Jackson, TN

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020

Project Category: Public or private transit access

Description: The City of Jackson wanted to help riders predict when to expect their bus. To do this, City installed transit routers on buses to provide real-time information about arrival and departure times. That allows passengers to track buses through a smartphone app. Previously, they had to access timetables through PDF maps or by calling the Jackson Transit Authority. Project organizers say up-to-date information about arrival times helps residents avoid long waits at the bus stop, with are difficult for older adults and families with small children. The app also allows riders to pay bus fares online -- before they had to purchase tickets with exact change at the bus depot. Since the app's launch, the City of Jackson plans to improve bus stops, introduce a mobile fare payment and help the transit authority track bus ridership.

Jackson, TN

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022

Project Category: Addressing community health

Description: Jackson residents in low-income neighborhoods faced barriers to fresh food due to limited transportation and high grocery costs. To fill that gap, the City of Jackson built and stocked two community fridges at local service sites, each surrounded by resident-painted frames featuring murals of fruits and vegetables. Volunteers, including older adults, helped decorate and maintain the fridges, which quickly drew steady use. The effort provided consistent access to fresh food and fostered a sense of community pride. "It helps me feed my family and get by," said one resident caring for his nieces, reflecting how the project offered both nourishment and dignity to those struggling with food insecurity.