The BC Farmers Market Nutrition Coupon Program will help to improve the Creston Valley economy.
That from President of the Food Action Coalition Dave Mutch.
Health Minister Adrian Dix and Agriculture Minister Lana Popham announced the program will receive an extra $750,000 this year. The program is designed for low income families, seniors and expectant mothers, giving them access to healthy and locally grown food.
As Creston’s community partner with the program Valley Community Services administers programs related to healthy eating and preparing meals. Executive Director Justine Keirn says, ‘This is great news, it will increase the amount of benefits families get from the coupons from $240 to $336 or an additional $6/week. In Creston we are able to support 35 families through the program and it supports families and local farmers. Items that can be purchased with the coupons include fresh produce, nuts, eggs, dairy, herbs and meat.’
Creston’s Farmers Market Manager, Rylee Christenson says the increase in funding is overwhelmingly positive. She says it not only benefits the participants but the vendors as well.
This is the third year that Creston has participated and Mutch says the program has grown. He says the coupon program feeds back into the Valley’s economy.
The BC Farmers Market Nutrition Coupon Program is delivered by the BC Association of Farmers’ Markets and runs from June 11th to October 31st in 57 communities including Creston, Nelson, Kaslo, Nakusp and Grand Forks.