Chicago, IL

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021

Project Category: Community Gardens

Description: North Lawndale, whose population is 70 African American and 50 aged over 55 years, is one of 22 Chicago community areas with neither a grocery store nor supermarket. To combat food insecurity there, Jesus Word Center converted a vacant lot into a community garden. Project organizers purchased gardening tools, compost and vegetable seeds for local volunteers, most of whom are older adults. The improvements allowed gardeners to grow vegetables, fruit and herbs and the Jesus Word Center planned health and wellness workshops onsite. In the future, organizers hope to introduce a farmers market in the area as well, with the goal of improving health outcomes in the majority-Black community.

Estes Park, CO

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020

Project Category: Community Gardens

Description: This project made improvements to the Estes Valley Community Garden. The EVCG added six raised garden beds to make planting and harvesting comfortable for older gardeners and those with physical limitations. Project organizers also constructed a green waste storage box, which allows gardeners to toss their weeds rather than carry them home. Additionally, gardeners and visitors benefit from a new handwashing station, installed to increase safety during the COVID-19 pandemic. This project contributed to EVCG's ongoing efforts to donate plots and produce to a local food bank. Project organizers report the improvements attracted partners to the EVGC's new diversity initiative.

Gettysburg, SD

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024

Project Category: Community Gardens

Description: Older residents who moved into apartments downtown lost space to garden, an activity that fosters social connection and food sharing. To address this, volunteers turned an empty lot into a community garden with raised beds for accessibility and hosted workshops on soil health and planting tips. A kickoff planting event brought neighbors together despite rain, and produce was donated to the local food pantry. The project sparked plans for more gardens and a mural featuring local artists age 50-plus. One couple said that this project allowed them to get involved with gardening again, share knowledge and help donate extra produce.