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BC Association of Farmers' Markets
Farmers' markets operate in every type of community across British Columbia from cities and suburbs to rural communities. Markets vary in size and sophistication, from large sheltered public markets to a few farmers with their trucks parked next to each other in a parking lot or farm field. Now that's fresh!
Programs :: Coupon Program
The Farmers' Market Nutrition and Coupon Project (FMNCP)
The BC Association of Farmers Markets (BCAFM) is pleased to announce the 2008 Farmers' Market Nutrition and Coupon Project. Building on the success of the 2007 pilot project, the Nutrition and Coupon Project will be expanding to 10 Markets for the 2008 season.
If you are a Market interested in participating in the 2008 Project, please see the Farmers' Market Nutrition and Coupon Project Partnership Criteria & Application, which is available for download (see links at right).
For more information, contact Paula Luther, Project Manager at 604-254-4512 or bcafmcoupon@gmail.com.
2007 Overview
The BC Association of Farmers' Markets has launched a pilot project in five British Columbia communities to help low-income families buy and consume more BC-produced fresh farm products.
The Farmers' Market Nutrition and Coupon Pilot Project (FMNCP) is about:
- Promoting the health of BC families by providing low-income pregnant women and low-income families an opportunity to buy fresh BC-produced farm products.
- Supporting our local farmers.
- Increasing the sale of fresh, BC-grown farm products at farmers' markets.
- Assisting coupon recipient families to buy directly from BC farmers in a family-friendly setting.
This project works closely with local cooking and skill building programs to help coupon recipient families to increase their nutrition knowledge and skills in preparing fresh BC farm products.
All coupon "money" stays within British Columbia and supports the local economy of our communities.
"Encouraging people to buy fresh produce directly from farmers at their local farmers' market provides strong support for the rural economy of this province and helps strengthen local communities," said Mary Forstbauer, president of the BC Association of Farmers' Markets.
The Farmers' Market Nutrition and Coupon Project (FMNCP) is the first project of its kind in Canada. Funded by the provincial government, this one-time pilot project will provide coupons to eligible low-income families that can be used for buying fresh farm products directly from BC farmers at farmers' markets in Vancouver, Courtenay, Kelowna, Prince George and Coquitlam. In each community a total of $7,000 in farmers' market coupons will be distributed throughout the summer.
"This unique project provides a 'win-win' situation for local farmers and for British Columbian families on low incomes who want to add more fresh foods to their diets," said Devorah Kahn, Food Policy Coordinator for the City of Vancouver.
In addition to promoting increased consumption of fresh BC produce and farm products, the project will also help coupon recipients expand their food preparation skills and nutritional knowledge through connections with local cooking and skill building programs.
"By raising awareness of the importance of fresh wholesome foods for a healthy balanced diet and supporting the purchase of those foods, this project is taking steps to address the serious and growing problem of childhood obesity in this province," said Brent Warner, an industry specialist with the BC Ministry of Agriculture and Lands.
Watch this website for updates.
Paula Luther, Project Manager
FMNCP In The News
See Media page
More FMNCP information
(PDF files)
Farmers' Market Partnership Criteria & Application (80 KB)
Final Evaluation Report, Dec 21/07 (1.1 MB)
Overview of the project and important dates
