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.

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.

Fontana, CA

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2017

Project Category: Addressing community health

Description: The City of Fontana wanted to motivate its residents to incorporate walking into their daily routines. To do this, the City launched its Fontana Walks program, with the goal of recording two billion steps taken by locals in a year, equaling roughly 1 million miles. Participants registered and received a pedometer and water bottle to help them get going. The City then held its inaugural community walk, which attracted with 100 participants, with hundreds more lacing up their shoes over the next few months. To keep the momentum going, the City created a website with tips and motivation for walkers. The City has continued to host monthly community walks, each featuring a theme.