Whether you have family members who are veterans, or simply want to support the men and women who have taken up arms on our behalf over the years, here are several easy ways to give back to veterans today.
Buy a bottle of Nordic Naturals, support Paws for Veterans
Nordic Naturals, makers of high-quality omega-3 concentrates and fish oils, have partnered with Paws for Veterans to help rebuild the lives of veterans and their service dogs. From now until December 31, every purchase of a featured Nordic Naturals product will go toward a one-year supply of omega-3s, donated to all veterans and their service dogs in the Paws for Veterans program.
The funds that Nordic Naturals raises will also go toward a new training facility for Paws for Veterans. In total, Nordic plans to donate $30,000 to the cause.
Watch this inspiring video to learn more about Paws for Veterans:
TenderLeaf gift sets for veterans
Natural retailer TenderLeaf offers gift sets for veterans to support Elder Heart, an organization that works to eliminate veteran suicide through community art. The $50 Patriot Gift Box (pictured below) includes a salt scrub, foaming soap, butter bar, lip balm, and a $10 donation to Elder Heart. All of TenderLeaf's products contain no parbens, sulfates, synthetic fragrances, or artifical dyes or preservatives.
Veterans to Farmers: sustainable agriculture training
It's often difficult for returning soldiers to find steady employment and a new direction in life, especially when plagued with battle-related stress and mental trauma. Veterans to Farmers, founded by Buck Adams (former Marine Corps Security Forces), is dedicated to helping veterans find stability and security by equipping them with urban farming skills.
"The program teaches them how to run the greenhouse, how to grow the plants from seed to harvest, and how to market their crops through a CSA or restaurant-supported agricultural program," Adams tells Natural Vitality Living. "Then we also work with them on a business plan through a related instruction program at Colorado State University. We help them find financing or we help them find other work."
You can donate to Veterans to Farmers here.
Several other farms and agricultural courses throughout the United States offer training to veterans, such as the Veteran Organic Farming Program at Rodale Institute, and Archi's Acres' Veterans Sustainable Agriculture Training (VSAT) program via Camp Pendleton Armed Services YMCA.
Have you come across any other great initiatives for veterans? Post them in the comments below.
