Veterans and Caregivers
Hoʻōla Veteran Services 501(c)(3), d.b.a. Hoʻōla Farms was established in 2015 to provide natural agriculture educational training and hands-on experiences for military Veterans and first responders, their families and caregivers, and the community in hopes of creating a more sustainable future and well-being for all.
Our programs offer 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.
Beginning Farmer & Rancher Programs
Victory Gardens for Veterans
Our Victory Garden program encourages Veterans and their families to engage with gardening and agricultural activities at home. We do this by delivering free planter boxes, soil, amendments, and starter plants to the Veteran’s home to start their own garden.
*Must be a Hawaiʻi Island resident to participate*
Intro to Grow
FREE one-day workshop at our educational ranch in Hilo for beginning Veteran farmer or rancher, a homesteader looking to scale, or an aspiring agri-business owner. See upcoming dates.
Groundwork to Grow
Groundwork to Grow is a collection of four-week courses on various beginner agribusiness topics. Hoʻōla Farms provides scholarship options for Veterans, caregivers, and their families. See upcoming courses.
Growing Veterans: GoFarm Hawaiʻi
Are you a Veteran or Caregiver interested in the GoFarm Hawaii AgXcel program? Hoʻōla Farms provides scholarships to Veterans and Caregivers who are accepted.
GoFarm Hawaiʻi AgXcel is a 6-month training for commercial agriculture production. The format consists of classroom-style lectures (in-person and online), hands-on practical work days at the training farm, and field trips to operational farms.
Veteran and Caregiver Network and Support
Hawaii Farmer Veteran Network Facebook Group
We started a Facebook Group called Hawaii Farmer Veteran Network. The group is intended to be a space for Hawaii Farmer Veterans to discuss farming, ask questions, share resources, show support, and encourage connection with fellow Veterans in our community.
Volunteer
Volunteering has been a great way for Veterans and caregivers to get involved in our programs and meet fellow Veterans and caregivers in our community. We are currently looking for volunteers for our Hawai’i Farm-to-Car online market. Meet local farmers, help us pack orders, and talk story with our team. We can’t wait to meet you!
Partnership Opportunities
Are you looking to host a retreat or need a space to hold a class? Fill out our Contact Form to learn more about our educational ranch in Hilo and ways to partner with future events.
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