More shoppers are looking for veteran-owned brands in the grocery aisle — but the label can mean different things. Here's how to tell when a brand is truly veteran-owned, and what to look for on the shelf.
What “veteran-owned” actually means
The strongest signal is certification. A Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) is a designation recognized by the U.S. Small Business Administration — it means the business is majority-owned and controlled by a service-disabled veteran, not just using military imagery in its marketing.
Questions worth asking about any brand
- →Is the company actually owned and run by a veteran, or just veteran-themed?
- →Does it hold a recognized certification like SDVOSB?
- →Does it give back to the military community in a concrete, named way?
- →Is the product made in the U.S.?
Where Be Free fits
Be Free Ice Cream was founded by Chris Fettes, a former U.S. Navy SEAL, and is a certified Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) and an SBA 8(a) Business Development Program participant. Every pint is made in the U.S. with real ingredients and no shortcuts.
Giving back you can verify
Be Free was founded in memory of Kyle Milliken, a SEAL Team Six operator. A portion of every sale funds the Kyle Milliken Memorial Foundation, supporting Gold Star families — the loved ones of service members who gave everything.
How to support veteran-owned food brands
The simplest way is to buy the product and tell people about it. Be Free pints are coming soon to grocery shelves, with retailer announcements to come — tell us where you shop and we'll work to land on a shelf near you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does SDVOSB mean?
Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business — a designation recognized by the U.S. Small Business Administration for businesses majority-owned and controlled by a service-disabled veteran.
Is Be Free Ice Cream veteran-owned?
Yes. Be Free was founded by Chris Fettes, a former U.S. Navy SEAL, and is a certified Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) and an SBA 8(a) Business Development Program participant.
How does Be Free give back to the military community?
A portion of every sale funds the Kyle Milliken Memorial Foundation, which supports Gold Star families. The brand was founded in memory of Kyle Milliken, a SEAL Team Six operator.
Is Be Free ice cream made in the USA?
Yes. Every pint is made in the U.S. with real ingredients and full ingredient transparency.
