The Ministry of Agriculture is investing $1 million into a Provincial program which will help both families in need and local vendors.
The money is going into BC’s “Nutrition Coupon” program, which gives low-income families, seniors, and pregnant women $15 a week to spend at their local market.
Prince George Farmers’ Market Association President Philip Myatovic says the coupons help those on both sides of the table.
“(Vendors are) able to sell their produce, fruits, and meat more readily because (buyers) can only buy with those coupons at the farmers’ market.”
With the investment, the Ministry expects the money to help about 10,000 British Columbians this year.
“Every little bit helps. A million dollars these days isn’t a hell of a lot of money when it’s distributed through the whole Province to all the farmers’ markets but it still helps,” says Myatovic.
Along with coupons, program participants also have access to free nutritional classes.
This isn’t the first time the Province has contributed. It’s put $5.75 million into the program since 2012.
You can get your coupons at the Native Friendship Society or at the Farmers’ Market.
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