by Donald Eng CTNewsJunkie
ROCKY HILL, CT — Whether by protecting American interests overseas or providing wholesome food for Connecticut families, state veterans continue to serve, according to US Marine Corps veteran Jared McCool.
Speaking in advance of Connecticut’s second Homegrown By Heroes Veteran Farmers Market, McCool, president of the state Farmer Veteran Coalition, said agriculture was a great transition for veterans.
“We have this idea that we want to serve our country, serve our communities,” he said. “And now when we come back to our communities, we can serve in the same way that we did in the military.”
The Veteran Farmers Market, scheduled for Monday, Aug. 4, from 3-6 p.m., will feature fresh fruit and vegetable produce, baked goods, flowers, eggs, maple syrup, jams, poultry, and other unique offerings — all grown or made by Connecticut’s veteran farmers and makers, according to Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz’s office. The market will take place at the Returned Soldiers Monument on the campus of CT Veterans Affairs, 287 West St., Rocky Hill.
“Connecticut farmers’ markets are a point of access for so many people to buy fresh produce (and) fresh farm products,” said Bryan Hurlburt, commissioner of agriculture in Connecticut. “So right now we’re hitting peak season, so there’s plenty of opportunity for whatever you like.”
Ron Welch, commissioner of the state Department of Veterans Affairs, speaks about the CT Veteran Farmers Market in Rocky Hill on July 31, 2025. Credit: Donald Eng / CTNewsJunkie
Veterans Affairs Commissioner Ron Welch said the free event would be geared toward families, featuring music from a military rock band, Ripcord, several veteran-owned food trucks, and at least seven veteran farmers selling an array of locally produced food items.
“Veteran farmers have a massive footprint here in the Connecticut agricultural industry,” Hurlburt said. “They served our country, while they were in uniform. And now they’ve become farmers, continuing to serve our state and our country.”
Sarah Baudoin, interim associate director of the state VA Healthcare System, said fresh local food from farmers’ markets can be transformative, especially for the health and well-being of veterans.
“We know that healthy bodies are well-nourished bodies, and that goes … from small kids to grown adults. And our veterans are no different,” she said. “But we know that a lot of our veterans face food insecurity, especially in our rural or underserved communities. And that’s why access to fresh, healthy food close to where our veterans live and receive their care is essential.”
In addition to the fresh fruits, vegetables, and other food offerings, Baudoin said farmers’ markets were also a way to bring together communities.
“We all eat. We love to talk about food. And we love to come together and support local business,” she said.
Bysiewicz said Connecticut was home to more than 130,000 veterans.
“Our veteran farmers are very talented people,” she said. “They’re people who served our country. And now they are serving our state and their communities by growing delicious, healthy food. They bring the same sacrifice, commitment, and dedication that they brought to military service to agriculture.”