Veterans Food Assistance Program

Your Business can help ensure no veteran goes hungry

Program Mission

It is our goal to ensure that no veteran goes hungry by providing essential food assistance and household support. Through corporate partnership, we help foster stability and well-being for veterans and their families across the country.

Program Overview

The Veterans Food Assistance Program (VFAP) provides a one-time grant of essential food and household support to eligible veterans and their families. As the cost of living continues to rise, this program serves as a direct and practical response to food insecurity among those who have served our country. Once approved, the DVNF team coordinates and fulfills the grocery support on behalf of the veteran, ensuring support is delivered efficiently and with dignity.

GIVING TIERS

$200 - Veteran Supporter

Helps provide groceries for a single veteran household facing immediate need.

Recognition:

Company name listed on VFAP Corporate Supporter Wall on our website
Company name included in rolling recognition sections within VFAP emails
Digital “We Support Veterans” badge

$5000 - Mission Partner

Supports grocery assistance for approximately 10 to 15 veteran households.

Recognition:

All previous recongnition
Dedicated social media thank you
Featured mention in the DVNF newsletter
Employee fundraiser promoted using DVNF provided assets

$1000 - Community Partner

Helps provide groceries for multiple veteran households in need.

Recognition:

All previous recongnition
Highlight in monthly VFAP impact email
Grouped recognition on DVNF social media
Internal thank you graphic for employees

$10,000 - Mission Partner

Helps provide grocery support to 20 or more veteran household across multiple states, contributing to consistent food access at scale.

Recognition:

All previous recongnition
Dedicated email spotlight
Recognition at DVNF events when applicable
Personalized VFAP impact update

$2000 - Veteran Ally

Helps provide groceries for multiple veteran households. Covering a mix of single veterans and families facing immediate food needs.

Recognition:

All previous recongnition
Company logo displayed on the VFAP corporate page
Recognition in select direct mail pieces
Option to launch a branded employee fundraiser

$25000 - Mission Partner

Helps provide assistance for 50 or more veteran households nationwide, supporting families across multiple states and levels of need

Recognition:

All previous recongnition
Dedicated social media thank you
Featured mention in the DVNF newsletter
Employee fundraiser promoted using DVNF provided assets

$200 - Veteran Supporter

Helps provide groceries for a single veteran household facing immediate need.

Recognition:

Company name listed on VFAP Corporate Supporter Wall on our website
Company name included in rolling recognition sections within VFAP emails
Digital “We Support Veterans” badge

$1000 - Community Partner

Helps provide groceries for multiple veteran households in need.

Recognition:

All previous recongnition
Highlight in monthly VFAP impact email
Grouped recognition on DVNF social media
Internal thank you graphic for employees

$2000 - Veteran Ally

Helps provide groceries for multiple veteran households. Covering a mix of single veterans and families facing immediate food needs.

Recognition:

All previous recongnition
Company logo displayed on the VFAP corporate page
Recognition in select direct mail pieces
Option to launch a branded employee fundraiser

$5000 - Mission Partner

Supports grocery assistance for approximately 10 to 15 veteran households.

Recognition:

All previous recongnition
Dedicated social media thank you
Featured mention in the DVNF newsletter
Employee fundraiser promoted using DVNF provided assets

$10,000 - Mission Partner

Helps provide grocery support to 20 or more veteran household across multiple states, contributing to consistent food access at scale.

Recognition:

All previous recongnition
Dedicated email spotlight
Recognition at DVNF events when applicable
Personalized VFAP impact update

$25000 - Mission Partner

Helps provide assistance for 50 or more veteran households nationwide, supporting families across multiple states and levels of need

Recognition:

All previous recongnition
Dedicated social media thank you
Featured mention in the DVNF newsletter
Employee fundraiser promoted using DVNF provided assets

I have never been so overwhelmed with joy and gratitude. I put in for the groceries on October 1st, October 3rd it was approved and sent out the same day. It is so disheartening and demoralizing as a father to not be able to feed your family. Thanks to the VFAP my fridge and freezer both were filled as well as I also received diapers and wipes. I am beyond grateful and can't thank them enough. You all brought tears of joy to my eyes...They were able to help a struggling single father provide when there was no way. I believe in God, and I know you all came from him with the help that you have done. I could easily write well over 500 characters, but I will say I did not expect so much but I am beyond grateful. You gave me joy for tomorrow because only if you knew what I have been encountering. Thank you again

George Wilder

Video George shared of his groceries being delivered

Employee Campaigns

Extend your company's impact through your team

By empowering your employees to easily get involved, you could greatly extend the impact your company has in the VFAP program. Through DVNF’s peer-to-

peer fundraising framework, employees can launch and share their own campaigns in support of veterans facing food insecurity. It is a practical way to rally your team around a shared mission while amplifying your company's commitment to ensuring no veteran goes hungry.

Ready to mobilize your team?

Veterans Shared Their Thanks

I am thankful for this program as it not only has helped our family but many other families during this economic crisis. I can’t express the gratitude of having groceries sent to our family home in the efforts of easing our financial burden. Very easy process.

Rosa V.

Air Force

Being through many medical obstacles including cancer, it’s important to eat healthy, not just whatever, like cheap fast food. Thank you for making this one thing I don’t have to stress about!

Amanda Spencer

Navy

VFAP is amazing. This has helped me so much, so so much. It has been a long time since I’ve had my fridge full. Having decent meals and so much less worry about thinking about what I have to even fix. I so appreciate this. I’m still close to speechless. Gives me a feeling of looking forward to meals instead of dreading on what I don’t have.

Kimberly M.

Navy

This program/grant put groceries in my kitchen, actual groceries I would eat. I felt heard which is huge for me because I haven’t felt that in a long time, to have vegan food show up to my front door meant so much to me. I was able to have full meals this weekend and I still have food to cook and enjoy which changes my life tremendously. It’s so great to have actual whole foods in my fridge. I appreciate it so much.

Destiny K.

Navy

Absolutely amazing! I have been a volunteer since I was 10 years old and it’s very comforting to be able to get help now that I need it! When you’re 100% disabled, day to day living can be phenomenally stressful. When a program as generous as VFAP gives you support, one’s quality of life increases!

David S.

Navy

The VFAP Program has made an impact on my life. Your generous and unwavering support has been a light in my life, giving me the strength and courage to keep going even when things get tough. This has been a dark time for me in life, however, with VFAP I can provide for my kids through this program. The detailed application allowed my family and I to receive support specific to our needs.

Marcella P.

Air Force

Best program ever helping to feed us veterans, it’s kindly appreciated thank you all for your support. I’ve been struggling making ends meet living on credit cards to eat and battling cancer. This has been a joyful day to see all the different groceries from meat, fruits, canned foods, toilet paper, etc. Took less than 30 minutes to complete the application with help of Asia at DVNF. The approval took only a few days. I was so grateful.

Bruno A.

Navy

I have asked for help in the past and this was the first time that someone came through. I have gone to food banks but what you get is never enough for more than just a week. This is awesome, I can stretch these out for a month. It will help tremendously with saving to get my rent caught up.

John P.

Marine Corps

At a time when life was questionable, VFAP was there to reduce the burden that I faced financially. They provided me and my family with an opportunity to rebound, without having our diets change in an unhealthy way. Although my children would never have to skip a meal, my Wife and I have certainly eaten less in the past, so that our children don’t have to. With a month’s worth of food for my family of 6, we are able to reset financially and take the steps to ensure we can sustain our diets. The food assistance that I received was a blessing beyond my expectations.

Daniel A.

Army

The Veterans Food Assistance Program has been a true lifeline, giving me peace of mind and stability. The grocery support has allowed me to focus on health and other needs without the constant worry about food expenses. It’s a powerful reminder that I’m not alone, and there are people and organizations dedicated to supporting veterans like me. This assistance has greatly lifted my spirits and eased my financial challenges. I felt respected and supported throughout, which is deeply appreciated. It’s clear that the Disabled Veterans National Foundation cares about making this assistance easily available to those who need it.

LaMont G.

Army

I think the Veterans Food Assistance Program is a lifeline for many veterans who face financial struggles. It shows that the community cares about those who served, providing not just food but also dignity and support when it’s needed most. It’s a great way to ensure veterans don’t have to worry about their basic needs while they focus on rebuilding and healing. The program’s generosity and commitment to veterans like myself gave me a sense of security and appreciation, making me feel valued and supported for my service.

Ryan C.

Air Force

Veterans Food Assistance Program (VFAP) FAQs

1What is VFAP and how does it work?

The Veterans Food Assistance Program (VFAP) provides free grocery support to veterans and their families to ensure that no veteran goes hungry. Through the application, you can select from a variety of available grocery items. You will also have the option to note additional items you may need that are not included in the list. Once approved, the DVNF staff will shop for you based on your preferences, dietary needs, allergies, and other details provided on your application

2Can I apply for food assistance if I am not a disabled veteran?

Yes, you do not need to be a disabled veteran to receive food assistance. All veterans and their families are eligible to apply.

3How many times can I apply?

You may apply as often as needed; however, you can only be approved for assistance once per fiscal year, which runs October-September.

4Where can I apply?

Applications are available exclusively online through our grant interface. You can access the application form here. We do not accept any mail-in or emailed applications.

5Do I need and email address?

Yes, a valid email address is required to make a grant account. Since we are a national organization, email is also our primary method of communication

6What documents are needed to apply?

You will need digital or physical access to the following documents: i. DD-214 or Veteran ID ii. Proof of income (e.g., welfare, SNAP, VA benefits, etc.) iii. Disability letter (if applicable) iv. Case worker recommendation letter (optional)

7I was dishonorably discharged; can I still apply?

No; dishonorable discharges, including bad conduct discharges, disqualify individuals from applying.

8I have difficulty navigating the Internet. How can I still apply?

We understand that accessing and navigating online applications can be challenging for some individuals. As a nationwide organization, we experience high volumes of applicants at certain times. Before reaching out for assistance, we encourage you to explore alternatives, such as seeking support from family members, case workers, home aides, or utilizing public library resources. This will help ensure that we can dedicate more time to applicants who may require more personalized assistance.

9If I am approved, what are the next steps?

After approval, you will receive an email from our grant system informing you that a “Delivery Information Follow-Up" form has been assigned to your active VFAP request. You will be asked to log into your grant account and complete the form, which will confirm your delivery address and preferred days and times for grocery delivery within three weeks of your approval.

10It says DVNF shops for me. How does that work?

During the application process, we ask detailed questions about your dietary preferences, allergies, and the types of items you need, including pantry staples, fresh produce, and household supplies. You will also have the option to list any additional items not covered in the application. The items we provide depend on our budget and item availability, but we strive to meet your needs to the best of our ability.

11How long does it typically take for an application to be processed? When can I expect to receive my groceries after being approved?

On average, it takes about 1-2 weeks to evaluate and process your application. Once approved, and depending on how quickly the “Delivery Information Follow-Up" form is completed, you can receive your groceries as soon as 1-3 days after approval. Please note that this timeline may be affected by factors such as staff availability, holidays, and office closures.

12I can’t wait that long for groceries. Can I receive emergency assistance?

Unfortunately, we are unable to offer emergency food assistance or vouchers. If you are in urgent need, we recommend reaching out to a local food pantry or contacting the USDA National Hunger Hotline at 1-866- 3HUNGRY (1-866-348-6479). To find the nearest food pantry, you can also visit FoodPantries.org.

13I am a case worker and am interested in providing a recommendation letter for a veteran in need. What should be included in the letter?

The recommendation letter should outline the veteran’s current need for assistance and describe any steps they have taken toward achieving financial stability and food security. The letter should also affirm that the veteran requires support to meet their basic needs

14What if I do not want groceries to be delivered? Can I just receive a gift card?

DVNF does not provide gift cards at the request of the applicant because they would prefer that over a grocery delivery. We strive to fulfill your needs in the most efficient and effective way possible by delivering the items you request. If you have specific preferences or concerns, please let us know, and we will do our best to accommodate them.

15Do you offer other forms of support for veterans besides food assistance?

Yes, we offer two additional one-time grant assistance programs. For Veterans experiencing temporary financial hardship may receive up to $1,000 (not guaranteed) from DVNF to help pay for rent or mortgage, water, gas, electricity, auto payments, and more. For Veterans who are transitioning from homelessness to permanent housing, H2H offers financial aid of up to $2,000 (not guaranteed) to help cover initial housing payments or obtain furniture and essential housing items purchased through DVNF. These applications can be found and completed on the same grant site previously mentioned.

16I'm getting an error when I try to submit my application. What should I do?

Typically, an error message shows when an application cannot be submitted. This error message typically illustrates that a required question remains unanswered, or a document remains incomplete. Ensure all required fields are filled out and that all necessary documents have been uploaded before attempting to submit again.

17It says I can no longer submit an application because it is past the due date. Can I not apply anymore?

Sometimes, we close the application before the end of the month if there is an extremely high volume of applicants. But do not worry, our applications typically re-open again on the first of next month. You will be able to submit that application come the first day of the following month.

18What if my question is not answered here?

If you have additional questions or need further assistance, please feel free to contact us at [email protected]

Mail In Donations

You can also send your donation by mail. Please make checks payable to:

Disabled Veterans National Foundation
4601 Forbes Blvd
Suite 130
Lanham, MD 20706

Corporate & Matching Gifts

If your company offers a matching gift program, you can double or even triple the impact of your donation. Please contact your HR department for more information.

Other Ways To Give

Stock Donations: Donating appreciated securities is a great way to support DVNF and may provide tax benefits.

Planned Giving: Include DVNF in your estate plans to create a lasting legacy of support for Veterans.

About DVNF

The Disabled Veterans National Foundation (DVNF) is committed to supporting Veterans by providing critical assistance, resources, and advocacy. Through programs like VFAP, DVNF continues to address the unique challenges faced by disabled and at-risk Veterans, ensuring they receive the support needed to lead stable, productive lives.