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Greater Flint Health Coalition (2022) Print
2022 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Public places
└ Community Gardens
└ Community Gardens
Genesee County struggles with food insecurity and chronic disease, challenges worsened by the pandemic and Flint's water crisis. To address these issues, the coalition expanded gardens at nine sites, adding accessible raised beds, farm fields and in-ground plots. Volunteers repaired a greenhouse and launched a countywide garden network to share resources and expertise. These efforts are creating lasting change by increasing access to fresh produce and safe outdoor activity for older adults. "We would like to have as much in the works as we can to grow big for spring... We have built a lot of excitement!" said a food pantry director.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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Sheridan, WY
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Community Gardens
Description: Veterans at the Sheridan VA struggled to access a therapeutic garden because uneven terrain and heat made gardening unsafe for those with mobility challenges. The project installed more than 500 feet of ADA-compliant concrete paths, raised beds at accessible heights and a retractable shade system. Volunteers and VA staff also hosted workshops and a garden symposium to engage veterans. These upgrades created a fully accessible space that supports physical activity, mental health and food security, ensuring older veterans can garden safely for years to come. One participant, who is a veteran, said that he didn't realize how much he would love gardening, and now has a passion for it.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
San Diego, CA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Community Gardens
Description: Many residents who live near San Diego's Park de la Cruz rent apartments, which limits their access to outdoor gathering spaces and gardening opportunities. To address this, organizers created a community garden on an overgrown parcel of land in the park. Many residents in Volunteers installed raised garden beds, designed to be accessible for people of all ages and abilities. Additionally, they added seating, a worktable, shade umbrellas and a gazebo to the space. To beautify the garden, and artist painted a mural onsite. The nonprofit also hosted a community planting day, where volunteers planted fruit trees and pollinator-friendly plans and filled the garden beds with vegetables. Since creating the garden, volunteers continue to care for the space. The garden provides produce for local families, as well as ingredients for a weekly cooking program for older adults.
Sacramento, CA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Community Gardens
Description: ACC addressed the lack of an accessible outdoor space where older adults could garden and connect. New raised beds, benches, irrigation and a decomposed granite walkway made it possible for people with mobility or vision limitations to participate fully. Volunteers of all ages helped build the space, creating a sense of shared purpose. Older adults said the improvements let them garden up close again and enjoy time outside with others. The project strengthened social ties, increased daily engagement and established a long-term gathering place that will support health, learning and connection for years to come.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Flint, MI
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: To make the Footbridge Park Plaza safer and more inviting, the Carriage Town Neighborhood Association added benches, trash receptacles and a dog clean-up station to the space. They also upgraded lighting, allowing visitors to more safely use the plaza at night. Many Carriage Town residents use the footbridge to walk to and from Flint's downtown. After the improvements, project organizers polled locals and found 80 percent said they were more likely to use the plaza. Neighbors have since begun work on a second plaza nearby.
Ortonville, MI
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026
Project Category: Expanding High-Speed Internet
Description: The project will add free public Wi-Fi and age-friendly digital access along Mill Street. Workshops will help older adults connect to health care and community life online and participate more fully downtown.
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