Vouchers for Veterans food benefit begins Sunday at Farmers Markets across region

Vouchers for Veterans is a win-win for veterans and the entire community. (Courtesy photo)

Vouchers for Veterans will be available to any New Hampshire or Maine veteran or active-duty military member who wishes to participate in the program starting on Sunday and continuing weekly throughout the month of September.

Under the program, any veteran who has served or is currently serving our country can attend any of the eight participating farmers markets or the Rochester Community Center to receive $20 each week in September for fresh, locally sourced food.

This program is not based on financial need; rather, it is a way to say "Thank You" for your service. Jeanne Grover, President of Vouchers for Veterans, explains that veterans simply need to visit the farmers market of their choice, stop by the Vouchers for Veterans tent, and show proof of service and residency to register and receive vouchers.

The process takes less than a minute, and once registered, it is valid for the calendar year until you reregister the following year.

Grover emphasizes that the program offers veterans much more than fresh food. It brings veterans together in a safe, clean, alcohol- and smoke-free environment where they can benefit from the camaraderie of other veterans, particularly those who have seen combat and understand what others have endured. Often, veterans learn about benefits they didn't know existed from fellow veterans. Additionally, an on-site representative from Military Affairs and Veteran Services is available to answer any questions veterans may have, from replacing lost documents to explaining potential benefits.

Veterans may receive vouchers once a week between Sunday and Saturday.

Vouchers can be picked up and used at the following locations:

• Dover Farmers Market - Wednesdays between 3:00 PM and 7:00 PM
• Exeter Farmers Market - Thursdays between 2:30 PM and 6:00 PM
• Kennebunk Farmers Market - Saturdays between 8:00 AM and 12:30 PM
• Kittery Farmers Market - Sundays between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM
• Littleton Farmers Market - Sundays between 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM
• Portsmouth Farmers Market - Saturdays between 8:00 AM and 12:00 PM
• Salem Farmers Market - Sundays between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM
• Wolfeboro Farmers Market - Thursdays between 12:30 PM and 3:30 PM

Due to the closing of the Rochester Farmers Market, veterans who normally pick up their vouchers there can do so at the Rochester Community Center on Tuesdays from 3-6 p.m. Vouchers can be used at any of the locations listed above or at Sanborn Hope Farm in Rochester or McKenzie's Farm in Milton anytime in September.

The SAMM Van will be at the Rochester Community Center on September 3 and September 17, offering fresh vegetables.

For directions and more information, visit www.vouchersforveterans.org.

Grover notes that Vouchers for Veterans has over 1,500 registered veterans who use the program an average of 10 to 12 times a year. Besides the September farmers markets, vouchers are distributed on 24 different weekends, starting in November and running through April 15 at indoor winter farmers markets. A list of the 2024-2025 winter season farmers markets is available on the website noted above.

Grover says that the program is a boon to all involved.

"In addition to veterans benefiting from fresh and nutritious locally sourced food and camaraderie, farmers, growers, bakers, and food preparers receive the face value of every voucher they redeem, keeping money in the community by making their own local purchases. It really is a win for everyone."

For questions, please email info@vouchersforveterans.org or call 603-817-6030.