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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.
Boston, MA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021
Project Category: Addressing community health
Description: Lower-income residents of Boston's Mattapan, Roxbury and Dorchester neighborhoods often lack access to fresh produce. To help residents grow their own vegetables, the Urban Farming Institute of Boston built and installed backyard grow boxes. The Institute provides one-on-one support to participating families, heling them learn about gardening and cooking techniques. They also host a virtual cooking show -- Destination Cuisine -- featuring local chefs and culturally relevant recipes to inspire residents to prepare healthy, delicious meals.
Clifton, NJ
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Addressing community health
Description: Passaic County faced high food insecurity, leaving many older adults without reliable access to nutritious meals. To restore dignity and choice, The Food Brigade opened a client-choice pantry modeled like a grocery store, complete with aisles, carts, refrigeration and ADA-access ramps. Volunteers stocked shelves with culturally appropriate foods and healthier options. The pantry now empowers residents to shop for what they need and has inspired other pantries to adopt similar models. "It's such a great feeling to be able to take what you need as opposed to what you can afford," shared one client, reflecting its impact on well-being.
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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