Imperial Beach, CA

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024

Project Category: Community Gardens

Description: Imperial Beach lacked accessible spaces for older adults to garden and connect, despite strong community demand. The city converted a 4,500-square-foot lot near its adult center into an intergenerational garden with 18 raised beds and wheelchair-accessible planters. It also added a greenhouse, compost bins, a tool shed and seating areas. More than 150 volunteers, including many age 50 or over, helped build the space and joined planting days and nutrition workshops. The garden now hosts monthly classes on gardening and healthy cooking, offering residents a welcoming place to socialize. They are able to stay active and grow fresh produce-turning a vacant lot into a hub for health and community.

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

Union, SC

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022

Project Category: Community Gardens

Description: Low-income older adults in Union County faced food insecurity and limited access to fresh produce, especially those who were homebound or had disabilities. To address this, the organization distributed more than 400 bags of fresh produce and installed accessible raised garden beds and ADA-compliant garden boxes. The project also launched a community garden and partnered with local groups to expand outreach. Residents expressed appreciation, saying "this is such a blessing," and "the new garden gives me a place to go." Plans are underway to add gardens in all four municipalities to sustain and grow the effort.

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

Kihei, HI

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025

Project Category: Community Gardens

Description: Central Maui faces high food costs and limited access to local produce, leaving many residents concerned about rising grocery bills and few places to learn sustainable growing practices. Grow Some Good expanded the Na Mala Kaiaulu agroforest by planting fruit trees and native plants, adding ADA benches and hosting workshops for adults age 50-plus that blended cultural knowledge with gardening skills. Volunteers helped guide planting decisions and shape programming. As the canopy grows, the space will offer more shade and produce, helping households facing food insecurity. One participant said the farm provides a healing place that strengthens family resilience.

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