We’re Fundraising to support the BC Nutrition Coupon Program! 

Did you know, nearly 23% of Canadians lived in food insecure households in 2022? ¹  The BCAFM Nutrition Coupon Program and The New West Farmers Market are trying to change that – but we need your support!

The Farmers Market Nutrition Coupon Program is a province-wide healthy eating initiative led by the BC Association of Farmers Markets (BCAFM) and the BC Ministry of Health. This year, due to the end of a 3-year provincial grant, the program is supporting fewer families through the program than the year before. We are saddened to learn that folks in our community who rely on these coupons have not been able to access them due to this lack of increased funding. Especially in these trying times, where we’re seeing inflation, grocery prices and food insecurity soar, we are committed to increasing food security in our community. 

We believe that fresh, locally-grown, culturally appropriate food should be available to everyone regardless of income. 

How does the program work?

The BCAFM receives funding from the BC Ministry of Health and partners with local nonprofits to deliver 16 weeks of $27 coupons to lower income seniors, families with children and pregnant people, which can be redeemed at any participating farmers market, province-wide. Coupons can be used to purchase vegetables, fruits, nuts, eggs, dairy, herbs, vegetable & fruit plants, honey, meat and fish- from now until December 22nd.  The BC Nutrition Coupon Program (BCNFP) now serves over 85 communities and reaches over 18,000 families, seniors and pregnant people from over 10,000 households in BC.

 Please note – The New West Farmers Market and the BCAFM do not distribute coupons to individuals. Local community partners enroll and distribute coupons to participants.

The Nutrition Coupon Program not only increases underserviced communities and families access to fresh, locally grown food, it reinforces a sense of self-determination by empowering participants through the right to choose culturally appropriate foods that will best serve them and their families. This program creates a space for community integration, diverse connections, and ultimately strengthens community ties.

The Program also uplifts our local economy, producers and a sustainable food supply chain, by supporting local producers sell locally to communities that would otherwise be unable to shop with them. Last year, we redeemed over $115,000 in coupons – and every dollar went to our local farmers and producers.

For more information about the program, and how it works, visit the BCAFM website here.

For the first $1000 raised, your donation will go twice as far!

The New West Farmers Market is matching donations up to our goal of $1000! Donate today to ensure your donation makes the biggest impact!

We are proud to be involved in this program, and we are committed to supporting more families, seniors, Indigenous, and pregnant people gain access to it.

All donations raised will go directly to supporting the Nutrition Coupon Program in New West!

If you would like to help increase funding and broaden the impact of the program, please fill out the form below.

Thank you to our community partners