Oswego County Veterans’ Services Agency Begins Farmers’ Market Coupon Distribution June 15

OSWEGO COUNTY – The Oswego County Veterans’ Services Agency (VSA) begins distributing farmers’ market coupons to veterans on Monday, June 15. The checks are part of the FreshConnect Check Program used to buy produce and food goods at local farmers’ markets and farm stands.

“Veterans and current service members of the U.S. Armed Forces are eligible to receive FreshConnect checks, with a limit of one booklet per household,” said Oswego County Veterans Services Agency Director Eric Boozer. “Recipients will fill out a packet request and acceptance form when picking up their coupons.”

Each household will receive 25 checks (valued at $2 each) for a total of $50 per packet.

FreshConnect booklets must be picked up in person at the Oswego County Veterans Services Agency in Fulton or its satellite office in Pulaski:

• 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: H. Douglas Barclay Courthouse, 1 Broad St.; open the first and second Thursday of the month from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

“We will have special office hours in Pulaski on Thursday, June 18, to make sure that those in the northern parts of the county have the opportunity to get a coupon booklet,” Boozer added. “We’ll be there from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. handing them out.”

The VSA has 2,500 farmers’ market coupons available on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last. FreshConnect checks expire on December 31, 2026.

FreshConnect coupons 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 checks 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.

For more information, call the Oswego County Veterans’ Services Agency at 315-591-9100 or visit https://www.oswegocounty.com/departments/human_services/veteran_s_services.