Vouchers for Veterans

The mission of Vouchers for Veterans is to show recognition and gratitude to Veterans living in New Hampshire and Maine primarily by providing them with vouchers to purchase locally grown and prepared food directly from farmers and growers at local farmers markets. Our program offers Veterans the opportunity to redeem vouchers for locally grown and prepared food at farmers’ markets across the region, enabling them to access nutritious meals while supporting local farmers and food producers.

In 2025, we plan to provide a minimum of 1600 Veterans with $20 vouchers to spend each week at 16 different farmers’ market locations throughout New Hampshire and southern Maine. The distribution will take place at 10 markets a week in September, and at 5 market locations monthly from November through April. This initiative not only provides direct relief to Veterans but also fosters a sense of connection and community by encouraging interaction between Veterans and their neighbors.

At the core of our program is the belief that those who have served our country deserve more than gratitude—they deserve tangible support. By giving Veterans vouchers to purchase fresh, locally sourced food, we offer them not only a means of sustenance but a way to connect with their communities and access resources they might otherwise struggle to obtain. These vouchers empower Veterans to nourish themselves while simultaneously bolstering the local economy. We also partner with Military Affairs and Veterans Services to provide a representative from their office to help Veterans learn about benefits for which they qualify and are entitled to.

In 2025, we are on track to distribute at least $160,000 in vouchers. Each dollar spent is funneled back into the local economy, directly supporting farmers, food producers, and local businesses. We are proud of the ripple effect our program creates—when Veterans redeem vouchers, it means that local farms and small businesses are thriving and communities are stronger.

The impact is already evident. In January 2025, nearly 900 Veterans participated in the program, redeeming a total of $16,500 in vouchers at just five farmers' markets. In 2024, we saw over 2,000 Veterans and distributed $150,000 in vouchers, directly contributing to the health and well-being of our Veterans while simultaneously supporting our local agricultural community.

Vouchers for Veterans is more than just a program—it’s a lifeline for combat Veterans who may feel isolated or disconnected. The traumas they have endured while at war often reach further than the battlefield. The simple act of coming together at a farmers’ market provides an invaluable opportunity for Veterans to socialize with others who understand their experiences, reducing isolation and building lasting connections.

Our mission is simple: to offer the support and relief that Veterans deserve, one market at a time. With your help, we can continue to serve those who have given so much to all of us.

Thank you for considering our request. We are deeply committed to our mission, and we hope that you will join us in making this vital program a success for Veterans and local communities alike.