Project Overview
Military
veterans have made great sacrifices and need our support in transitioning to
civilian life upon completion of their service. At the same time, more
farmers are needed in the U.S., especially those with a focus on ecological
production. Farming can offer a meaningful livelihood to veterans while
helping them reconnect to communities and the land. Community-based food
systems can also help to ensure that consumers have equitable access to healthy
local food. Appalachian State University is leading a project, Going Whole Hog:
Sustainable Livestock and Agroforestry Training for Military Veterans, to help
military veterans and other beginning farmers enter farming and farm
sustainably.
In four
years of grant-funded work, we have:
*Developed a Frontline to Farm website and new powerpoint-based training modules focused on livestock
*Held Frontline to Farm trainings, advanced Alumni trainings, and additional local trainings
*Supported internships for veteran mentoring
*Provided scholarships to veterans for Agroforestry Academy and other sustainable agriculture meetings
*Held tours of Appalachian State University's farm for veterans interested in farming
*Added a new focus on urban agriculture
*Built networks, social media (Facebook page and Instagram) and helped increase understanding of those working with veteran in agriculture.
*Built local community around food systems and justice
Number of Participants: 90669
Promotional Materials
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Reports & Evaluations
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Individual Stories / Examples of Success