In a powerful display of community support and health advocacy, the Phoenix VA Hospital hosted another landmark Veggies for Veterans event yesterday, May 14, 2025. This milestone event, marking eight years of service since April 2017, continues to transform lives through the collaborative efforts of Gregory’s Fresh Market and the VA Health Care System. Yesterday’s distribution saw 600 veterans receiving fresh produce at the Carl T. Hayden VA Medical Center, adding to the impressive total of over 22,000 veterans served since the program’s inception.

“This is a way to thank them for their service,” explains Diana Gregory, founder of Gregory’s Fresh Market. This sentiment resonates deeply with veterans like Bobby Smith, who shared, “This helps with my wife and my budget because food is getting more expensive. It really has added to our diet, we were able to have healthy food.”

Yesterday’s distribution featured carefully curated bags filled with seasonal favorites including apples, oranges, zucchini, potatoes, bell peppers, and onions. The program, funded through Gregory’s 501(c)(3) organization and supported by key sponsors including Arizona Complete Health, Peddler’s Son, and Fry’s, has become a model for veteran support programs nationwide.

What makes this initiative particularly impactful is its dual benefit: while veterans receive access to fresh, nutrient-dense foods, local farmers and suppliers also gain support through the program’s commitment to sourcing produce locally. This approach creates a sustainable cycle of community support that extends beyond the immediate benefits to veterans.

The dedication of participants like David Eberly, who waited since 6 a.m. to participate, demonstrates the program’s significance to the veteran community. Phoenix VA Nurse Practitioner Isabel Kozak, who has witnessed the program’s impact firsthand, noted, “I just absolutely love being able to hear Veterans’ stories about how this event is so helpful to them.”

Corporate volunteers and VA staff worked side by side to distribute the produce, creating an atmosphere of genuine care and community engagement. Veterans don’t need to be enrolled in VA care to participate, making the program accessible to all who have served. This inclusive approach aligns perfectly with President Lincoln’s promise to care for those who have served our nation’s military, their families, caregivers, and survivors.

The Future for Veggies for Veterans

The Veggies for Veterans program continues to grow, with regular distribution events scheduled throughout the year. For veterans interested in participating, the program will return to the Phoenix VA Hospital on September 10 and November 5, 2025. This consistent presence ensures that veterans have reliable access to fresh, healthy food options while fostering a stronger sense of community support.

As this initiative enters its ninth year, it stands as a testament to how community partnerships can create meaningful impact in the lives of those who have served our country, one bag of fresh produce at a time.

Related links:

Veggies for Veterans Continues to be a Successful Event: https://www.va.gov/phoenix-health-care/stories/veggies-for-veterans-continues-to-be-a-successful-event/ Diana Gregory Outreach Services: https://dianagregory.com/veggies-for-veterans/

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In an inspiring display of community spirit this Wednesday, something extraordinary unfolded at the Veggies for Veterans program in Phoenix. A group of seniors, driven by their desire to give back, took the initiative to volunteer and serve their local veterans – creating a beautiful moment of intergenerational connection and purpose.

The impact was immediate and profound. Not only did these senior volunteers find fulfillment in their service, but they unanimously expressed their eagerness to return, demonstrating how Veggies for Veterans serves a dual purpose: addressing food insecurity while creating meaningful social connections that combat loneliness and isolation.

Diana Gregory, founder of Diana Gregory Outreach Services, has built this remarkable program in partnership with the Carl T. Hayden VA Hospital of Phoenix. Through Gregory’s Fresh Market and initiatives like Veggies for Veterans, the organization provides critical access to fresh produce three times a year, serving thousands of veterans in our community.

The program’s success highlights a growing need in our community. As food insecurity continues to affect our veteran population, Diana Gregory Outreach Services stands at the forefront of addressing this crisis. The organization delivers over 30,000 bags of fresh fruits and vegetables annually to seniors and veterans, making a tangible difference in their lives.

But perhaps what makes Veggies for Veterans truly special is how it creates a ripple effect of goodwill. When seniors step up to serve veterans, they’re not just distributing fresh produce – they’re building bridges, fostering connections, and proving that everyone has something valuable to contribute, regardless of age.

As this week’s heartwarming event showed, Veggies for Veterans is more than a food distribution program – it’s a catalyst for community building, a source of purpose for volunteers, and a beacon of hope for those it serves. The urgent need for expanded support continues, but with each new volunteer and every bag of fresh produce distributed, we’re taking steps toward a healthier, more connected community.

To support or learn more about this vital initiative, consider reaching out to Diana Gregory Outreach Services, a 501(c) charitable organization based in Phoenix, Arizona, and be part of this growing movement of community service and care. Related Link: Veggies for Veterans: https://dianagregory.com/veggies-for-veterans/

STM Daily News is a vibrant news blog dedicated to sharing the brighter side of human experiences. Emphasizing positive, uplifting stories, the site focuses on delivering inspiring, informative, and well-researched content. With a commitment to accurate, fair, and responsible journalism, STM Daily News aims to foster a community of readers passionate about positive change and engaged in meaningful conversations. Join the movement and explore stories that celebrate the positive impacts shaping our world.

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Nourishing Our Heroes: Eight Years of Impact at Phoenix VA’s Veggies for Veterans

Nourishing Our Heroes: Eight Years of Impact at Phoenix VA’s Veggies for Veterans

As summer approaches, Arizonans are bracing for yet another season of intense heat and unpredictable weather. According to forecasts from NOAA, AccuWeather, and the Old Farmer’s Almanac, summer2025 is shaping up to include above-average temperatures, sporadic monsoon activity, and potential drought conditions.

Above-Average Heat ExpectedNOAA predicts that Arizona will experience higher-than-average temperatures, continuing the warming trend of recent years. Phoenix and other urban areas may see extended stretches of triple-digit heat, making heat safety a top priority for residents.###

Monsoon Outlook AccuWeather forecasts a slightly below-average monsoon season. While Arizona relies on these summer storms for essential rainfall, experts warn of fewer storms, with flash flooding still possible in localized areas. Homeowners should prepare for potential microbursts and dust storms, especially in July and August. ###

Drought Concerns PersistThe Old Farmer’s Almanac suggests that while some areas might see sporadic relief, drought conditions will likely persist across much of the state. Water conservation efforts remain crucial as reservoirs and aquifers continue to face stress.###

Practical Tips for Staying Safe.

Hydration and Cooling: Always carry water and plan outdoor activities during early morning or evening hours.2.

Monsoon Prep: Secure outdoor furniture and prepare an emergency kit for storm-related power outages.3.

Conservation Efforts: Reduce water usage by fixing leaks, using drought-resistant landscaping, and being mindful of daily consumption.###

Looking AheadArizona’s summer 2025 will challenge both residents and visitors with its heat and sporadic weather patterns. Staying informed and proactive can make all the difference in navigating the season safely.What are your favorite ways to beat the Arizona heat? Share your tips in the comments below!

Let me help you enhance the article with proper attribution and related links. First, I’ll search for the NOAA website.

Let me help you enhance the article with proper attribution and related links:

What Will Summer 2025 Be Like in Arizona? Here’s What the Experts Predict

Originally published by AZ Central on May 12, 2025

Read the full article on AZ Central

 

Related Links:

• NOAA Weather Forecasts and Information
• National Weather Servic

  STM Daily News is a vibrant news blog dedicated to sharing the brighter side of human experiences. Emphasizing positive, uplifting stories, the site focuses on delivering inspiring, informative, and well-researched content. With a commitment to accurate, fair, and responsible journalism, STM Daily News aims to foster a community of readers passionate about positive change and engaged in meaningful conversations. Join the movement and explore stories that celebrate the positive impacts shaping our world.

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