Victory Gardens for Veterans
Victory Gardens for Veterans is a free hands-on workshop for Veterans, caregivers, and their ʻohana on Hawaiʻi Island. Learn to grow your own food and take a raised garden bed home with you.
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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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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Returned to our community
Since launching in 2021, Hawaiʻi Farm-to-Car has returned over $1.3 million directly to local farmers and producers — keeping those dollars circulating in our island’s agriculture community and economy.
Shop Hawaiʻi Farm-to-Car and support your local farmers!
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Veterans and caregivers served
From weekly volunteering to food access and farming education, Hoʻōla Farms gives Veterans and caregivers a community grounded in purpose and growth.
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Food food bags distributed
Through our Food is Medicine program, we partner with Hawaiʻi Farm-to-Car producers and local organizations to get Hawaiʻi-grown food bags directly to community members who need them most.
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 Agriculture Training 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
Intro to Grow: Keeping Your Garden Healthy
- Date: Saturday, July 11th – 9AM – 11AM
- Location: Hilo, HI
- COST: FREE
Join us at our educational ranch in Hilo, featuring Tony Vera of Mayan World Farm, for a hands-on workshop on keeping a backyard garden healthy and thriving. We’ll walk through the greenhouse, get our hands dirty, and cover the essentials for growing on Hawaiʻi Island.
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
Food is Medicine
Food is Medicine Our Food is Medicine program provides fresh, locally grown and produced food to kūpuna, keiki, Veterans, caregivers, and families with limited access to nutritious meals. Aligned with
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.
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.