Become A Local Food Hero
Work with a Local Food Hero

2026 Veteran Cohort Application

Ready to become a Local Food Hero? Here’s how to join our founding cohort.

Our 4-Step Enrollment Process:

Application Deadline: January 15, 2026

Step 1: Video Interview (30 min)

You’ll receive a confirmation email with your scheduled time and Zoom link

Step 2: Detailed Application

If you’re a good fit, we’ll send you our comprehensive application

Video-Interview-(30-min)

Step 3: Application Discussion (45-60 min)

Video call to review your application together

Video-Interview3

Step 4: Final Decision

Team reviews all candidates and notifies everyone

Optional: Winter Volunteer Visit

Join us on a Thursday morning to see our
Garden Education Center in action (weather permitting).

Timeline: 3-4 weeks from initial application to final decision

Program Specifics

When & Where

  • Program Dates: March – November 2026 (35 weeks)
  • Location: Veterans Haven North, Glen Gardner, NJ
  • Schedule: Monthly intensive sessions + weekly weekend training + optional weekday volunteering

What’s Included

  • One-acre demonstration garden training site
  • Professional Lead Farmer instruction + expert guest instructors
  • All materials: seeds, tools, educational resources
  • Individual business plan development
  • Priority consideration for paid agricultural positions

Employment Pipeline

We just hired our first Agricultural Teaching Apprentice ($50/hour, 35 weeks) – proving this pathway works! Program participants get priority for:

  • Lead Farmer positions at new locations
  • Agricultural education and outreach roles
  • Project management opportunities
  • Advanced apprenticeships

Applicant Eligibility

Veterans (Priority Preference):

  • Honorable discharge from any U.S. military branch
  • Interest in agricultural career development

Community Members (Space Available):

  • Veterans receive priority consideration for all spots
  • Community members accepted only if spots remain available after veteran enrollment
  • Same commitment and participation requirements as veterans

Practical Requirements

  • Available for weekend training sessions (monthly intensives + weekly sessions)
  • Physical ability for outdoor farm work and equipment operation
  • Reliable transportation to Glen Gardner, NJ
  • Commitment to 35-week program completion

No Agricultural Experience Required

This program starts with the fundamentals – perfect for complete beginners ready to learn.

Qualified veterans may be eligible for community housing during training:

  • Live with fellow veterans in supportive environment
  • Focus on agricultural learning without housing stress
  • Eligibility determined during application process

Be among the first 10-15 veterans in our inaugural program. You’ll help shape training methods while receiving world-class agricultural education validated by our $250,000 USDA SARE grant.

Ready to Start Your Application?

Two detailed questions in the application will ask about your interest in agricultural training and vision for community impact.


Our Partners

Our program is strengthened by collaborations with established agricultural organizations and service providers:

Questions Before Applying?

Common Questions:

  • Physical requirements? Ability to work outdoors, lift 50 lbs, extended standing/kneeling
  • Transportation? Must be able to get to Glen Gardner, NJ reliably
  • Time commitment? Weekend availability essential; weekday volunteering optional
  • Housing support? Available for qualified applicants – discussed during interview process
This program provides agricultural training opportunities for qualified veterans regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, or disability.

This material is based upon work supported by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, U.S. Department of Agriculture, through the Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education program under subaward number CNE25-001.

Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.