VFW Uniting for Veterans
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Uniting for Veterans

 

Together with Humana®, the VFW is answering the call for those who served.

The Uniting for Veterans program — a premier collaboration between the VFW and Humana® — was born from a simple truth: our military and veteran families deserve more than just our gratitude. They deserve a life of dignity, health and belonging.

Formerly known as the Uniting to Combat Hunger program which focused solely on fighting food insecurity and housing, our evolved mission with Uniting for Veterans now addresses the diverse and ever-evolving needs of the military community. From the dinner table to the doctor’s office, we are committed to providing the resources that improve the quality of life for every service member, veteran and family who has sacrificed for our country.

Why We Fight: The Reality Our Veterans Face

While we celebrate the resilience of our military and veteran community, the undeniable truth remains that many veterans face invisible battles long after they leave the uniform behind.

  • Food Insecurity: 1 in 4 veterans of the Iraq and Afghan wars face difficulty putting food on the table. No one should have to choose between a healthy meal and paying the bills.

  • Homelessness: On any given night, over 33,000 veterans experience homelessness. While we have seen a 55% decrease since 2010, the fight isn't over until that number is zero.

  • Loneliness & Mental Wellness: Transitioning to civilian life can often lead to isolation. We are expanding our focus to combat veteran loneliness and provide critical mental wellness support to ensure no veteran feels they are walking their path alone.

Our Impact by the Numbers

  • Meals Provided: 6.4 million since 2018

  • Outreach: Serving 2 million people annually through our partner networks

  • 5.4 million hours of time volunteered by VFW and VFW Auxiliary members last year

  • $43.5 million donated to local community projects by VFW members in 2025

Helping Our Local Communities

The heart of this program beats at the local level. Member of a VFW Post and its Auxiliary are the boots on the ground … working every day to make a positive impact on the challenges their neighbors face in real-time.

The Uniting for Veterans Grant

To empower local action, the VFW Foundation offers a matching donation grant of up to $1,500 for VFW Posts and Auxiliaries. We provide a $1-for-$1 match for:

  • Food Security: Every pound of food or dollar donated to local food banks and pantries.
  • Homeless Relief: Every dollar spent on qualified items for shelters or donated to relief organizations.

How to Apply:

  • VFW Posts: Submit your application via the VFW Dashboard.
  • VFW Post Auxiliaries: Download the Auxiliary application here.
  • Note: A minimum of 500 pounds or $500 is required per application. Funds are sent directly to the designated charity location.

For more information on the VFW Foundation UFV Grant or questions on how to apply, visit vfwfoundation.org/Grants or contact VFW Program Coordinator Mary Spencer at mspencer@vfw.org or by calling 816.756.3390, ext. 6287.

For more information about Uniting for Veterans, please contact the VFW Foundation at foundation@vfw.org.

Join the Mission

Whether you are seeking help or looking to provide it, we are in this together.

To connect with your local VFW Post, visit vfw.org/FindaPost. 

If you need additional help or support, the Humana Community Navigator is an online tool used to identify and connect to community resources addressing one's health-related social needs. This tool offer access to over 600,000 resources across the United States. Begin searching for and connecting to resources near you today, or reach out to your local Humana agent here.

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