Jeanne Varney Grover

Jeanne Varney Grover is the founder and president of Vouchers for Veterans. A lifelong Rochester native, Jeanne is deeply connected to the veteran community. With her grandfather serving in World War I, her father in World War II, and her husband in Vietnam — and her mother proudly volunteering with the USO — Jeanne has always held a profound respect for the sacrifices made by service members and their families. Growing up during the Vietnam era, she witnessed friends return home to an unwelcoming nation — an experience that left an enduring impression and fueled her lifelong commitment to honoring veterans.

Upon retirement, Jeanne sought a meaningful way to give back and remind local veterans that their service would never be forgotten. While helping to launch a new farmers market in Rochester, she created Vouchers for Veterans, a program that provides local veterans with twenty in vouchers each week for seven months to purchase fresh food from local agricultural vendors. The initiative not only supports veterans by offering healthy food and camaraderie but also strengthens the local economy by reimbursing vendors at full value — keeping funds circulating within the community.

What began as a small act of appreciation has now grown into a thriving program operating weekly for seven months each year.

Jeanne has served on several boards in Rochester, including the Rochester Chamber of Commerce, Rochester Opera House, Holy Rosary Credit Union, Salvation Army, and the Rochester Veterans Council. She was honored as Rochester Citizen of the Year in 2022. Deeply rooted in service, Jeanne believes that the greatest gift she has ever received is the ability to give back to others.