Hill City, SD

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022

Project Category: Community Gardens

Description: This project installed cisterns to collect rainwater at the church's community garden, increasing the number of plots and, hence, the number food distribution sites it serves. Additionally, the church held workshops on gardening and the use of fresh produce to encourage others to grow their own food.

Gloucester, VA

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022

Project Category: Community Gardens

Description: This project created a food pantry and vegetable garden at the clinic, affording patients better access to healthy foods.

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.