The B.C. Farmers’ Market Nutrition Coupon Program will receive a $4.25 million investment from the B.C. Government, helping more low-income families, seniors and pregnant people access healthy, locally grown food.
Sheila Malcolmson, B.C.’s Minister of Social Development and Poverty Reduction, said the funding improves access to nutritious food for vulnerable residents while supporting local farmers, small businesses and regional food systems.
“We all want people to be able to access nutritious, healthy food in their communities. This funding helps more people, including seniors and families, put fresh food on the table, while also investing in local agriculture.” said Malcolmson.
Program participants can receive up to $27 per week for up to 16 weeks to spend at participating farmers’ markets on items such as fruits, vegetables, eggs, dairy, meat, fish, honey, herbs, nuts and plants.
Josie Osborne, B.C.’s Minister of Health, said the program helps more people participate in the healthy choices and community connection that farmers markets provide.
“Access to healthy food is one of the foundations of good health, and farmers’ markets are wonderful places where people can connect with local growers, support local businesses and enjoy the harvest of the season. The nutrition coupon program helps more people and families purchase fresh, local food at participating farmers’ markets, while supporting B.C. farmers and strengthening food security in communities throughout the province.” said Osborne.
Lana Popham, B.C.’s Minister of Agriculture and Food, said the program helps strengthen local food systems across the region by increasing access to healthy food, supporting food security, and supplying local farmers with additional income.
“The program is helping more people access and enjoy fresh, nutritious food grown by B.C. farmers, while strengthening local food security and supporting producers and small businesses. B.C. farmers’ markets bring communities together to celebrate the delicious and unique flavours of each region, and the coupon program helps more B.C. families share and enjoy the experience.” said Popham.
The program is now in its 15th year, being delivered by the B.C. Association of Farmers’ Markets, and funded by the Ministry of Health since 2012.
The program has proven it’s successful supporting about 8,200 households through roughly 240 community partners in nearly 100 communities across B.C. in 2025.
“The B.C. Farmers’ Market Nutrition Coupon Program has an incredible impact on the lives of so many people who participate, alongside B.C. farmers and our network of farmers’ markets and communities of all kinds across B.C. This is a program that for 15 years has continued to inspire and unite people and communities around healthy food, while sustaining our local food systems for future generations.” said Heather O’Hara, executive director, BC Association of Farmers’ Markets.
This year the program includes many participating markets and community partners in Cranbrook, Kimberley, Fernie, Creston, Golden, and Invermere.
Sonja Patron, Manager of the Cranbrook Farmers Market, said this year’s market season is off to a great start and a big part of that is the coupon program.
“So far it’s been a fabulous year. We have lots of new vendors, and we have a few more coming over the next couple weeks. A big part of it is the coupon program, we’re reaching out to try and assist those that are a little less fortunate through our community partners and introducing them to the coupon program, which is actually a card now. There’s lots of benefits to it for them, helping keep them healthy, and fed with all the natural fresh produce we have in the area.” said Patron.
Patron details the economic impact from the community supporting the farmers market is huge, reflecting just how much the coupon program strengthens the local food system.
“It honestly is about 55 per cent of the area money spent on food is through the Cranbrook farmers market, and all the fresh produce. About $1.68 million is the economic impact the farmers market has.” said Patron.
The 2026 B.C. Farmers’ Market Nutrition Coupon Program is already at capacity and is no longer accepting applications.
