Tulsa, OK

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020

Project Category: Addressing community health

Description: Indian Nations Council of Governments partnered with a local bikeshare organization -- This Machine Tulsa Bikes -- to deliver food to homebound residents living in a food desert. Project organizers deployed flyers and postcards to spread word about the program. The grocery delivery boxes included fresh produce, meat, bread, eggs and other staples, with a focus on high-nutrition, low-sodium items. Project organizers hoped the pilot project would improve food access and strengthen community partnerships. Project organizers report recipients enjoyed seeing their groceries arrive by bike. They also say the project helped inform local grocery stores about the ways they can help residents access food, such as allowing people to order food by phone and stock curated boxes of groceries.

Memphis, TN

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022

Project Category: Addressing community health

Description: To combat food insecurity and increase opportunities for socialization, this project created The Exodus Marketplace. The space now hosts a monthly farmers market, a book club and more.

Pine Ridge, SD

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023

Project Category: Addressing community health

Description: To increase tribal elders' access to locally-grown food, this project will host a weekly farmers market featuring traditional foods that students will grow, harvest and prepare.