Farmers markets are an important way of connecting Okanagan residents with the produce and products of local farmers and orchardists. And a program exists in British Columbia to increase access to fresh, healthy food for lower-income families, pregnant women and seniors.
The BC Farmers Market Nutrition Coupon Program is supported by the Province of BC and the Provincial Health Services Authority and operates in 79 BC communities including several throughout the Okanagan.
At present, recipients of Farmer’s Market Nutrition Coupons receive $21 per week in coupons for 16 weeks. These can be used at participating farmers markets to purchase vegetables, fruits, nuts, eggs, dairy products, cut herbs, meat and fish.
In the Okanagan, seniors can contact the following community partners to apply to be part of this amazing program:
Vernon
NexusBC Community Resource Centre
250-545-0585
Kelowna
Seniors Outreach Services Society
250-861-6180
For all other areas in and around the Thompson-Okanagan, please visit https://bcfarmersmarket.org/coupon-program/where-it-operates/