Phoenix, AZ

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020

Project Category: Community Gardens

Description: This project created waist-high, raised-bed planters for the Society of St. Vincent De Paul's urban farm. Designed to hold up in the Arizona sun and heat, the raised beds sit at the farm's entrance. Project organizers also planted shade trees and installed benches to better serve the garden's older adult volunteers and people with disabilities. A new chalk board also helps remind garden volunteers about progress on day-to-day tasks. Project organizers report that since the upgrades, many older volunteers have renewed interest in working in the garden.

Findlay, OH

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025

Project Category: Community Gardens

Description: Many older adults had limited access to fresh food and safe outdoor spaces, especially in areas with few grocery options and higher rates of disability. These barriers made it harder for residents age 50 or over to stay active, eat well and connect with others. United Way of Hancock County redesigned the Findlay Community Garden to better serve older adults by adding raised beds, clearer pathways and shared gathering areas that reduce physical strain and improve access. The updated layout allowed older residents to garden comfortably and return to a routine many had valued earlier in life. Participants shared that the changes helped them feel independent and connected while growing food for themselves and others. The expanded garden now supports ongoing volunteer involvement, food sharing and long-term use as a stable community resource.

Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.

Greenville, MS

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020

Project Category: Community Gardens

Description: As part of efforts to transform a vacant lot into a community garden, Greenville's Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church installed a new fence and hoop houses at the site. The hoop houses cover the beds and keep them warm, allowing gardeners to grow produce through the winter months. In addition, the church installed a sign to inform passersby about the Third and Spruce Community Garden. Since these improvements, project organizers made an agreement with a local food pantry to provide fresh produce to individuals and families facing food insecurity. During the 2021-2022 growing season, the garden produced about 900 pounds of fruits and vegetables. The Church also plans to hold gardening skills workshops and healthy food demonstrations for the community.