My hubs is a member of the VFW (also former USAF!) and sells poppies every year. The VFW site vfw.org explains it this way – “Since 1924, VFW Buddy Poppies have been assembled by disabled and needy veterans in VA hospitals. The Buddy Poppy program assists in maintaining state and national rehabilitation and service programs for veterans.”

So, the VFW buys the poppies (Hubs says the price isn’t really set) and that money goes to support the disabled and needy vets. The VFW chapters then sell the poppies, and what they make beyond the initial price supports the local chapters. Hubs also said that it’s a national program, but that many chapters choose not to sell them.

Hope that helps a bit. And thanks for the great craft! I noted in the roundup that I think green lentils instead of the beans would make it look even more like the ones the VFW sells – which are the only poppies my little one has seen. :>) Thanks!
.-= Lenetta @ Nettacow´s last blog ..Organizing Pot Lids =-.

When I asked my husband about the poppies here in the states he said he’d never seen them either, wondering if it’s regional?

Thanks for sharing a bit of Vetrans day love. We are military family, but I’ve never seen the poppies!?