In April 2024, the Bedford Farmers Market made the decision to start a new veteran food support program named Vouchers for Veterans. The program provides vets with vouchers that they can redeem for fresh local produce, honey, jam, and baked goods with vendors at our market. We are working with the Bedford Township Veterans Center for administration of the program. They attend our market days, verify the veteran’s military status, detail other services the Vet Ctr. has available, and provide the vouchers. Those vouchers are then used the same day at market.
All our vendors and producers are local. Thus, while Vouchers for Veterans delivers nutrition and relief to Veterans, it also provides direct financial support to farmers, and other food vendors by them receiving the face value of each voucher received.
Our Mission
The mission of Vouchers for Veterans is to show recognition and gratitude to Veterans living in the Bedford Twp. area primarily by providing them with vouchers to purchase locally grown and prepared food directly from farmers and food producers at our township’s only farmers market. 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, and more than just “Thank you for your service.” 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 this partnership, the Bedford Farmers Market has begun to give nutritious meals to Veterans. At the market, 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, helps 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 and producers at farmers markets, and your money stays in the community.Program details from the Bedford Township Veterans Center
- Local Veterans can receive vouchers on a first come, first serve basis
- Vouchers must be used on the day they are received.
- The vouchers do not include food trucks or non-food items.
- You must provide proof of your Veteran status with:
- Veteran ID card
- DD214
- Driver’s license with Veterans designation.
- The vouchers will be available on Saturdays in August from 9–11am.
- The Bedford Farmers Market is located at the Dean Road parking lot of Lambertville United Methodist Church, 8165 Douglas Road, Lambertville, MI. The church is at the corner of Douglas and Dean.