St. Johnsbury, VT

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021

Project Category: Community Gardens

Description: To give residents access to fresh produce, the Vermont Community Garden Network installed garden beds at two affordable housing complexes in St. Johnsbury and Newport. Over several building days, volunteers worked to clear old wood and debris, cut boards to construct the raised beds, fill them with soil and plant garlic bulbs for residents to harvest in the spring. To ensure the crop's success, they also held a demonstration to teach residents how to plant, care for and harvest garlic. In addition to improving residents' physical health through nutritious food, organizers say the gardens will support mental health, too, by combating social isolation. The Network continues to host workshops and provide seeds, tools and other support to gardeners at both housing complexes.

Millersburg, PA

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023

Project Category: Community Gardens

Description: This project will provide benches and raised beds for a newly-created community garden, as well as install raised garden beds near senior apartment buildings.

Portland, OR

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023

Project Category: Community Gardens

Description: This project will turn an overgrown area into a community garden featuring medicinal and edible plants. The accessible space will host educational workshops and give community members a place gather and socialize. In addition, produce from the garden will be donated to people in need.