Laramie, WY

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018

Project Category: Community Gardens

Description: Food insecurity is high in Laramie, with many residents lacking access to healthy, fresh produce. To increase food access, Action Resources International created a community garden. They considered the needs of older adults and people with mobility challenges when designing the space, adding accessible, raised garden beds onsite. The beds allow people in wheelchairs -- as well as those who find kneeling uncomfortable -- to tend to the plots. Project organizers hope the new garden provides learning opportunities for West Laramie residents and helps ease reliance on processed food.

Kenai, AK

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018

Project Category: Community Gardens

Description: Hey gek'a, also known as the lingonberry or lowbush cranberry, is used by Alaska Native people to treat headaches, swelling, sore throats and tuberculosis and to dye mats, baskets and skin. After the installation of six raised gardening beds on the campus of the Dena'ina Wellness Center, Kenaitze Indian Tribe elders and other community members have improved access to the berries. They also grow 11 other indigenous, medicinal plants at the site, including chamomile, yarrow and stinging nettle. Each plant is tagged with its Dena'ina name, as well as its uses, enabling visitors to learn about the tribe's language and traditional knowledge.

Tulsa, OK

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024

Project Category: Community Gardens

Description: This project will support operations at a community garden. The organization will provide older adult gardeners with accessibility assists, including knee pads and rolling chairs. Additionally, they will launch nutrition education programming at the garden.