Greenville County, SC

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020

Project Category: Addressing community health

Description: Mill Community Ministries hoped to increase the amount of healthy food it could provide to residents through its FoodShare program. To facilitate this, the organization purchased a refrigerated tractor trailer, which increased its cold storage capacity. Thanks to the trailer, Mill Village Farms delivered six times more deeply discounted produce in 2021 compared to the previous year, helping combat food insecurity in Greenville County. Project organizers say the increased storage capacity also helped expand Mill Village's network of partner organizations.

Fort Collins, CO

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021

Project Category: Addressing community health

Description: Many older adult residents in Fort Collins' two manufactured housing communities lack access to basic resources, such as fresh food, medical care and community connections. These challenges are especially difficult in the winter months when health complications tend to be exacerbated. The City of Fort Collins, in collaboration with local partner organizations, hosted two MCH WELL events for residents of the parks. These events connected older adults with community supports and organizations, social services, weatherization equipment and handyman assistance for their homes, as well as fresh produce and health services, such as COVID-19 vaccines and blood pressure checks. This helped residents lower their utility bills, avoid fines and fees from code violations and improve their physical and mental health.

Lansing, MI

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023

Project Category: Addressing community health

Description: This project will create a senior fitness membership for residents aged 60 and older, providing access to a fitness center, drop-in activities and an instructor to lead fitness and nutrition classes.