BC Farmers’ Market Nutrition Coupon Program receives new funding to help lower-income British Columbians

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The B.C. government has allocated new funding for the BC Farmers’ Market Nutrition Coupon Program, which will help improve access to healthy, locally grown food for lower-income British Columbians.

The government says it is allocating $12 million to the BC Association of Farmers’ Markets (BCAFM) in order to support the program, which will provide coupons to people in need in order for them to purchase fresh, healthy, local food at farmers’ markets.

Of the total funding, $3 million will be used to support approximately 1,750 additional seniors’ households joining the program as well.

The BCAFM says it will work with existing community partners to invite more seniors in need to participate as well as invite new organizations that serve seniors into the program.

“Our government continues to support the BC Farmers’ Market Nutrition Coupon Program, which is widely supported across the province,” said Adrian Dix, Minister of Health. “The program encourages people to buy nutritious, locally grown food, which helps to improve the health and well-being of British Columbians and builds a sense of community.”

In 2022, the coupon program is expected to benefit more than 8,824 households, reaching approximately 24,656 individuals. This is an increase of more than seven times from when the program started in 2012.

In 2019-20, the Province provided $2.25 million to the program, which benefited 6,684 households and approximately 19,029 individuals.

“This important program is helping more British Columbians access the fresh, healthy products that are grown and produced right in their own backyards and sold at our wonderful farmers’ markets,” said Lana Popham, Minister of Agriculture and Food. “By supporting increased participation in the program for those who need it most, we are helping more people become food secure while also strengthening our provincial food system and local food economies.”

New for 2022, honey will now also be added to the list of local food available for people with coupons this year.

“This fantastic program not only helps people and families access local, fresh food, but it also supports local farmers and producers in B.C. It’s great to see that this year, seniors in Vancouver and throughout the province will have even more opportunities to participate,” said David Eby, MLA for Vancouver-Point Grey.

The coupon program will run from June 4 to Dec. 18 at participating B.C. farmers’ markets.

“Farmers’ markets support better nutrition, as well as local entrepreneurs and growers throughout B.C.,” said Wylie Bystedt, president, BCAFM. “The Farmers’ Market Nutrition Coupon program is a great way to help people get home-grown, world-class B.C. produce while developing a strong, sustainable agricultural sector that is proud to serve our local communities. We are grateful for the Ministry of Health’s continued investment in building healthy communities across the province. Through their investment, we see communities having success in healthy initiatives and flourishing farmers’ markets.”

In 2022, eligible recipients will receive $27 dollars of coupons per week for 16 weeks to help them purchase local food, such as vegetables, fruits, nuts, eggs, dairy, herbs, vegetable and fruit plants, and meat and fish.

The BCAFM is helping to provide consumers with locally grown and prepared food products through a new online platform, with many farmers’ markets connected virtually to serve their communities.

Farmers’ markets can visit the association’s website for more information, and applications for 2022 are still open.

More information about the program can be found online here.

Graham Cox

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