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Urban Farming Institute of Boston (2021) Print
2021 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Community Health and Economic Empowerment
└ Addressing community health
└ Addressing community health
Lower-income residents of Boston's Mattapan, Roxbury and Dorchester neighborhoods often lack access to fresh produce. To help residents grow their own vegetables, the Urban Farming Institute of Boston built and installed backyard grow boxes. The Institute provides one-on-one support to participating families, heling them learn about gardening and cooking techniques. They also host a virtual cooking show -- Destination Cuisine -- featuring local chefs and culturally relevant recipes to inspire residents to prepare healthy, delicious meals.
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Clifton, NJ
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Addressing community health
Description: Passaic County faced high food insecurity, leaving many older adults without reliable access to nutritious meals. To restore dignity and choice, The Food Brigade opened a client-choice pantry modeled like a grocery store, complete with aisles, carts, refrigeration and ADA-access ramps. Volunteers stocked shelves with culturally appropriate foods and healthier options. The pantry now empowers residents to shop for what they need and has inspired other pantries to adopt similar models. "It's such a great feeling to be able to take what you need as opposed to what you can afford," shared one client, reflecting its impact on well-being.
Monticello, IA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Addressing community health
Description: Food insecurity and limited access to affordable, healthy meals left many residents, especially older adults, without resources to learn cost-saving cooking skills. The library addressed this by purchasing a mobile kitchen cart equipped for demonstrations and hands-on classes. Programs ranged from story times for children to adult sessions on preserving food, cooking on a budget and using local produce. The cart sparked community interest, drawing new participants and partnerships with farms and advocates. Attendees praised the classes, and the library plans to expand offerings, including appliance-focused workshops and summer literacy programs tied to cooking.
Munich, ND
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Addressing community health
Description: In rural Cavalier County, limited grocery hours and staffing threatened food access for some who faced long drives in harsh weather. To keep the store viable and improve convenience, the project introduced a self-service model with keyfob entry to enable 24/7 access, security cameras and a new point-of-sale system. Volunteers, many age 50-plus, helped install the technology and train members. Residents now shop anytime, reducing travel burdens and supporting aging in place. "I think the key fob idea is great... you can go whenever you want," said one local teacher.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Boston, MA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Walk Audits
Description: This project aims to enhance pedestrian safety and accessibility in Roslindale Square through three walk audits and two community meetings. It will focus on sidewalk, crosswalk, and signage improvements.
Boston, MA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020
Project Category: Developing projects based on residents' priorities
Description: The Dudley Street Neighborhood Initiative, which serves residents in Boston's low-income Roxbury and North Dorchester neighborhoods, created virtual spaces for intergenerational dialogue on community issues. To do this, the organization hosted a series of workshops, forums and support groups where residents could see one another and share their experiences. Because the area is home to many Cape Verdean and Latino families, DSNI provided interpretation services. They also provided technical support to those who needed it. One highlight was an in-person listening session held at one of Roxbury's last remaining vacant lots, where DSNI recorded residents talking about their needs and concerns. The organization has since added other virtual programming, including a monthly book club.
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