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.

Providence, RI

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023

Project Category: Community Gardens

Description: This project will distribute 200 straw bales an alternative to contaminated urban soil so that community members can plant and grow their own vegetables.

San Juan, PR

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023

Project Category: Community Gardens

Description: This project will install four raised beds and two accessible benches in an existing community garden, which is located in a low-income area with many older residents.