AARP Connecticut has awarded Stamford’s Fairgate Farm a $2,500 “Livable Communities Grant Program,” a local expansion of the national AARP Community Challenge, initiative for the development of an ADA-compliant walkway through the Farm. Fairgate Farm, located at 129 Stillwater Avenue in the West Side neighborhood of Stamford, is among seven AARP Connecticut awardees for quick-action projects by nonprofit organizations and municipalities that help neighborhoods, towns and cities support places for people of all ages.
According to Vincent Tufo, chief executive officer of Charter Oak Communities, “This grant will allow us to expand our public, urban farm in Stamford, creating improved access to the Farmers Market and pergola, which serves as an outdoor classroom and community gathering space.”
Fairgate Farm is a thriving, volunteer-powered, organic urban farm that is part of the nationally-recognized Vita Health & Wellness District. In 2019 the number of volunteers and visitors to the Farm doubled with corporations, schools, and residents logging in over 2,600 volunteer hours. Its ever-expanding composting initiative diverted over five tons of food waste from local landfills. Visitors and volunteers enjoy a full schedule of community events and celebrations including cooking demos, gardening workshops, annual festivals (Earth Day, Strawberry Festival, Harvest Festival) and composting classes, as well as special events for corporate groups, schools, and civic organizations. Volunteers help to grow and harvest fresh organic produce they may share with their families; the balance (about 2,500 pounds last year) is delivered to local homeless shelters, food banks and soup kitchens. The Farmers Market (open May to October) provides a retail option where patrons may purchase fresh produce at reduced prices from Fairgate Farm along with five nearby family farms. For details about Fairgate Farm, volunteering opportunities and annual events contact our Outreach Coordinator Heidi Andersen at FairgateFarm.com or email FairgateFarm@gmail.com.
AARP Connecticut launched the Livable Communities Grant Program, a local expansion of the national AARP Community Challenge initiative, to provide nonprofit organizations and municipalities in Connecticut with up to $2,500 for projects that aim to help neighborhoods, towns and cities become great places for people of all ages. The program was open to incorporated organizations that are 501(c) (3) or 501(c) (4) non-profits or Connecticut governmental entities. To learn more about AARP’s livable communities work in communities across the country please visit www.aarp.org/livable.
About AARP
AARP is the nation’s largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering people 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With a nationwide presence and nearly 38 million members, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to families: health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. AARP also produces the nation’s largest circulation publications: AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin. To learn more, visit http://www.aarp.org or follow @AARP and @AARPadvocates on social media.
AARP Connecticut Contact: Mike Humes at mhumes@aarp.org or 860-548-3164
