Volunteers in red shirts tending rows of young vegetables at the farm, with the woods behind them

Veterans Healing Farm · Mills River, NC

Healing that grows from the ground up

Veterans Healing Farm is a nonprofit farm in Mills River, Western North Carolina, where veterans and their families heal through hands-on farm work and community. Every program is free to veterans and their families.

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Veterans Day 5K Run poster: Sunday, November 8, 2026 at Mills River Park. Fun run loop 9:45 AM, race 10 AM.

Now registering

2026 Veterans Day 5K

Date: Sunday, November 8, 2026
Times: Fun run loop 9:45 AM · Race starts 10:00 AM
Where: Mills River Park, 124 Town Center Dr., Mills River
Why: A fundraiser for the farm

Volunteers carrying harvest baskets along the flower field, with the wooded ridge behind them

Our approach

How healing happens here

The farm is a calm, safe place to spend a morning. Pull weeds, plant starts, pick tomatoes, or suit up to check the hives, side by side with people who understand.

We call it agritherapy: hands-on farm work, shared with others. Along with our workshops, it supports the mental, emotional, and physical well-being of veterans and their families.

We give away everything we grow, to veterans and to local groups that help people in need.

Organic farming
Beekeeping
Medicinal herbs
Therapeutic workshops
Community and camaraderie

Explore our programs

At a glance

The farm's 2026 season in numbers

What veterans, volunteers, and partners grew together.

2,683 lbsof fresh produce donated

852participants in 96 therapeutic workshops

411volunteers

500+bouquets grown and donated

These numbers come from our 2026 Year-End Report (opens in a new tab). See the full year on Our Mission & Farm

Get involved

Volunteer, sponsor, or give

There's a place for everyone at the farm. Bring your hands, your business, or a gift.

Volunteer

Work beside veterans in the gardens, the herb beds, or the bee yard. No experience needed.

Sponsor

Businesses, clubs, foundations, and families can partner with the farm as sponsors.

Become a sponsor

Donate

Your gift keeps farm programs going for veterans and their families.

Make a donation

From the field

Life on the farm

Planting, harvesting, tending bees, sharing meals, and building friendships that last.

A veteran and a volunteer carrying a crate of fresh-picked yellow squash out of the field

Veterans and volunteers around the farm kitchen island with a big tray of cut heirloom tomatoes

Volunteers kneeling in a flower bed, weeding and planting together

A beekeeping class in white suits gathered around an open hive

Hands holding a purple potato cut in half to show its violet center

In their words

What people say about the farm

“They are a wonderful asset for the Veteran Community; … they give away thousands of pounds of produce and hundreds of bouquets of flowers to veterans every year; and they provide a family to many veterans.”

Don BlackwellRaven's Wing Studios, East Flat Rock, NC

“I have volunteered here numerous times. The mission that they support is worth your time supporting. The people and atmosphere are always welcoming. Support your local veterans!”

Valerie O'BrienVolunteer

“Phenomenal mission in a beautiful setting with amazing people. Highly recommend!”

Sarah FielHome Theory, Kannapolis, NC