The Jaffrey Farmers’ Market is celebrating Veteran Appreciation Month by offering veterans a $20 voucher to use to purchase any food items sold at the market during September.
It is not just at the Jaffrey market. Any Cheshire County veteran can receive one voucher per weekend at any of four markets throughout the region, including the Jaffrey Farmers’ Market, Keene Farmers’ Market, the Hinsdale Farmers’ Market and the Winchester Farmers’ Market.
The program is run through the Cheshire County Conservation District. It is not based on need, but rather as a way to thank veterans for their service and encourage support of local farmers’ markets and producers.
“Veterans can come down and receive $20 to spend on any food at the farmers’ market, and the money goes directly to our vendors, going right back into the community. The veterans benefit, the vendors benefit. It’s been really popular,” said Tarah Castiglioni of TEAM Jaffrey, the Jaffrey Farmers’ Market organizers.
Castiglioni said Jaffrey has been participating in the program for years, and said it’s been growing exponentially. Last year, more than $1,700 in vouchers were provided and went back to vendors.
“We had 25 visitors last market, which was higher than last year’s best day,” Castiglioni said, referring to the voucher program participants. “We’re looking to keep up the momentum. Jaffrey has a huge veterans community. We have active military, and are now a recognized Purple Heart community. I find that Jaffrey really, truly supports its veterans — and how can you not? They’re part of our community.”
The Keene, Hinsdale and Winchester markets run Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Gilbo Avenue in Keene and on Main streets in Hinsdale and Winchester. The Jaffrey market runs Fridays from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Main Street.
Veterans must produce a valid proof of service, which includes any of the following: a DD214, a retired military or active duty card, a driver’s license with a veteran symbol or a Veterans’ Affairs healthcare card. Vouchers are available while supplies last, and are limited to one market per weekend. For information, contact info@CheshireConservation.org or call 603-904-3011.
Veterans from these Cheshire County towns are eligible to participate: Alstead, Chesterfield, Dublin, Fitzwilliam, Gilsum, Harrisville, Hinsdale, Jaffrey, Keene, Marlborough, Marlow, Nelson, Richmond, Rindge, Roxbury, Stoddard, Sullivan, Surry, Swanzey, Troy, Walpole, Westmoreland and Winchester.
Ashley Saari can be reached at 603-924-7172 ext. 244 or asaari@ledgertranscript.com. She’s on X @AshleySaariMLT.