Tulsa, OK

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020

Project Category: Addressing community health

Description: Indian Nations Council of Governments partnered with a local bikeshare organization -- This Machine Tulsa Bikes -- to deliver food to homebound residents living in a food desert. Project organizers deployed flyers and postcards to spread word about the program. The grocery delivery boxes included fresh produce, meat, bread, eggs and other staples, with a focus on high-nutrition, low-sodium items. Project organizers hoped the pilot project would improve food access and strengthen community partnerships. Project organizers report recipients enjoyed seeing their groceries arrive by bike. They also say the project helped inform local grocery stores about the ways they can help residents access food, such as allowing people to order food by phone and stock curated boxes of groceries.

Washington, DC

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019

Project Category: Addressing community health

Description: Community Foodworks, a farmers market advocacy group, wanted to make the outdoor market experience more palatable and accessible for older adults. Farmers markets provide social connectedness for older adults, as well as an opportunity to access healthy, local food. CFW's markets also provide matching dollars and vouchers to locals receiving federal nutrition assistance, but recipients must wait in line for this assistance. Older adults often have trouble standing for long periods in line, especially in inclement weather. To increase market visitors' comfort, CFW created Rest Rehydration stations at three markets, which included shade tents, tables, seating, water and music.

Pine Ridge, SD

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023

Project Category: Addressing community health

Description: On the Pine Ridge Reservation, families often travel 90 miles for fresh food, fueling health disparities. To address this, the Community Farmers Market expanded a food sovereignty program with garden plots, cooking demos and cultural education. Elders taught students traditional planting and food preparation, while events featured produce sales and spaces for socializing. The market improved access to nutritious food and strengthened intergenerational ties. Students gained farming and business skills, and elders shared cultural knowledge. One attendee said the program "provides a space for elders, parents and children to come together," fostering pride and self-sufficiency.