The Oswego County Veterans’ Services Agency (VSA) now has farmers’ market coupons available for veterans and eligible family members. They are part of the FreshConnect Check Program used to buy produce and food goods at local farmers’ markets and farm stands.

FreshConnect checks can be used to purchase SNAP-eligible items such as fruits and vegetables, meats, fish, poultry, eggs, dairy products, bread, baked goods, honey, whole bean or ground coffee, pickles, sauces, salsas, seeds and plants that produce food and more.

The coupons can be used at any participating vendor within an operating farmers’ market, farm stand or mobile market in New York State. They are not valid at supermarkets. To view a list of authorized locations, visit www.agriculture.ny.gov/farmersmarkets.

Veterans and current service members of the U.S. Armed Forces are eligible to receive FreshConnect checks. Immediate family members, such as spouses, siblings, children or other blood relatives who reside in the same household as the veteran, are eligible as well.

Each household will receive 25 coupons (valued at $2 each) for a total of $50 per packet. Recipients must fill out a packet request and acceptance form when picking up their checks.

FreshConnect checks must be picked up in person at the Oswego County Veterans Services Agency in Fulton or one of its satellite offices:

• Fulton Office: 200 N. Second St.; open weekdays from 8 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m., except for Thursdays, when the office closes at noon.
• Pulaski Office: Douglas Barclay Courthouse, 1 Broad St.; open the first and second Thursday of the month from 8 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m.
• Oswego Office: Oswego VA Outpatient Clinic, 293 NYS Rte. 104; open the third and fourth Thursday of the month from 8 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m.

The VSA has 2,500 farmers’ market coupons available while supplies last. FreshConnect checks expire on December 31, 2023.

For more information, call the Oswego County Veterans’ Services Agency at 315-591-9100.