About us

Heroic Food is a 501(c)(3) non-profit that was conceived to help veterans address the challenges of transition, while also helping the nation address its growing need for new farmers and burgeoning demand for locally, sustainably grown food.

Men and women returning from military service can suffer a high incidence of unemployment, social dislocation,  loss of a sense of purpose and lowered self-esteem. These stresses, with or without the presence of other disabilities, sometimes lead to profound discouragement, and frustration even though veterans play crucial role in all major American industries. Veterans make remarkable impact on the economy due to their drive, focus and entrepreneurial spirit imbued in them by their military service. The US Small Business Association conducted a recent study that stated, in part, “military service exhibits one of the largest marginal effects on self-employment, and veterans are 45% more likely to be self-employed than non-veterans.”[1]

 

The amount of local farmers markets showing exponential growth in the past 10 years, combined with the fact that small farms (25 acres or less) supply more than 70% of the worlds food supply[2], it is clear that the Agricultural industry is in higher demand than ever before. The United States Department of Agricultural, in their Organic Market Overview, stated that “Consumer demand for organically produced goods continues to show double-digit growth, providing market incentives for U.S. farmers across a broad range of products.”[3]

 

Undoubtedly, the need for farming and agriculture in conjunction with the skills and spirit of our veterans is an incredible partnership that Heroic Food strives to create. Through its model of sustainability, community, conservation and regeneration; Heroic Food fosters the reintegration of homecoming veterans into civilian life in a way that builds on their skills, honors their service and provides a positive, meaningful, and sustaining role in society. Heroic Food seeks to provide hands-on farmer training and a robust support system (including affordable housing, mentorship, and facilitated access to health resources) to help veterans achieve positive, rewarding outcomes, while equipping veterans with the skills to become providers, growers and builders of a sustainable future.

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