Dear Friends in the Food and Farming Industry,

The Farmer-Veteran Coalition (FVC), a project of Community Partners, is pleased to announce our first Southern California Food and Farming Veteran Career Fair. FVC works to match returning veterans with viable careers and meaningful employment in the food and farming industry. 

On Wednesday, June 30, 2010 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium we will host a minimum of 500 veterans to introduce them to regional farms, urban farming and school garden projects, the wholesale produce, landscaping and ornamental industries as well as area food artisans – bakers, butchers, cheese makers and chefs.

Almost two million young men and women have served in our military since 9-11. Many are entering the work force facing unemployment at rates much higher than the already troubling numbers of the general public. The opening of your farm, your business and your heart to these deserving men and women is not only the right thing to do – it makes good business sense.

Our fair is about opportunity – the opportunity to find good workers – men and women willing to work hard through cultivated work ethic, discipline, and focus; who possess a sense of sacrifice and service; and are eager to learn a new trade.