Nutrition Coupon Program Benefits Residents

By Jo Anne Malpass

BC Farmers’ Market Nutrition Coupon Program benefitted over 60 lower-income residents at the Celista Market last summer.

In response to a letter from the BC Association of Farmers’ Markets, the Columbia Shuswap Regional District will be sending BC Minister of Health Adrian Dix a letter thanking him for the support of this program in Celista and Sorrento.

We have a wonderful update to share about the BC Farmers' Market Nutrition Coupon Program in Celista, said the letter. “This beloved program is truly making a difference in your community, along with over 100 others across BC. As you may know, this program exists through funding from the Province of British Columbia. For over a decade, BC Association of Farmers' Markets is proud to deliver the BC Farmers' Market Nutrition Coupon Program across the province.

During the 2023 season Chase Hamper Society provided lower-income pregnant persons, families, and seniors with coupons to purchase fresh fruits, vegetables, cheese, eggs, nuts, fish, meat, herbs, and honey directly from farmers at your local farmers' market.

These local residents redeemed $1,440 with local farmers at the Celista Hall Farmers' Market.

In fact, in Celista over 60 lower-income residents benefited from better access to local, fresh foods all while connecting to their community.

At the same time, farmers in your community benefited from this additional income to sustain their farms. Our local food system is stronger.”