Veterans are the backbone of this great nation. They fought tirelessly protecting our freedoms so that we may remain the “Land of Opportunity”. They put their lives at risk, and on hold, protecting our Country from harm’s way.

We believe that those who sacrifice for others have earned more than gratitude. They deserve support and relief. Our passion is to deliver that support and relief to our Veterans.

Many Veterans return from service changed by their experiences. Some are injured. Others are affected by trauma that makes it difficult for them to reacclimate to civilian life. 

Through our partnerships with farmers markets across New Hampshire and Maine, we have given thousands of nutritious meals to Veterans. At farmers markets, we provide Veterans a safe place to talk with and heal with other Veterans who can uniquely understand them. These bonding times, especially among combat Veterans, help in their healing continuum.

When you support Vouchers for Veterans, you support Veterans who have given of themselves selflessly. You also invigorate sales for local growers at farmers markets, and your money stays in the community.

Vouchers for Veterans was founded in 2016 by Jeanne A Grover, a Rochester, NH native with a close tie to local veterans. The first year money was collected in a World War II helmet at a local restaurant. As contributions came in, Jeanne looked for a way to use the funds to benefit the greatest number of Veterans.

That spring, a new farmers market was opening in Rochester, New Hampshire. She saw an opportunity to support both local Veterans and farmers by providing vouchers that Veterans could use to purchase fresh, nutritious food at the Rochester Farmers Market.

September was chosen as the month to give out vouchers for several reasons:

1. It’s Hunger Action Month, a global effort to fight hunger.

2. Harvest season brings an abundance of fresh produce.

3. Market attendance typically dips in September, and the program helps invigorate vendor sales.

4. Parking is more accessible, improving the shopping experience.

5. Cooler weather makes outdoor shopping more enjoyable.

The first two Septembers in Rochester were an incredible success. Soon, Veterans’ organizations and farmers markets across New Hampshire and Maine began asking her to expand the area to include other veterans in other towns. To accommodate for expansion, Vouchers for Veterans became a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in fall 2018 and began growing.

Program Expansion:

2019: Added farmers markets in Littleton (NH), Barnstead (NH), and Sanford (ME).

2020: Added farmers markets in Portsmouth (NH) and Dover (NH).

2021: Added the Exeter (NH) farmers market.

2022: Added 2 more September markets in Wolfeboro (NH) and Kennebunk (ME); We also participated in 4 winter farmers markets a month in January, February, March and April.

2023: Added Kittery (ME) and Salem (NH) farmers markets.

We also offered 5 winter farmers markets a month in November, December, January, February, March and April in Stratham (NH), Berwick ME, Rollinsford (NH), Derry (NH) and Portland, (ME).

2024: Due to the Rochester Farmers Market closing, we offered local veterans living in the Rochester area to pick up vouchers in Rochester and allowing them to use them at any of the other farmers market locations or redeeming them at McKenzie’s Farm, and Sanborn Hope Farm (NH).

2025: Adding Candia (NH), bringing us to 11 September markets and 2 farm stand locations (McKenzie’s Farm and Sanborn Hope Farm). Our winter season (Nov–Apr) will include 5 winter markets. 

In 2025 we also hired our first Executive Director, Morgan Morani, to help expand our mission and reach even more veterans than ever before.

Today, Vouchers for Veterans participates in 16 farmers markets across 7 months of the year. In 2024, we served 1,800 unique Veterans, supported over 220 farms and small businesses, and infused more than $150,000 into the local food economy—putting nourishment into the bellies of Veterans and dollars into the hands of local growers. We call this our circle of love with the veterans getting the fresh locally sourced food and comradery, the farm vendors receiving face value of every voucher they receive and the money staying local by the farm vendors' local purchases.

In September, veterans may go once a week to a participating farmers market of their choice and pick up $20 in vouchers. During the winter farmers market season, November-April, veterans can receive $20 at every farmers market they attend that participates in our program.

With the support of volunteers and donors, we expand to new farmers markets every year. With your help, we'll provide more Veterans with needed food and nutrition. Our goal is to be more accessible to every Veteran in New Hampshire and Maine.