Eufaula, AL

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023

Project Category: Community Gardens

Description: When a local garden closed during the pandemic, older adults and low-income families lost access to fresh produce and a vital community resource. To fill the gap, volunteers created a new garden with raised beds for vegetables and flowers plus accessible benches. They partnered with Twelve Stones to revive gardening efforts and teach maintenance skills for sustainability. The garden now provides nutritious food for families and older adults, supports healthy living and reconnects residents after years without a shared space. Volunteers said they they truly appreciate something in the community that could help provide fresh vegetables for local families.

Lawrence, KS

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023

Project Category: Community Gardens

Description: Residents in an affordable housing community faced food insecurity and limited access to gardening. Home Works USA improved its garden by adding raised beds for accessibility, installing fencing to deter deer and hosting a free indoor farmers market for older adults and neighbors. Volunteers of all ages worked together, sharing skills and building relationships. The upgrades created a safer, more inviting space for intergenerational gardening and fresh food distribution. One volunteer commented that he and others were excited to finally get back to gardening again.

Rushville, IL

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023

Project Category: Community Gardens

Description: The project addressed the lack of an accessible outdoor space where older adults and other residents could garden, participate in group therapy or spend quiet time in nature. Many lived in apartments or assisted living and had no way to maintain a garden of their own. Raised and wheelchair-accessible beds created a welcoming place to grow food, build skills and contribute produce to a 24-hour pantry that helps residents on limited incomes. The garden strengthened social connection and encouraged regular visits, improving well-being through meaningful activity. One participant who used the accessible beds said, "It's been wonderful. I enjoyed it very much."