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Sprout Up (2023) Print
2023 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Public places
└ Community Gardens
└ Community Gardens
Food insecurity in Florida City left many residents, including older adults, without reliable access to fresh produce or safe spaces to connect. Sprout Up introduced aeroponic gardening, creating a shared garden where volunteers grow fruits and vegetables for community fridges and choice pantries. The project not only improves food access but also fosters social ties and a sense of purpose. "Being able to come to the garden and have someone to talk to has really made me feel less alone," said one participant.
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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Washington, DC
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Community Gardens
Description: Older adults volunteering in the community garden, growing fresh produce for donation, were increasingly limited by mobility challenges and summer heat, putting pressure on a program that depends on consistent hands-on work. Franciscan Monastery Garden Guild responded by upgrading the garden with raised beds, ergonomic tools, accessible seating and misting fans. These improvements reduced bending and strain, helped volunteers work safely in hot conditions and made it easier for people with limited mobility to plant, tend and harvest. The changes allowed older adults to remain active in the garden rather than step back from the work. The upgrades also made the space more welcoming to new volunteers, supporting steady production of fresh vegetables for food pantries and meal programs. By removing physical barriers, the project helped older adults continue contributing their time while expanding access to locally grown food.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Casselberry, FL
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021
Project Category: Community Gardens
Description: The Hindu Society of Central Florida is a vital center of the Hindu community. However, the temple's grounds needed a facelift. IDEAS for Us upgraded landscaping in the Society's courtyard, planting 250 native plants, as well as two magnolia trees. They also installed benches and an arbor to create a self-seeding, perennial garden that society members can use throughout the year. The project helped spur a thriving garden program and laid the groundwork for expansion to the space.
Gloucester, VA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Community Gardens
Description: Many patients faced food insecurity, making it harder to manage chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension. The clinic launched a food pantry and container garden, partnered with local groups and secured donated refrigerators and a freezer to store fresh produce. This effort began addressing a critical social determinant of health and sparked plans for a "food pharmacy" program tailored to chronic conditions.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Cutler Bay, FL
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2017
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: To encourage residents to exercise and socialize with one another, the Town of Cutler Bay added accessible exercise equipment - with a shade canopy to keep visitors cool -- to Cutler Ridge Park. Although Hurricane Irma damaged the park during installation, the new equipment now gives older adults the opportunity to improve their balance, strength, flexibility, range of motion and coordination. Project organizers say many older adults visit the park with their children and using the new fitness machines, which resemble playground equipment, can feel more like playing than exercising. Since the project's completion. the Town has installed similar fitness equipment at two other local parks.
South Miami, FL
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026
Project Category: Walk Audits
Description: Three walk audits will evaluate corridors to better serve older residents. Community meetings will review findings that inform future transportation planning.
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