Aurora Agronomy and Frontlines United Join Forces to Combat Food Insecurity Among Veterans
In a country as prosperous as the United States, fighting hunger should never be a battle faced by those who served. That’s why two Iowa-based non-profits, Frontlines United Inc. and Aurora Agronomy, have embarked on a mission to support local veterans grappling with food insecurity. Their recent collaboration offers a beacon of hope to veterans in need, demonstrating the power of community action.
A Heartfelt Collaboration to Feed Veterans
On March 20, inside the Aurora Agronomy office in Traer, dedicated volunteers came together for a meaningful cause. With a determined spirit, they packed 2,700 meals tailored specifically for veterans in Tama, Marshall, and Black Hawk counties. Sarah Bradley, Vice President of The Outreach Program, emphasized the importance of this initiative: “This is the first time we’ve partnered with Aurora, and our focus is to assist veterans.”
The collaboration thrives on deep community roots. Sarah, who hails from Union, Iowa, is married to Aurora’s Traer location manager, LeRoy Bradley. In securing a $1,000 Aurora Cooperative grant, The Outreach Program connected with Frontlines United, an organization dedicated to supporting active-duty military personnel and veterans. Ian Wheeldon, the president and co-founder of Frontlines United, is also part of the Aurora Agronomy team. “We’re all within the Aurora family,” Sarah remarked with pride.
Understanding Food Insecurity Among Veterans
Food insecurity is a pressing issue affecting approximately 13% of the population in Tama County alone. According to statistics gathered by Feeding America, one in nine working-age veterans worry about their next meal. In 2020, 24% of active-duty service members reported food insecurity. Low pay remains a significant factor contributing to this troubling reality for military families. Sarah explains, “Food insecure people are those that at some point during the week literally don’t know where their next meal is coming from.”
The meals packaged during this event consist of nutritious offerings, like apple cinnamon oatmeal, that require nothing more than boiling water for preparation. As Wheeldon puts it, “These meals will last approximately two years, but the sooner we can distribute them, the better.” Various distribution points are being targeted, including the Iowa Veterans Home and county Veterans Service Offices (VSOs).
Nourishing Meals Made with Care
The assembly line at the meal-packing event was a sight to behold. Volunteers worked diligently to create pouches packed with protein-rich, wholesome meals. “They taste yummy, but they’re also good for you,” Sarah assures. With a focus on both health and taste, the efforts of Aurora Agronomy and Frontlines United manifest not just in generosity but also in the quality of nutrition provided.
As volunteers paused briefly for a group photo, the camaraderie and commitment to their community resonated within the room. Together, they have built a structure for enhancing the well-being of local veterans.
Join the Cause: Support Local Veterans
Are you passionate about supporting veterans? Consider reaching out to Ian Wheeldon at (619) 952-4113 or via email at [email protected] for more information on how to assist with meal distribution or to get involved in future initiatives.
By uniting efforts through community service and outreach, we can make strides toward eradicating food insecurity. Together, we can ensure that no veteran goes hungry.
Volunteers at Aurora Agronomy work diligently to package meals for veterans in Traer.
With the combined dedication of volunteers and local organizations, Aurora Agronomy and Frontlines United exemplify how community collaboration can transform lives. We can all play a part in this important mission.
