For Veterans | For Agriculture | For America
Mobilizing veterans to feed americaGet involved today!
We are mobilizing Illinois veterans to feed America. Rooted in our strong belief that veterans possess the unique skills and character needed to strengthen rural communities and create sustainable food systems, we recognize that agriculture additionally offers veterans purpose, opportunity, and physical and psychological benefits. FVC cultivates a new generation of farmers and food leaders.
What We Do
We are committed to providing resources to support the passion of our veterans so that they may earn for themselves a meaningful, financially sustainable place in the agricultural community.
The Farmer Veteran Fellowship Fund is a small grant program that provides direct assistance to veterans who are in their beginning years of farming.
The Homegrown By Heroes – Illinois Products program will assists Illinois farmers by providing a logo on their product packaging, labels, marketing material.
Meet our members
Meet Brad Dearing,
McLean County Farmer
Brad owns Dearing Country Farms, a farmstead raising chickens for meat and eggs and growing seasonal produce, trees, fruit, flowers, grasses, nuts and herbs. Products can be purchased directly from the farm, at local farmers markets, and at health food stores.
Meet Frank Lutz,
Marion County Cattle Farmer
Frank and his wife own Fox River Farm, where they raise grass-fed beef. The couple sells beef directly to individuals and markets in St. Louis and Chicago. Lutz finds that the veteran branding of "Homegrown by Heroes" adds value to consumers who seek local, quality products.
Meet Donna Leher, Kane County Sheep and Vegetable Farmer
Donna and her husband and daughter operate Lamb of God Farm, a sheep and vegetable farm. Using resources directly from their farm, they own and manage Big Rock Organics CSA and Esther's Place Fiber Art Studio.