2023 Lipinski Rural Initiatives Award Recipient: Veterans Base Camp
In 2023, Veterans Base Camp, based in Chaplin, Connecticut, received a $25,000 Lipinski Rural Initiatives Award. Veterans Base Camp is a veteran-centered volunteer organization providing support services to help veterans achieve their individual goals and assist those facing challenges. Founded in 2016, Veterans Base Camp offers an in-residence program and also partners with local educational institutions to leverage their resources while also providing teaching and mentoring opportunities for veterans and skill development and training for students. In addition, Veterans Base Camps established a food pantry for veterans from across the region along with community members. Last year, the food pantry added a Vets Table Garden to provide fresh produce. Veterans Base Camp will use its $25,000 award to purchase a greenhouse to extend the growing season for produce for the food pantry.