Clifton, NJ

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024

Project Category: Addressing community health

Description: This project will help create a community pantry by installing shelving, refrigeration units and an accessible ramp. The pantry will simulate a grocery shopping experience, allowing visitors to browse the aisles, select food items and check out with program staff.

Elkton, MD

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023

Project Category: Addressing community health

Description: This project will help convert the organization's kitchen and on-site greenhouse into a learning garden-to-table experience to increase the overall health, independence and employability for people age 50 and those with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

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.