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Empowering Veterans and Communities through Agriculture
Ho’ola Farms, located in Hilo on the Big Island, is a mission-driven nonprofit dedicated to serving military veterans, first responders, caregivers, and their families through agricultural education and healing practices. Founded by Emily Emmons in 2015, Ho’ola Farms provides hands-on agricultural experiences, wellness programs, and career training for veterans. The farm aims to offer a peaceful and supportive environment where participants can reconnect with the land and find therapeutic benefits through farming.
One of their key initiatives is the Victory Gardens for Veterans program, which encourages veterans and their families to engage with gardening at home, helping them learn valuable agricultural skills. In addition, Ho’ola Farms offers a range of educational programs such as the Groundwork to Grow training, which helps veterans and community members start or grow their own farms.
Beyond its veteran-focused services, Ho’ola Farms plays a vital role in Hawaii’s local food system. The farm manages the Hawai’i Farm-to-Car online marketplace, connecting local farmers with consumers through weekly pickup services. The farm also operates the Hilo Food Hub, offering commercial kitchen spaces and storage solutions to local farmers and food producers, fostering collaboration and food sustainability in East Hawaii.
Visit Ho’ola Farms:
- Learn more: Ho’ola Farms
- Hilo Food Hub: Supporting local food producers and offering commercial kitchen spaces.
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Added By Support Local Hawaii
