With the return of the Nicola Valley Farmers’ Market, the Farmers’ Market Nutrition Coupon Program (FMNCP) will also be active once again.

This year, the province has provided approximately $1.88 million in funding to the BC Association of Farmers’ Markets (BCAFM) to support the coupon program throughout the province.

Community partners such as the Nicola Valley Food Bank provide eligible participants of lower-income families, pregnant women, and seniors with coupons that can then be used to purchase vegetables, fruits, nuts, dairy, eggs, herbs, meat or fish from participating BCAFM markets. Each household enrolled in the program is eligible to receive a minimum of $21/week in coupons from June 8 – November 15.

“Partnering with the BCAFM on this program promotes healthy eating and helps more people around the province share the amazing community atmosphere and fresh local products at farmers markets,” said Lana Popham, Minister of Agriculture.

“Increasing the customer base and involvement at the markets also supports farmers, producers and processers, each of whom are part of B.C.’s growing agricultural industry and food security. This program truly benefits everyone involved.”

The FMNCP originally launched in each of the regional health authorities in 2007 as a pilot project, and in 2012 the Ministry of Health began funding the program and saw successful expansion from 2012-2014. The current program has been in full operation since 2015 and serves over 79 communities across the province.

In 2020 the program is expected to reach approximately 18,000 individuals and benefit more than 6000 households, a 300% increase from 2012.

“The Farmers’ Market Nutrition Coupon Program has been a powerful food security tool over the years,” said Vickey Brown, president, BCAFM.

“This year, the impacts of this program will be even more important. Both farmers and consumers are struggling through COVID-19 pandemic disruptions. Weekly access to healthy food via farmers markets will be a big help in getting healthy local food to the vulnerable folks in our communities.

“Farmers who are suffering the impacts of market disruptions because of COVID-19 will benefit from the reliable income that the nutrition coupons provide. We are always grateful to the ministries for their support of the Farmers’ Market Nutrition Coupon Program, and that appreciation has grown during this challenging time.”

Locally, Food Banks General Manager Derlanda Hewton said the response to the program has been positive and that there are many interested applicants.

“As we have limited amount of placements on the program, we encourage those that are interested to come in this week to apply,” said Hewton.

“We are aiming to get the coupons out there for this week’s market. We are looking forward to having another successful year and we are grateful to BC Farmers Market, The Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Health for their support to be able to continue this program in our community.”

For a list of all participating famers markets for the 2020 season, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/files/2020.06.05_BG_Farmers_Market_Nutrition_Coupon_Program.pdf