See More Projects Like This One

Atlanta, GA

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020

Project Category: Community Gardens

Description: Using donated recycled and salvaged lumber, the Lifecycle Building Center built 14 Little Free Pantries and 10 garden beds. The Center used the fabrication work to demonstrate how the construction industry can help strengthen communities by prioritizing the reuse of materials. Mounted at chest height for easy access and placed in public areas, the pantries allow community members experiencing food insecurity to collect items as needed. Local nonprofit Friends of Refugees stocked the pantries with 1,000 pounds of food. The raised-bed planters went to the homes of refugee gardeners.

Oakland, CA

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021

Project Category: Community Gardens

Description: During the COVID-19 pandemic, community gardens became critical, allowing residents of Oakland and the East Bay to meet and connect with neighbors and grow healthy food. However, many community gardens lacked amenities that made them accessible for people of all ages. To close this gap, Habitat for Humanity East Bay/Silicon Valley added needed amenities for gardens throughout the region. By installing three picnic tables, four tool sheds, five Adirondack chairs, ten garden benches and more 30 garden stools, Habitat for Humanity was able to revitalize well-loved gardens and ensure more residents could access fresh produce locally.

Thurston County, WA

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020

Project Category: Community Gardens

Description: Garden Raised Bounty installed 21 home gardens throughout Thurston County, giving the recipients access to healthy food and community connections. The organization adapted half of the gardens to meet accessibility needs and customized all of the gardens for specific recipients. Garden Raised Bounty also provided growing guides, online tutorials, seeds or starter plants, recipes and one-on-one support to ensure each garden's success. Its goal was to increase food security and provide for the mental and physical well-being of its recipients, many of whom reported the project had a positive impact on their communities and lives.

Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects

Joppa, IL

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021

Project Category: Park enhancements

Description: Joppa has one community park, which lacked accessibility features. With the help of volunteers, the Village of Joppa installed accessible seating, picnic tables, tire swings and belt swings and other amenities. Project organizers say they hope the upgrades allow people of all ages and abilities to enjoy the park.

Cairo, IL

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024

Project Category: Bike Audits

Description: A series of walk audits will identify viable locations to install benches. The seating will offer residents a place to meet up or wait for rides during community activities.

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