Flemington, NJ

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020

Project Category: Addressing community health

Description: The Harvest Family Success Center aimed to help older residents to improve and maintain their health through a better diet. As part of their efforts, the nonprofit established its Cooks Books program. Organizers set up a free, weekly outdoor produce market. Older adults in the community also received weekly wellness phone calls, which served as check-ins to assess their mental state and financial health. In addition, the Center created a library of health and wellness books. Since the initiative launched local businesses and community groups have stepped in to provide additional resources, including access to a dietician. In addition, project organizers report that during the COVID-19 pandemic the market and wellness check-ins helped older adults in the community avoid social isolation.

Santa Rosa, CA

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023

Project Category: Addressing community health

Description: 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.

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.