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Santa Rosa, CA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Addressing community health
Description: Low-income older adults in Sonoma County often lacked access to fresh produce, relying on shelf-stable foods. Farm to Pantry addressed this by building "Farm-acy" carts stocked with locally grown fruits and vegetables, health clinics and other high-need sites. Volunteers gleaned produce from farms and added recipe cards to encourage healthy meals. The carts now provide free, high-quality food in a dignified setting, reducing waste and improving nutrition. One recipient said, "I walk out of the clinic to this bright cart full of freshly-picked oranges... it was like it was meant for me personally."
Elkton, MD
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Addressing community health
Description: 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.
Newport, RI
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2017
Project Category: Addressing community health
Description: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center in Newport wanted to encourage community members to eat locally grown fresh produce. In partnership with the Jamestown Community Garden, the Center wrote and published the first two chapters of a community cookbook. They then distributed copies of the book through the local food pantry. The first chapter offers tips on cooking with fall produce -- such as zucchini and squash -- and the second focuses on cooking for one. In addition, the center hosted a food expo, which gave residents access to info about local food resources. The community center intends to host similar events in the future.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Leonia, NJ
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: HomeFit Modifications
Description: This project will conduct three educational trainings on home safety for people of all ages. Participants will gain low-cost home safety and accessibility knowledge and may be eligible for minor home modifications.
Bronx, NY
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: Fordham University's Center for Community Engaged Learning transformed a vacant lot in Highbridge into a weekly farmers market, tackling limited access to fresh food and services for older adults. The market offered locally grown produce, cooking demonstrations and resource tables, with seating added for comfort. It accepted multiple payment options, including assistance programs, and fostered intergenerational connections. During cooking demos, participants shared recipes and memories, with one noting the exchange "was a beautiful way to build community."
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