About Vouchers for Veterans
Good health starts with good nutrition. Put fresh local food on the table of Veterans who have sacrificed so much for our safety and freedom.
Our Mission
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.
Jeanne Varney GroverVouchers for Veterans is committed to giving back to Veterans; food, nutrition, and a safe space to gather and talk — as some token of appreciation for all they have done for us.
President, Vouchers for Veterans
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.
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.
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.
Our Team
Vouchers for Veterans is powered by volunteers. Learn more about our leadership team and board.
Jeanne Varney Grover
Founder
Board President
Chuck Silva
Board Vice President
Bret Carmichael
Board Secretary
John Waterman
Board Treasurer
Christine Hounsell
Board Member
Rhonda Jablonski Hodsdon
Board Member
Whitney Pogorek
Board Member
Morgan Morani
Executive Director
Kelly O’Neil
Events Coordinator
Our Story
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.
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.
Our Growing Impact
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.
Rochester
Jeanne Varney Grover began collecting contributions for Veterans in a World War II helmet at a local restaurant. Inspired to do more, Vouchers for Veterans would fist distribute vouchers at the Rochester, New Hampshire Farmers Market.
Official Nonprofit Status
Vouchers for Veterans officially becomes a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization after servings Veterans at the Rochester, New Hampshire Farmers Market.
Littleton, Barnstead, and Sanford
Expanded to the farmers markets in Littleton, New Hampshire; Barnstead, New Hampshire; and Sanford, Maine.
Portsmouth and Dover
Expanded to the farmers markets in Portsmouth, New Hampshire and Dover, New Hampshire.
Exeter
Expanded to the Exeter, New Hampshire farmers market.
Wolfeboro and Kennebunk
Added farmers markets in Wolfeboro, New Hampshire and Kennebunk, Maine.
Introduced four new winter farmers markets monthly from January through April.
Kittery and Salem
Expanded to farmers markets in Kittery, Maine; and Salem, New Hampshire.
Winter Series Markets
Operated five winter farmers markets monthly from November through April in Stratham, New Hampshire; Berwick, Maine; Rollinsford, New Hampshire; Derry, New Hampshire; and Portland, Maine.
McKenzie's and Sanborn Hope Farm Stands
Following the closure of the Rochester Farmers Market, we provided local Veterans in the Rochester area with the option to pick up vouchers in Rochester. These vouchers could be redeemed at any of our participating farmers markets or at McKenzie’s Farm and Sanborn Hope Farm in New Hampshire.
Candia and New Executive Director
Expanded to Candia, New Hampshire, serving a total of eleven farmers markets and two farm stand locations during the month of September. Five winter series farmers markets are planned from November through April.
Vouchers for Veterans hired our first Executive Director, Morgan Morani, to help expand our mission and reach even more Veterans than ever before. With her hire, we launched our new brand identity.
2025 and Beyond
Today, Vouchers for Veterans participates in 16 farmers markets over seven months each year. In 2024, we served 1,800 unique Veterans, supported more than 220 farms and small businesses, and infused over $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: Veterans receive fresh, locally sourced food and camaraderie; farm vendors receive the full value of every voucher; and the money stays local through the vendors’ own purchases.
