More than 300,000 veterans reside in Louisiana. Many of these former soldiers struggle to find work when they enter life after service. To help combat veteran unemployment and homelessness, the state began participating in a program called Homegrown by Heroes. This program was created by the Kentucky Department of Agriculture and has spread to 43 states across the nation. Louisiana was the sixth state to launch the program. Homegrown by Heroes provides veterans with a chance to utilize their farming skills and teaches them to market their products effectively.
Mark Strain, the commissioner with the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry, told The News Star, "Whether they are gardening as a hobby or farming as a career, we will do what we can to help our veterans increase their ability to be successful as well as provide them tools for sustainability."
Each of the products produced under the Homegrown by Heroes initiative is branded with the program's logo. The founders hope the HbH products will encourage veterans to pursue agricultural careers in life after service. They also want the brand to promote local farming, which has earned the approval of many farmers nationwide.