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Vermont Community Garden Network (2021) Print
2021 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Public places
└ Community Gardens
└ Community Gardens
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.
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Florida City, FL
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Community Gardens
Description: This project will use aeroponic gardening as an alternative to traditional gardening methods, bringing residents of various ages together to cultivate plants. The produce will go to community fridges and choice pantries, where older people can obtain food at no cost.
Iola, KS
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Community Gardens
Description: This project will provide raised garden beds, a greenhouse, a solar energy kit and a heater and fan to make a community garden more accessible to community members of all ages throughout more the year.
Winchester, ID
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Community Gardens
Description: This project will turn a public patio and outdoor space at a library into a community garden, which will include garden beds and ADA-accessible benches. The library will provide programming focused on sustainability and fostering healthy, safe and food-secure communities.
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Lyndon, VT
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: This project will enhance Bandstand Park by adding a pollinator garden, vine trellis, and wheelchair-accessible picnic tables. This will improve accessibility, provide comfortable seating, and create an intergenerational space.
Wheelock, VT
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Walkability
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