AARP Hearing Center
AARP Livable Communities Map
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center (2017) Print
2017 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Community Health and Economic Empowerment
└ Addressing community health
└ Addressing community health
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center in Newport wanted to encourage community members to eat locally grown fresh produce. In partnership with the Jamestown Community Garden, the Center wrote and published the first two chapters of a community cookbook. They then distributed copies of the book through the local food pantry. The first chapter offers tips on cooking with fall produce -- such as zucchini and squash -- and the second focuses on cooking for one. In addition, the center hosted a food expo, which gave residents access to info about local food resources. The community center intends to host similar events in the future.
Photo Gallery
Image:
Click on a photo to learn more
See More Projects Like This One
Providence, RI
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Addressing community health
Description: Older adults in Providence often walked to food pantries, but heavy groceries and long outdoor waits made access difficult and undignified. The project distributed grocery carts to 175 guests and created an indoor waiting area with sturdy seating, easing transport of up to 30 pounds of food and providing comfort during high-volume visits. These changes removed a major barrier to food access, helped older adults remain independent. The pantries are now welcoming spaces that connect guests to additional health services.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Milwaukee, WI
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Addressing community health
Description: Organizers with Milwaukee Turners hoped to break down barriers between different neighborhoods, all while eduating residents about healthy eating. The nonprofit worked with local community organizations to host walking tours through the Riverwest-Harambee, Metcalfe Park and Walker's Point/South Side neighborhoods. Recognizing that Milwaukee remains segregated, organizers intentionally chose participating neighborhoods from across the city to showcase the community's diversity. People who lived or worked in each neighborhood led the tours, where they shared personal stories and area history. In turn, walk participants asked questions and discussed their own lived experiences. Each walk culminated in a cooking demonstration. Many parts of Milwaukee are food deserts, so featured recipes incorporated healthy, affordable ingredients that residents can easily obtain in their neighborhoods. In the future, Milwaukee Turners hopes to host more walks in additional areas of Milwaukee.
Munich, ND
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Addressing community health
Description: In rural Cavalier County, limited grocery hours and staffing threatened food access for some who faced long drives in harsh weather. To keep the store viable and improve convenience, the project introduced a self-service model with keyfob entry to enable 24/7 access, security cameras and a new point-of-sale system. Volunteers, many age 50-plus, helped install the technology and train members. Residents now shop anytime, reducing travel burdens and supporting aging in place. "I think the key fob idea is great... you can go whenever you want," said one local teacher.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Indianapolis, IN
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026
Project Category: Transportation Other
Description: Four artist-designed traffic circles will be installed on residential streets to slow traffic and link key neighborhood destinations. Safer crossings and calmer streets will help older residents walk between housing, parks and community spaces.
Indianapolis, IN
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021
Project Category: Roadway/sidewalks/crosswalk improvement
Description: Indianapolis has several dangerous intersections where 120 pedestrians have died or been injured over the past ten years. The Martin Luther King Multi-Service Center worked with local teenagers to paint the words 120 Is Enough on the pavement at these locations. Organizers say the message is meant to calm traffic and encourage drivers to be more mindful of pedestrians, cyclists and runners. Installation involved working with the city's Department of Public Works to negotiate local rules governing crosswalk designs. Since completing the crosswalks, project organizers say other local advocates have reach out for guidance to successfully create their own artistic crosswalks.
LEARN MORE AND STAY INFORMED
Find articles and resources about making communities more livable for people of all ages
Download or order free publications from AARP Livable Communities
Sign up for the free, weekly, award-winning AARP Livable Communities eNewsletter
Don't see your community listed?
LEARN HOW IT CAN JOIN THE NETWORKConnect with your AARP State Office
AARP has offices in all 50 states as well as in the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
AARP Rhode Island State Office
10 Orms Street
Suite 200
Providence, RI 02904
United States