Milwaukee, WI

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022

Project Category: Addressing community health

Description: Organizers with Milwaukee Turners hoped to break down barriers between different neighborhoods, all while eduating residents about healthy eating. The nonprofit worked with local community organizations to host walking tours through the Riverwest-Harambee, Metcalfe Park and Walker's Point/South Side neighborhoods. Recognizing that Milwaukee remains segregated, organizers intentionally chose participating neighborhoods from across the city to showcase the community's diversity. People who lived or worked in each neighborhood led the tours, where they shared personal stories and area history. In turn, walk participants asked questions and discussed their own lived experiences. Each walk culminated in a cooking demonstration. Many parts of Milwaukee are food deserts, so featured recipes incorporated healthy, affordable ingredients that residents can easily obtain in their neighborhoods. In the future, Milwaukee Turners hopes to host more walks in additional areas of Milwaukee.

Newport, RI

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2017

Project Category: Addressing community health

Description: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center in Newport wanted to encourage community members to eat locally grown fresh produce. In partnership with the Jamestown Community Garden, the Center wrote and published the first two chapters of a community cookbook. They then distributed copies of the book through the local food pantry. The first chapter offers tips on cooking with fall produce -- such as zucchini and squash -- and the second focuses on cooking for one. In addition, the center hosted a food expo, which gave residents access to info about local food resources. The community center intends to host similar events in the future.

Clifton, NJ

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024

Project Category: Addressing community health

Description: Passaic County faced high food insecurity, leaving many older adults without reliable access to nutritious meals. To restore dignity and choice, The Food Brigade opened a client-choice pantry modeled like a grocery store, complete with aisles, carts, refrigeration and ADA-access ramps. Volunteers stocked shelves with culturally appropriate foods and healthier options. The pantry now empowers residents to shop for what they need and has inspired other pantries to adopt similar models. "It's such a great feeling to be able to take what you need as opposed to what you can afford," shared one client, reflecting its impact on well-being.

Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.