthy food it could provide to residents through its FoodShare program. To facilitate this, the organization purchased a refrigerated tractor trailer, which increased its cold storage capacity. Thanks to the trailer, Mill Village Farms delivered six times more deeply discounted produce in 2021 compared to the previous year, helping combat food insecurity in Greenville County. Project organizers say the increased storage capacity also helped expand Mill Village's network of partner organizations.

Lansing, MI

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023

Project Category: Addressing community health

Description: This project will create a senior fitness membership for residents aged 60 and older, providing access to a fitness center, drop-in activities and an instructor to lead fitness and nutrition classes.