Howard County, MD

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021

Project Category: Addressing community health

Description: Many Howard County residents experience food insecurity. To provide non-perishable groceries to families in need, the Indian Cultural Association of Howard County set up five Little Free Pantries in the towns of Columbia, Ellicott City and Woodbine. Volunteers stock the pantries twice a week, and each operates on a give-and-take basis. In the first year after their installation, the pantries supplied more than 3,000 pounds of food to residents.

Tulsa, OK

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020

Project Category: Addressing community health

Description: Indian Nations Council of Governments partnered with a local bikeshare organization -- This Machine Tulsa Bikes -- to deliver food to homebound residents living in a food desert. Project organizers deployed flyers and postcards to spread word about the program. The grocery delivery boxes included fresh produce, meat, bread, eggs and other staples, with a focus on high-nutrition, low-sodium items. Project organizers hoped the pilot project would improve food access and strengthen community partnerships. Project organizers report recipients enjoyed seeing their groceries arrive by bike. They also say the project helped inform local grocery stores about the ways they can help residents access food, such as allowing people to order food by phone and stock curated boxes of groceries.

Washington, DC

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019

Project Category: Addressing community health

Description: Community Foodworks, a farmers market advocacy group, wanted to make the outdoor market experience more palatable and accessible for older adults. Farmers markets provide social connectedness for older adults, as well as an opportunity to access healthy, local food. CFW's markets also provide matching dollars and vouchers to locals receiving federal nutrition assistance, but recipients must wait in line for this assistance. Older adults often have trouble standing for long periods in line, especially in inclement weather. To increase market visitors' comfort, CFW created Rest Rehydration stations at three markets, which included shade tents, tables, seating, water and music.