What is Vet First?

Vet First, Inc. is a first of its kind 501c3 non-profit dedicated to enhancing the wellbeing of US Veterans and providing organic and sustainable food to those in need. Started during the COVID pandemic, Vet First has employed and worked with USMC, Army and Navy Veterans to produce 1,000+ pounds of food, 100% of which has been donated to local food banks. We are utilizing a small farm in the Shenandoah Valley in Virginia as our test bed and hope to roll out this model to additional farms not only in Virginia, but in the entire United States.

Facts About Veterans & Hunger in America

  • According to the Census, over 37 million people lived in poverty in 2020.
  • Food insecurity and hunger are economic issues. The most common cause of food insecurity is lower income.
  • Veterans make up roughly 11% of adults experiencing homelessness.
  • 70% of veterans experiencing homelessness also experience substance abuse.
  • 50% of veterans live with mental illnesses like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
  • Veterans are 50% more likely to become homeless than other Americans due to poverty, lack of support networks and other factors.
  • About 1.5 million veterans are considered at-risk of homelessness.
  • Nearly half a million veterans are severely rent burdened and paying more than 50% of their income for rent.
  • More than half of veterans with severe housing cost burden fell below the poverty line and 43% received food stamps.
  • Approximately 45% of the 1.6 million veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan are seeking disability compensation.
  • The average wait to get a disability claim processed is now eight months.

This situation has to change.

Vision

A country in which we honor and support those that have served and protected our freedoms and where food is easily accessible to those in need.

Mission

To donate 1,000,000,000 (1 billion) pounds of food by 2032 by hiring U.S. Veterans to grow food through organic and sustainable farming practices.

News & Updates

As we enter the vibrant month of June, Vet First is thrilled to share the progress we’ve made in growing crops for a great cause! 🌾🌿 With the dedication and hard work of our team of veterans, we’ve been cultivating organic and sustainable crops on...

June 6, 2023

Join us on April 20th, 2023 for our Charity Golf Tournament and support our ongoing mission! Whether you're an avid golfer or not, there are multiple ways to get involved and demonstrate your support.

April 7, 2023

Vet First Inc. is thrilled to announce that Amazon Global Military Affairs has selected us as the February 2023 Project Grassroots recipient. We are incredibly grateful for this opportunity to highlight our nonprofit and the work that we do to support veterans in our community...

March 10, 2023

In our first year of operation and with a limited growing season, Vet First donates 1,000+ pounds of fresh/organic produce to the local Lexington Food Bank and those in need in the Shenandoah Valley. We have recently installed a green house on the farm and...

April 25, 2022

We Are Hiring! Please apply via the contact form to learn about opportunities to work with and support Vet First!

March 30, 2022
Vet First Farm Photo

Interested in Partnering with Us?

Please use the contact information below to learn more about our veterans community garden.

Contact Vet First Inc.

Address:
4646 Princess Anne Road
Suite #105, Room #221
Virginia Beach, VA 23462

Phone:
757-450-2527
757-332-0531

Email:
mweatherly@vetfirstinc.com