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Farm to Pantry (2023) Print
2023 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Community Health and Economic Empowerment
└ Addressing community health
└ Addressing community health
Low-income older adults in Sonoma County often lacked access to fresh produce, relying on shelf-stable foods. Farm to Pantry addressed this by building "Farm-acy" carts stocked with locally grown fruits and vegetables, health clinics and other high-need sites. Volunteers gleaned produce from farms and added recipe cards to encourage healthy meals. The carts now provide free, high-quality food in a dignified setting, reducing waste and improving nutrition. One recipient said, "I walk out of the clinic to this bright cart full of freshly-picked oranges... it was like it was meant for me personally."
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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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.
Elkton, MD
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Addressing community health
Description: Older adults and individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Elkton face food insecurity and chronic health issues tied to poor nutrition. Bayside responded with "Growing Lunch," turning its greenhouse and kitchen into a garden-to-table program. Participants grew and harvested produce for daily meals, learned cooking skills and used new kitchen equipment to build independence. A refillable water station encouraged healthier habits. The project improved access to fresh food and created vocational training, laying the foundation for long-term health and employment opportunities.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Monticello, IA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Addressing community health
Description: Food insecurity and limited access to affordable, healthy meals left many residents, especially older adults, without resources to learn cost-saving cooking skills. The library addressed this by purchasing a mobile kitchen cart equipped for demonstrations and hands-on classes. Programs ranged from story times for children to adult sessions on preserving food, cooking on a budget and using local produce. The cart sparked community interest, drawing new participants and partnerships with farms and advocates. Attendees praised the classes, and the library plans to expand offerings, including appliance-focused workshops and summer literacy programs tied to cooking.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Cloverdale, CA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: There will be multiple accessible benches added along the trail, as well as a bilingual walking program. The project will add places to rest and meet, while guided group walks will support safe movement and social connection.
Clearlake, CA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Expansion and enhancement of transportation options
Description: Lake County is home to a high percentage of older adults and people with disabilities, as well as many low-income families. Many of these residents struggle to get around, especially when they need to travel to medical appointments outside of the county. To fill transportation gaps, Lake Links set out to launch a year-long pilot volunteer driver program. They recruited volunteers and scheduled monthly trainings, enabling them to provide rides to older adults in Lake County. Since starting the service, organizers say community support for a permanent volunteer driver program has grown.
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