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.

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.

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.