ACL Announces 70 Phase 1 Winners of the Cultivating Connected Communities Prize Challenge

Winning Teams Will Make Community Gardens More Accessible for People with Disabilities and Older Adult

WASHINGTON D.C.—OCTOBER 23, 2026—The Administration for Community Living (ACL), a division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), has selected 70 winning teams in Phase 1 of its Cultivating Connected Communities Prize Challenge, a national competition to expand the accessibility of community garden models nationwide.

“Every American should have the opportunity to grow real food, spend time outdoors, and participate in a healthy community,” said HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. “These teams are removing barriers that keep older adults and people with disabilities from taking part in community gardens. By making these spaces more accessible, they are expanding access to nutritious food, healthy activity, and the community connections that help people live healthier lives.”

Garden organizers from 37 states and Tribal communities offered solutions to make their community gardens more accessible to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), people living with paralysis and other physical disabilities, and older adults. A multidisciplinary expert panel selected the winners based on their approaches to accessibility, sustainability, and community partnerships. The full list of the winners is available on the challenge website.

Phase 1 winners will receive $4,000 each and are eligible to participate in Phase 2, where they can put their plans into action and track results. Funds awarded support proposed improvement, such as adjusting raised bed heights, adding adaptive gardening tools, and creating inclusive gardening programs. Teams can earn an additional prize of up to $8,000 based on their Phase 2 implementation results. Phase 2 submissions are due in May 2027.

“This challenge is about inviting people in,” said Dr. Rebecca Hines, commissioner of ACL’s Administration on Disabilities (AoD). “These Phase 1 winners show what's possible when community gardens are designed to reduce isolation, increase access to healthy food, and strengthen community participation for people with disabilities and older adults.”

The Cultivating Connected Communities Prize Challenge builds on the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s The People’s Garden initiative. It also aligns with President Trump’s directive to Make America Healthy Again by addressing the root causes of chronic disease through improved food systems and community-based wellness initiatives for people with disabilities and older adults.

The Administration on Disabilities (AoD) works with states, communities and partners in the disability network to increase the independence, productivity and community integration of people with disabilities.