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Standard Operating Procedures

Purpose
To create guidelines and procedures for maintaining the integrity of the Vouchers for Veterans Program

Policy
To provide Veterans in New Hampshire and Southern Maine with vouchers to purchase produce, meats, and other items from growers at local farmers markets. Our goal is to make this program more widely available to all Veterans.

Procedures for establishing a Vouchers for Veterans Program
  • Please note only one farmers markets will be selected per county to participate in VfV
  • The participating county agrees to assist VfV in maintaining 2 volunteer coordinators to assist the Vouchers for Veterans coordinator during the market.
  • Criteria for selecting Farmers Market locations;
    • Location
    • Qualified Vendors
    • Parking Accessibility
  • The VfV will be operated on site by 1 VfV coordinator and 2 volunteers. The VfV will operate each week in September.
Procedures for funding and distribution of vouchers
  • Each participating farmers market is responsible for raising a portion of the funds required.
  • Funding is based on location and number of Veterans in the county.
    • Counties with less than 10,000 Veterans need to raise $5,000
    • Counties with more than 10,000 Veterans need to raise $10,000
  • Funds raised will be given to VfV for deposit within one week of receiving.
  • The required amount raised must be received by VfV 30 days prior to the first market.

Procedures for operating a Vouchers for Veterans Program (VfV)

  • Veteran showing qualifying identification will receive four, $5.00 vouchers each week in September at the farmers market for market purchases.
  • Veterans requesting vouchers must appear in person, present proof of service with one of the following: DD214 or valid NH driver’s license with veteran designation or active duty card or Military Retirement card or Medical card from Veterans Affairs (VA). Veterans must also present proof of residency with a valid driver’s license or other item showing residency.
  • Vouchers have no cash value therefore change will not be given. Vendors normally make up difference with product.
  • Vouchers may be used to purchase any edible item, as well as plants that produce fruit, berries and vegetables.
  • Vouchers may also be used to purchase healing items manufactured by the vendor from bee hives or animals they raise, such as: goats milk soap, crèmes, lotions, chap sticks, or royal jelly.
Procedures for participating Farmers Markets and Vendors
  • Farmers Market Managers as well as vendors should have a full understanding of the implementation for VfV
  • Vouchers for Veterans name and logo may be used with permission only.
  • Assigned location for the VfV should be near the market entrance and able to allow for a 10 x 10 tent, with tables and chairs.
  • VfV will provide all posters and vouchers needed
  • Farmers market agrees to hang posters in strategic areas such as the VA clinic, city hall, etc.
  • At the beginning of each market, VfV coordinators will provide each qualified vendor with a zippered bag containing a paper receipt. The vendor will be responsible for keeping track and totaling the number of vouchers redeemed along with the dollar value. The vendor is responsible for returning the bag containing vouchers and completed receipt to the VfV tent at the end of the market.
  • Vendors will be paid for redeemed vouchers the following week at the market.
  • The last farmers market in September, checks will be mailed to the vendors directly within 7 days.