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Downtown Springfield Inc. (2020) Print
2020 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Community Health and Economic Empowerment
└ Addressing community health
└ Addressing community health
A new online order system and optional curbside pickup at Springfield's Old Capitol Farmers Market reduced shoppers' risk of COVID-19 exposure. The improvements ensured that older adults and SNAP users could access fresh and healthy food from the popular market. Downtown Springfield Inc. replaced SNAP tokens with Healthy Ways scannable cards, which limit the need for physical contact at checkout. Following the change, the market saw an increase in SNAP transactions. In addition, more than 150 community members took advantage of the curbside option, which reduced in-person foot traffic and provided a safe shopping alternative to those most at risk.
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Fairbanks, AK
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Addressing community health
Description: Older adults who once grew large gardens for a local food program could no longer manage the work, reducing fresh produce for patients in the Food Is Medicine initiative. The Plant a Pot project supplied pots, soil and plants to 115 people, with volunteers helping them grow vegetables like broccoli and cabbage. Harvests supported the program and revived a sense of purpose for participants. Local service clubs also gained new energy and became more sustainable, with one member saying that the effort improved connections and generated stories of success.
Indianapolis, IN
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020
Project Category: Addressing community health
Description: Staff at Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana noticed that many food-insecure older adults had mobility challenges that prevented them from easily transporting their groceries. This forced many food pantry patrons to collect the amount of food they could carry rather than the amount they actually needed. To address this, the food bank purchased 54 shopping carts for agencies participating in its Senior Shopping Day program. To ensure the carts remained in the agencies' possession, Gleaners outfitted each one with a security tag. Project organizers say chronic hunger is particularly damaging for older adults, leaving them susceptible to chronic illnesses, such as diabetes, heart disease and depression. The new carts represent one way to customize hunger relief services for this population.
Washington, DC
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019
Project Category: Addressing community health
Description: Community Foodworks, a farmers market advocacy group, wanted to make the outdoor market experience more palatable and accessible for older adults. Farmers markets provide social connectedness for older adults, as well as an opportunity to access healthy, local food. CFW's markets also provide matching dollars and vouchers to locals receiving federal nutrition assistance, but recipients must wait in line for this assistance. Older adults often have trouble standing for long periods in line, especially in inclement weather. To increase market visitors' comfort, CFW created Rest Rehydration stations at three markets, which included shade tents, tables, seating, water and music.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Quincy, IL
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Digital Connectivity for Disasters
Description: Older adults faced delays in receiving critical health updates during emergencies when information changes rapidly. The health department launched a mobile app for real-time alerts and daily health tips, promoted through health fairs and social media. The app now speeds emergency communication, reduces misleading information and strengthens trust in local health authorities. It also helps residents find services like flu clinics and will support future features such as payment integration. One user said it made it so easy to find a clinic right in her own town, underscoring its role in keeping people informed and prepared.
Batavia, IL
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2017
Project Category: Engaging people in transportation options/safety
Description: Local officials and community organizations hoped to increase pedestrian and bicycle traffic in downtown Batavia. To do this, the Batavia Environmental Commission, Batavia Bicycle Commission, the WellBatavia Initiative and Batavia Maitreet undertook a research and promotional campaign. They hosted a walk and bike audit that taught residents urban biking skills, such as how to load a bike onto a public bus. The initiative then paired participants with residents of a local retirement community, as well as with families with small children, to help them learn about biking. The group produced a 15-minute video documentary presenting the town's history, showcasing its pedestrian and bike infrastructure and highlighting the need for future improvements. In 2022, Batavia announced it would create a bicycle and walking plan to improve city trails and make intersections safer.
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