Check out this cool tasting trail and app brought to you by the BC Association of Farmers’ Markets!!
From the Official BC Farmers’ Market Website:
The Farmers’ Market Nutrition Coupon Program (FMNCP) is a healthy eating initiative that supports farmers’ markets and strengthens food security across British Columbia. Community partner organizations provide coupons to lower-income families, pregnant people and seniors. Coupons can be spent at all BCAFM member farmers’ markets that participate in the FMNCP, and can be used to purchase vegetables, fruits, nuts, eggs, dairy, herbs, vegetable & fruit plants, honey, meat and fish.
Households enrolled in the program may receive $27/week in coupons for up to 16 weeks. The amount and frequency and duration can vary according to each partner’s program guidelines and the length of the Farmer’s Market season in the community.
Coupons can be used at any participating BC Farmers’ Market from June 8th – December 22th, 2024. Not all BC Farmers Markets operate during that entire period.
Check out their website for more information!
The Farmers’ Market Nutrition Coupon Program
Where can I get coupons?
You can get coupons starting on June 8th from our community partner organizations, the North Okanagan Friendship Center Society and Archway Society for Domestic Peace
Also check out this page on how to become a participant!
Who funds the program?
The Province of British Columbia as well as other funders support the BC Farmers’ Market Nutrition Coupon Program.
"The Farmers’ Market Nutrition Coupon Program began in 2007 as a pilot project operating in each of the regional health authorities. The Ministry of Health began funding the program in 2012. The program successfully expanded from 2012-2014 and has been in full operation since 2015. It has continued to grow since and now serves over 85 communities and reaches over 18,000 families, seniors and pregnant people from over 10,000 households in BC." FMNCP
How do the coupons work?
Each coupon is worth $3 and there are 3 different types of coupons, Green, Blue, and Yellow. With these coupons you my buy fresh ingredients to make your own delicious healthy meals! This chart explains which food group you can purchase with the corresponding coupon colour.
However you may not buy processed food or meals such as dried fruit, preserves, pickles, sandwiches, bread or baked goods. Basically are looking for just ingredients so you can create your own. The objective of the program is to support participants in accessing local, nutritious foods directly form the BC farmers who sell at BC Farmers’ Markets.
All vendors who accept these coupons will have a ‘Accepted Here’ sign hanging on their tent and all products will be labeled with clear pricing.
Other Info about Accepting Coupons:
Change cannot be given for paper coupons
Coupons can be accepted from June 8th - December 22nd, 2024 with eligible vendors at participating farmers’ markets.
Coupons from previous years have expired and cannot be accepted.
Coupons cannot be accepted after the final market of the season or December 22, 2024, whichever comes first.
Coupons may only be accepted at participating BCAFM markets, and no other locations or at farm stands.
Check out this little video explaining how it all work!
Here’s how each food group falls into each colour category:
GREEN COUPON
$3
Fresh Vegetables/Fruits
Fresh Cut Herds
Cheese and Eggs
Nuts
Vegetables/Fruits Plants
BLUE COUPON
$3
Fresh Vegetables/Fruits
Fresh Cut Herds
Cheese and Eggs
Nuts
Vegetables/Fruits Plants
Fish, Seafood & Meat
YELLOW COUPON
$3
Fresh Vegetables/Fruits
Fresh Cut Herds
Cheese and Eggs
Nuts
Vegetables/Fruits Plants
Fish, Seafood & Meat
Honey