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.

Superior, AZ

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025

Project Category: Community Gardens

Description: Older adults in Superior lacked a safe, comfortable outdoor space where they could gather, learn and help grow food, especially during months of extreme heat. Regeneration Sonora addressed this by adding a durable shade structure, solar lighting and new gardening tools at the community microfarm. This made the space more usable during hot days and safer during evening events. These upgrades supported regular gatherings and hands-on garden activities that encouraged older adults to participate more often. At the unveiling, residents age 50-plus prepared food, joined music and took part in the celebration, showing renewed engagement. The improvements now support ongoing classes, unplanned visits and year-round programming that help older adults stay connected and involved.

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

Clarksville, TN

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022

Project Category: Community Gardens

Description: Rapid growth and shrinking lot sizes left many residents without space or knowledge to grow food, while obesity and inactivity rates underscored the need for healthy, social activities. The county converted a 7,500-square-foot plot into an ADA-accessible community garden with raised beds, tools and a shed. It hosted volunteer events in the new space to teach planting and food preparation. The garden now serves as an educational hub where families and older adults learn sustainable gardening and share meals. Partnerships with schools and master gardeners will sustain events and programs. "This project has shown me the energy and will of the community," said one organizer, reflecting its role in reducing isolation and fostering connection.

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