Farm2Veteran March Final Impact
We’re proud to share that in March alone, Farm2Veteran provided 11,202 fresh, nourishing meals to veterans and their families in need. This milestone brings our total number of meals donated since 2020 to an incredible 385,787—a testament to the power of community support and our ongoing commitment to those who’ve served. Every meal represents more than just food—it’s a gesture of care, dignity, and gratitude.
Below are the locations who received our donations in March:
- 520 meals were provided to the Veterans Garage in Manteno
- 564 meals were donated to the Will County Veterans Assistance Commission in Joliet.
- 5002 meals were provided to Volunteers of America Illinois Hope Manor in Joliet
- 5116 meals were donated to Volunteers of America Illinois Hope Manor I and II in Chicago
Honoring the Resilience of Military Children
The sacrifices made by our U.S. Military Service Members ripple far beyond the uniform—they shape the lives of their loved ones, including the 1.6 million children growing up in military families.
These children span every age, race, gender, and ability. While some are too young to fully grasp why a parent is away for training or deployment, many are old enough to feel the ache of that absence. Their strength is tested in ways most children never experience—and in response to those tests, they demonstrate admirable resilience.
Military life also comes with frequent relocation. Service families move, on average, every two to three years. Each move uproots children from their schools, friends, and communities, asking them to start over time and again. It’s a cycle of constant change that requires immense adaptability. These abrupt moves are difficult for an adult to manage, so for a young child still developing emotionally, the internal challenges brought about by these relocations are even greater. The ability of these children to adjust, cope, and even thrive despite the constant upheaval is nothing short of remarkable.
To recognize this unique sacrifice, the Department of Defense celebrates April as the Month of the Military Child. Since 1986, schools and communities have honored military kids through special events and PurpleUp! Day on April 15th—when wearing purple symbolizes the combined colors of all military branches and support for these incredible children. Schools are encouraged to identify creative ways to highlight and celebrate the military children in their school. Ideas span from special announcements, to unique military decorative displays, to hosting events to recognize the military families within each school community.
At Farm2Veteran, we honor the strength of military children both in April, and year-round. Many of the veterans we serve are parents. Some of their children experienced the hardships of active duty life. All of their children face the unique circumstance of having a veteran parent. The honor of a veteran parent brings many positives– personally recognizing the patriotism and sacrifices made for our freedom across America. But it isn’t without its challenges. As we know, many of our US Veterans experience disabilities directly attributed to their service. These physical, mental, or emotional disabilities can lead to joblessness and food insecurity that we see every day at Farm2Veteran. Through our donations of fresh nutritious food, we support both the veterans and their children’s health and well-being.
Beyond food, we seek meaningful ways to celebrate and uplift military kids. This past December, with support from D’Arcy Motors, we brought Santa to Hope Manor Joliet—a Volunteers of America Illinois supportive housing development for veteran families—riding in a Humvee to surprise and delight the children living there.
At Farm2Veteran we remain committed to finding unique and heartfelt ways to show our appreciation for military children. Their resilience inspires us, and their sacrifices deserve to be recognized.
This Month’s Must-Haves: Handmade & Heartfelt
$29.99
Handcrafted Wooden Mother’s Day Sign – Rustic Keepsake Gift for Mom
Celebrate Mom with this beautifully handcrafted wooden sign, a heartfelt and rustic keepsake she’ll cherish forever. Thoughtfully designed with love, this unique piece makes the perfect Mother’s Day gift or special surprise for any occasion.
$115.00
Enhance your kitchen with this handcrafted cutting and serving board, showcasing a **one-of-a-kind pattern** created with Sapele, Maple, Padauk, Zebrawood, and Purpleheart. This striking design is perfect for food prep, serving charcuterie, or as a decorative statement piece.
$24.99
Handcrafted & Hand-Painted Rustic Wooden Sign – ‘Faith’ Cutout with Engraved ‘Our Father’ Prayer
Infuse your home with warmth, faith, and rustic charm with this handcrafted wooden sign, perfect for hanging on a door or wall. Designed with care and precision, this piece is crafted from premium maple wood and features a unique two-layer design that enhances both its depth and beauty.
Exclusive Farm2Veteran Shop Codes!
First Person to redeem this code gets a Mother’s Day Sign for FREE! – J7K9M2QX
Missed out on that code? The next three folks get 50% off the same item! – RZ83TYNL
Still didn’t get it? We have 5 more codes for 25% off! – X4BVDP6W
Behind the Scenes at Farm2Veteran
We’re thrilled to announce our inaugural Farm Fresh Hope Gala! Join us on Saturday, September 20, 2025, at the iconic Field Museum Chicago for an unforgettable evening featuring an exclusive celebrity comedy performance and a celebration of our nation’s veterans. This event will honor the power of community and inspire support for Farm2Veteran’s mission to make a lasting impact.
Sponsorship opportunities are now available — contact us at gala@farm2veteran.com or 815-940-FARM to learn more.
Learn more and get involved: farm2veteran.com/farmfreshhope
We are incredibly grateful to Fox 32’s Good Day Chicago for spotlighting our work on March 18th.
These opportunities to share our story mean the world to us. They allow us to spread awareness about our mission to nourish veterans in need—and, just as importantly, they help connect us with new supporters, volunteers, and philanthropic partners who can help us expand our impact. Media moments like these not only amplify our voice, but also help reach veterans who may be struggling and unaware of the resources available to them.
Supporting our military and veteran communities is a value shared across our nation. It unites us under a common cause—giving back to those who have sacrificed so much for our freedom. At Farm2Veteran, we are honored to play a part in that unity, and we’re deeply thankful to Fox 32 for helping us share that message in ways we couldn’t do alone.
Watch here:
