The B.C. government announced it will provide about $12 million over the next three years to the BC Association of Farmers’ Markets’ (BCAFM) nutritional coupon program, which provides lower-income families, pregnant people, and seniors with coupons to purchase fresh foods at markets.
Farmers markets in both Burnaby and New Westminster participate in the coupon program.
The BCAFM supplies coupons to partner organizations, such as Burnaby Neighbourhood House, the Burnaby school district, Spirit of the Children Society and New West Family Place, which then pass the coupons on to their members.
The coupons are worth up to $27 per week for 16 weeks (a $6 increase from 2021), and are valid at participating farmers markets.
Last year, the Burnaby Artisan Farmers’ Market redeemed $24,405 in coupons, and the New West Farmers’ Market redeemed $58,986.
The new funding includes $3 million to support about 1,750 additional seniors’ households joining the program.
“Farmers markets support better nutrition, as well as local entrepreneurs and growers throughout B.C.,” said Wylie Bystedt, BCAFM president.
“The farmers market nutrition coupon program is a great way to help people get home-grown, world-class B.C. produce while developing a strong, sustainable agricultural sector that is proud to serve our local communities.”
The seasonal program runs this year from June 4 until Dec. 18.
In 2022, the coupon program is expected to serve more than 8,824 households and about 24,600 individuals, which the province says is more than seven times that of when the program started in 2012.
"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 Minister of Agriculture and Food Lana Popham in a statement.
Burnaby and New West BCAFM partner organizations in 2022
Burnaby
- Burnaby Association for Community Inclusion, Outreach Program and Infant Development Program
- Welcoming Seniors' Spaces
- Burnaby Family Life, Burnaby South Child Care (young parent program)
- Burnaby Neighbourhood House
- Burnaby School District
New Westminster
- Family Services of Greater Vancouver - New Westminster
- New West Family Place
- Spirit of the Children Society
- City of New Westminster
- Burnaby Family Life Pregnancy Outreach Program New Westminster
Eligible foods include:
- Fruits and vegetables
- Nuts
- Eggs
- Dairy
- Herbs
- Meat and fish
- Honey
