SOUND OFF: Farmer’s Market Nutrition Coupon Program

In 2021, the program reached 6,684 households, including 1,982 seniors. That number nearly doubled the following year to 10,152 households, including 4,091 seniors.

Last year, our government provided new funding to the BC Association of Farmers’ Markets to expand access to healthy, locally grown food; this includes increasing the weekly coupon rate by $6 a week.

Because of this program, nearly 20,000 people across 85 communities have been able to purchase the best-quality, home-grown foods at their local markets. Not only does this help people with their grocery bills, but it also ensures that local farmers and food producers have a stable source of revenue.

Farmer’s markets provide more than just food. They are often bustling community hubs full of local makers, musicians and innovative local businesses. They are places where you get to say hello to your neighbours, watch your children’s faces light up, and learn about the projects happening where you live, and the people behind them.

I love visiting the local farmers’ market at my home in Mission, and neighbouring markets in Abbotsford and the rest of the Fraser Valley.

I am wishing everyone a wonderful summer at local events, including their local Farmer’s Market, and if you have questions about our government’s Farmer’s Market Nutrition Coupon Program, check out the BC Farmer’s Market website.

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Editor’s Note: This opinion piece reflects the views of its author, and does not necessarily represent the views of CFJC Today or Pattison Media.

by Agriculture and Food Minister Pam Alexis

SOUND OFF: Farmer’s Market Nutrition Coupon Program

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