Davis, WV

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023

Project Category: Community Gardens

Description: An unused section of campus offered no space for growing food or community engagement. The project transformed it into a garden with 20 raised beds and four accessible benches, successfully producing potatoes and garlic on land once used for coal mining. The garden is now a permanent feature supporting education and local agriculture, with plans to expand crops for families and the food bank. "It was incredible to see our potato harvest just a few months after planting," one participant said.

Portsmouth, NH

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023

Project Category: Community Gardens

Description: Residents of Atlantic Heights Senior Housing faced barriers to fresh food and outdoor activity, leaving many isolated. Gather partnered with the housing authority to build four raised garden beds, install a watering system and provide seasonal plants. Twenty residents helped plan, plant and maintain vegetables, herbs and flowers. The gardens now offer a sustainable source of produce, improve nutrition and foster social connection while removing mobility barriers. Success has inspired plans for gardening workshops and expansion to other housing sites.

Jackson, MI

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023

Project Category: Community Gardens

Description: Older adults in Jackson lacked accessible ways to learn about healthy eating and gardening, leaving many disconnected from fresh food options. Grow Jackson responded by creating a garden program at a local community center, offering classes on nutrition, gardening and food saving. Participants gained hands-on experience with plants and shared knowledge in a welcoming space. The effort strengthened social ties and sparked plans for expanded programming next summer, ensuring continued engagement and healthier habits.