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.

Ho-Ho-Kus, NJ

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026

Project Category: Community Gardens

Description: A greenhouse, gardening tools, growing supplies and a small outdoor stage to support events and food production will be added to a community garden. These upgrades will improve planting capacity and allow more community members to participate safely.

Montpelier, VT

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022

Project Category: Community Gardens

Description: Older residents faced barriers to affordable fresh produce and lacked a welcoming space to gather. The project launched weekly pop-up farm-stand events outside the local center, offering low-cost food grown at the city's Feast Farm. A mobile stand, shade tent and signage were added, and volunteers-including many age 50-plus-helped run events featuring music and cooking demos. The farm stand became a seasonal hub for social connection and healthy eating. One volunteer said it was "wonderful to see all the fresh produce and feel part of something." Plans include continuing the farm stand and expanding different programs.

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