A $2 million one-time grant to British Columbia’s farmers’ markets will provide coupons for low-income seniors and families to buy farmers’ market goods.
The provincial government announced the grant to the nutrition and coupon program today. It gives coupons to use at markets over a 14-week period.
The program involves seniors, families and pregnant women who are taking courses on how to cook healthy, nutritious meals that include locally produced farm products.
Families will get $15 worth of coupons each week. Seniors will get $12 worth. The coupons are treated like cash.
“The program matches B.C. Association of Farmers’ Markets member farmers’ markets with one or more community agencies that operate a cooking and skill-building program,” said a government news release.
“The program will support up to 50 families and pregnant women and up to 10 seniors per community. The intent is to expand the program to support more individuals and B.C. communities each year.”
The coupon program is expected to benefit about 800 families and pregnant women, 1,360 children and 150 seniors. There are more than 125 farmers’ markets operating in B.C.
