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Access to nutritious, locally grown food for seniors, Elder and people who are pregnant has been secured.
On Sunday, it was announced that the BC Farmers’ Market Nutrition Coupon Program received a $12 million boost in funding.
The BC Association of Farmers’ Market (BCAFM) will now be providing $27 of coupons per week for 16 weeks to eligible residents across the province.
The coupons can be used to buy fresh vegetables, fruit, nuts, herbs, dairy, eggs, meat and (new this year) locally harvested honey.
This year, the program launched on June 4 and will run until Dec. 18 at participating farmers’ markets in nearly 100 BC communities.
The BCAFM will be using $3 million of the funding to invite more seniors in need to participate in the coupon program. The society hopes to bring on an additional 1,750 additional seniors’ households in 2022.
“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,” said Lana Popham, Minister of Agriculture and Food.
In 2022, the coupon program is expected to benefit more than 8,824 households, reaching approximately 24,656 individuals.
The BCAFM is also 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.
Click here for more information about the coupon program. Visit this link to see where the program operates and to contact community partners to sign up.
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