Anadarko, OK

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019

Project Category: Community Gardens

Description: Delaware Nation created an accessible community garden in an area designated as a food desert. Residents of all ages use the garden to plant and harvest fresh fruits and vegetables. The garden includes 25 raised beds, constructed at different heights to accommodate older adults and people with mobility differences. Two beds are specifically designated for growing native plants. Delaware Nation also purchased gardening tools, including wheelbarrows, trellises, garden hoses, an irrigation system and reusable frost blankets. Much of the produce grown onsite is used in meals prepared for the tribe's older members. Tables, shade umbrellas and a charcoal grill allow tribal members to gather and enjoy produce from the garden together.

Green Bay, WI

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021

Project Category: Community Gardens

Description: The Farmory is a nonprofit urban farm, where community members can learn about sustainable agriculture and aquaponics. However, many of the farm's features were inaccessibly to visitors who rely on wheelchairs or other mobility devices. To make the space more accessible, the Farmory installed a new aquaponics system, which is low to the ground. This allows visitors to see the farm's growing systems without needing to climb onto a ladder. The system consists of four growing beds, water tanks, a germinating chamber and a harvesting area. Today, produce grown with the new aquaponics system also helps combat food insecurity -- the Farmory donates about ten pounds of greens each week to the county's Aging and Disability Resource Center.

Reno, NV

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021

Project Category: Community Gardens

Description: Many of Reno's Native residents have limited access to fresh produce. To provide nutritious food to local families, the Center for Healthy Aging concerted a vacant lot into an intergenerational, indigenous community garden. The Center wanted to ensure the space was accessible and welcoming, so it installed ADA-compliant benches, raised garden beds and LED lighting in the space. Today, the garden hosts programming for people of all ages, including culinary classes, culturally relevant gardening instruction and a harvest festival.