Bringing Holiday Magic to Our Heroes: Supporting Veterans in Need This Season
The holidays are a time of joy, celebration, and community—a time for friends and family to join together to experience the magic of the season. That magic sometimes happens organically, but often it is carefully created, requiring an investment of resources. For those already struggling financially, the holidays can become a time of stress, debt, and chaos.
Too many of our veterans are in need. According to the USDA, around 1.5 million veterans live in households experiencing food insecurity. Post-9/11 veterans, in particular, are twice as likely to face food insecurity compared to the general population. The challenges don’t end there: food-insecure veterans are at a 40% higher risk of developing chronic illnesses like diabetes and heart disease.
For many at-risk veterans, holiday magic is halted as their challenges accelerate this time of year, demonstrated by food pantries reporting a 30% increase in demand from veterans during the holidays. This is understandable when considering the intense strains placed on their already limited income and resources during this season.
Anecdotally, if a veteran has to skip a meal to buy a loved one a present or bring their children to see Santa, they’re willing to make that sacrifice without hesitation. But these sacrifices come at a cost. Many veterans report skipping meals to provide for their families, further impacting their physical and mental health. Veterans experiencing loneliness or social isolation are at a 50% higher risk of suicide during the holidays. On average, 17 veterans die by suicide every day.
This is where Farm2Veteran steps in.
Farm2Veteran is dedicated to ending food insecurity for veterans in need by providing them with farm-fresh, nutritious food. Farm2Veteran’s donations alleviate the financial burden of expensive grocery bills, helping veterans meet other holiday demands. Furthermore, programs like Farm2Veteran, which offer nutritious meals and social support, reduce the risk of suicide among veterans by 40%.
This year, Farm2Veteran was thrilled to receive support from D’Arcy Motors to enhance a holiday celebration for veterans at Hope Manor Joliet, a supportive housing development of Volunteers of America Illinois. D’Arcy Motors teamed up with Farm2Veteran to honor veterans this holiday season with a special event on December 19th at Hope Manor Joliet. Farm2Veteran delivered farm-fresh eggs and produce to veterans, thanks to D’Arcy Motors’ sponsorship.
The celebration featured a festive Santa parade, with Santa arriving in a Humvee, following a procession of D’Arcy Motors’ latest Hummers. Veterans and their families enjoyed music, games, treats, and the chance to meet Santa. Veterans who participate in community meal programs during the holidays report a 60% improvement in feelings of belonging and connection. This event aimed to directly address the physical and emotional needs of veterans, by offering free holiday magic for them and their families.
