On Chicago’s Morning Answer, host Dan Proft highlighted a growing nonprofit making a difference in veterans’ lives far beyond Illinois. Farm to Veteran, founded in 2020 on a 60-acre family farm in Manhattan, Illinois, has already provided more than 500,000 meals to veterans across nine states — all at no cost to those who served. Senior Director Michelle Keller joined the program to share the organization’s remarkable story and its mission to fight food insecurity among veterans.
What began as a local farm project has grown into a multistate network that donates everything it produces — beef, pork, and eggs — exclusively to veterans. “None of it is sold to the public,” Keller explained. “We started with one farm and now work with partner farmers across the country who either donate their products or sell to us at fair market value so we can reach even more veterans.”
The organization’s impact extends beyond Illinois, with participating farms and distribution networks in Florida, Texas, Colorado, Washington, and South Dakota. “It’s a big logistical effort,” Keller said, noting that they provide refrigeration and freezers to their partner organizations to store fresh food for veterans in need. “Most programs provide shelf-stable food, but we’re focused on fresh, healthy ingredients that make a real difference in people’s health and well-being.”
Farm to Veteran partners with a range of organizations, including Volunteers of America, Catholic Charities, and several Veterans Assistance Commissions across Illinois. They also support VA hospitals like Hines, as well as housing programs for formerly homeless veterans. “We want to make sure that when veterans come in for help — whether they need counseling, housing, or paperwork assistance — there’s also a nutritious meal waiting for them,” Keller said.
According to Keller, one in five U.S. veterans experience food insecurity at some point in their lives — a rate higher than the national average. Many face additional challenges such as PTSD, addiction, or financial strain, making access to healthy food especially important. “We’ve had veterans tell us their A1C levels dropped because they finally had access to fresh produce and meats,” Keller said. “It’s not just food — it’s health, dignity, and community.”
The organization also focuses on outreach and community engagement, hosting events like veteran luncheons, 5K runs, chili cook-offs, and suicide prevention walks. “It’s not just about distributing food,” Keller said. “It’s about sitting down with veterans, talking with them, and making them feel seen and valued.”
Looking ahead, Farm to Veteran plans to strengthen its footprint in Illinois before expanding further nationwide. Keller said the ultimate goal is simple but profound: “Our vision is to one day make our organization unnecessary — for every veteran to have access to healthy food without worrying where their next meal will come from.”
To learn more, donate, or find a community event near you, visit farmtoveteran.com.