Victory Gardens for Veterans
Our Victory Garden volunteer program encourages Veterans and their families to engage with gardening and agricultural activities at home.
Grow.
Our mission is to serve military Veterans and first responders, their families and caregivers, and the community by providing opportunities to heal, connect, learn, grow and thrive.
Growing Food Purpose Wellness Aloha Recovery Community Economy Resilience
Growing Resilience
Hoʻōla Farms works with the community to strengthen our local food system by providing beginner farmer education, commercial kitchen access, and a convenient online farmers market, which increases consumer access to local, affordable, fresh food and value-added products.
Hoʻōla By the Numbers:
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Hands-On Agricultural Experiences
We invite master gardeners & local experts to share their best practices with hands-on educational experiences. This allows us to offer a wide variety of agriculture, homestead, and gardening practices for our community.
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Community Member Participants
We’ve had the pleasure of meeting and working side by side with veterans and their spouses, daughters, sons, sisters, brothers, neighbors, employers, community members, and visitors from around the world. Some come for a day, some we see every week. All are welcome!
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Years Proudly Serving Hawaiʻi Island
We have been gathering together with Veterans, caregivers, and the community throughout Hawaiʻi Island to provide agricultural opportunities since 2015, and we’re just getting started!
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Back to Farmers, Producers & the Community
Over 120 local farmers and producers sell through the Hawaii Farm-to-Car online farmers market, and we are honored to help keep these funds circulating in our local agriculture community and economy. Support Your Local Farmers!
Shop Our Weekly Online Farmers Market!
Hawaiʻi Farm-to-Car is an easy-to-use online farmers market with weekly pickup options in Hilo, Kea‘au, or Pepeekeo. Customers can purchase local produce, meats, eggs, cheeses, baked goods, value-added products, and more.
We accept SNAP and DA BUX Double Up Food Bucks!
Are You an Aspiring Farmer or Rancher?
If you’re a Veteran or community member interested in learning more about sustainable production agriculture, a homestead farmer looking to scale, or an aspiring agriculture business owner ready to take your idea to the next level, Hoʻōla Farms is here to help!
Our Intro to Grow Workshops and Groundwork to Grow Courses were created to support military Veterans and community members interested in farming and ranching on Hawaiʻi Island by providing exposure, skill-based training, and a professional network aimed to help them succeed in agricultural careers—learn more below!
Beginning Farmer & Rancher Programs
Intro to Grow Workshops
Beginner | Learn more about Hoʻōla Farms’ programs by attending one of our FREE one-day Intro to Grow workshops—open to everyone who wants to come learn with us!
Groundwork to Grow
Intermediate | Comprehensive 4-week training program for military veterans and community members interested in farming and ranching on Hawaiʻi Island. Scholarships available!
Sign Up for Upcoming Workshops
- Friday MAY 9TH & 16TH – 10:00am-12:00pm
- COST: FREE
Join us for a 2-Day Workshop on Beekeeping Basics, happening on Friday, May 9th and 16th in Hilo on Big Island! Featuring Bird and Bee Hawai’i, participants will have the opportunity to learn the basics of beekeeping and go hands-on in the hive!
There are no trainings scheduled at this time. Stay tuned for upcoming dates!
Food Access Programs
Hilo Food Hub
Agribusiness Incubator Kitchen The Hilo Food Hub provides affordable commercial kitchen space for rent to Hawai’i farmers and value-added producers. We also offer cold, frozen and dry storage. If you
Hawaiʻi Farm-to-Car
Our Programs Producer Sign Up Volunteer SNAP-EBT Contact Us Producer Login Shop Now Hamburger Toggle Menu Support Local Hawaiʻi Farmers! Hawaiʻi Farm-to-Car is an easy-to-use online farmers market operated by
Community Support
Community Support Programs Ho`ōla Farms is dedicated to fostering partnerships with local organizations to enhance food access within our community. Through collaborative efforts with community partners, businesses, and volunteers, we
Veterans and Caregivers
Hoʻōla Farms offers support to Veterans, caregivers, and their families by engaging them in hands-on agriculture and community activities.
Our goal is to enhance Veterans’ physical, mental, and social well-being, fostering a greater quality of life and prosperity for themselves, their families, and communities. We do this by providing a safe, welcoming environment where we combine everyday gardening and farm work with education, fellowship, and fun.
Latest Posts
Ho‘ōla Farms Featured in Food Tank!
We’re thrilled to share that Ho‘ōla Farms has been featured in Food Tank’s article,
Hoʻōla Farms
January 15, 2025
Hilo Executive Director Emily Emmons Honored for Empowering Veterans and Military Families
[HILO, HAWAII, October 23, 2024] Emily Emmons, Executive Director of Hoʻōla Farms, has been
Hoʻōla Farms
October 23, 2024
Hilo Food Hub Member Highlight: Island Style Birria
About: Meet Our Hilo Food Hub Member, Island Style Birria! Island Style Birria is
Hoʻōla Farms
August 24, 2024
AgVet Spotlight: Anthony Booker
Anthony Booker, a Military Veteran who served 18 years in the Navy, developed an
Katie Neil
August 24, 2024
AgVet Spotlight: Cory and Mark Stephenson
Hoʻōla Veteran Services 501(c)(3), d.b.a. Hoʻōla Farms was established in 2015 to provide natural
Hoʻōla Farms
August 22, 2024
AgVet Spotlight: Kyle Iwamoto
Hoʻōla Farms was founded to create a space where Veterans can learn, connect, and
Hoʻōla Farms
July 17, 2024
Sign Up For Our Newsletter!
Stay up to date on all Hoʻōla Farms programs, community resources, and upcoming events!
“Ho`ōla Farms is a peaceful place that allows you to reflect, regroup and rejuvenate; mentally, spiritually, emotionally and physically. I find myself not wanting to leave and yet I can hardly wait to get back to life and get started in working towards my goals and dreams.”
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🙌🏽 Participate in a Program
Hoʻōla Farms provides opportunities for military veterans and their families, along with the community, to come together and work towards a positive goal for all—growing healthy food!
🌱 Volunteer with Us!
Come join the team! We are currently looking for volunteers for our Hawaiʻi Farm-to-Car Market days happening every Wednesday from 9am-6pm at the Puna Hongwanji in Keaʻau.
💵 Make a Donation
We’d greatly appreciate your support! Your contribution goes directly towards empowering veterans and their families to grow healthy, all natural produce.
Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world;
indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.
