Farmers market coupon program helps low-income families

NEWS — The Kamloops Farmers Market will be part of an expanded coupon program that subsidizes farmers market purchases by lower-income families, seniors and pregnant women, Health Minister Terry lake announced today (Saturday).

The Nicola Valley Farmers Market in Merritt has also been added to the program among several others in the Interior Health Authority and throughout the province.

“Eating fresh, nutritious food is a big part of staying healthy and avoiding chronic illness,” said Lake. “But, for those most in need, accessing affordable, local foods can be a challenge. This program makes the healthy choice easier and helps improve the health of B.C. families.”

The Farmers’ Market Nutrition Coupon Program provides coupons that can be used like cash at participating markets throughout B.C. Each week, program participants receive $15 worth of coupons to purchase locally grown fruit, vegetables, meat, eggs, dairy, nuts, and herbs.

In order to receive the coupons, participants take part in free nutrition and skills building programs offered by community agencies that have partnered with each participating market. The programs teach them how to incorporate farmers’ market foods into their everyday diet.

Fifteen new markets have been added to the coupon program this year for a total of 49 participating markets located throughout the province. This year’s funding will go towards sustaining the program beyond 2015.

“Both local farmers and local families have benefitted from the ongoing success of the Coupon Program,” said Jon Bell, president of the B.C. Association of Farmers’ Markets. “We couldn’t be happier that the program has been expanded this year and will be continuing into next year and beyond.”

The program is expected to support about 3,500 families and seniors, with an estimated 10,000 individuals benefitting in 2014. The $750,000 tops up $4 million provided in 2012 and 2013.

The Nutrition Coupon Program runs for 16 weeks, from July through October 2014, and is administered by the B.C. Association of Farmers’ Markets.