New Food Label Indicates Produce Grown By Veteran

You could soon see a new label on food at farmer's markets and eventually in grocery stores that says “Homegrown by Heroes.” The label is letting consumers know that what they're buying is coming from a veteran.

The National Farmer Veteran Coalition is rolling out this program in our state, hoping to grow their mission of mobilizing veterans to feed America with a little help from the Oklahoma Farm Bureau and Department of Agriculture.

Consumers can expect to see the labels at farmer’s markets and eventually in stores.

Andy Wooliver’s farm near Slaughterville is a place he and his family can be proud of.

They specialize in heirloom vegetables including tomatoes and peppers. They're the products of patience, dedication and attention to detail.

Those skills plus the grit to get through long, hard working days come from Wooliver's time in the military.

He spent four years of active duty in the United States Coast Guard.

“It was really hard work while we were there. But I look back on it as really a kind of pivotal time in my life that shaped who I am today,” he said.

Today, he's the owner of Canadian Valley Farms and sells directly to visitors and also at farmer's markets in Cleveland County.

And this summer, everyone will know what they're buying into because of a new label.

Whether they're veterans like Wooliver, pursuing a new passion for farming or others sowing seeds of healing after time at war, purchasing products with the Homegrown by Heroes label means we as consumers can support them after they've sacrificed so much for us.

Canadian Valley Farms are at the Noble and Norman farmers markets every Saturday morning.

There are resources available for veterans looking to learn about farming and how to get involved.