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Farmers' Market coupons expand

Local farmers' market provides some free, fresh food for low-income participants
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The South Cariboo Farmers' Market is a very popular place to pick up fresh

The provincial government is providing another $2-million in funding for the expansion of the Farmers’ Market Nutrition Coupon Program.

Locally, program participants include the South Cariboo Farmers’ Market and the Cariboo Family Enrichment Centre's (CFEC) Cooking & Skill Building Program.

Cariboo-Chilcotin MLA Donna Barnett says the funding is intended to provide lower-income families and seniors in 100 Mile House and across the province with better access to locally-grown produce and other food products to support improved healthy eating.

“The Farmers’ Market Nutrition Coupon Program allows seniors and families to buy quality local food, which is great for them, and is good for our farmers as well.

"I’m very happy to see this program expanded to 100 Mile House.”

The coupon program runs July-October 2013 and is administered by the BC Association of Farmers’ Markets. It offers individuals and families enrolled in nutrition and skills building programs $15 worth of coupons each week, distributed by community agencies partnering with participating local markets.

Coupons are treated like cash and can be used to purchase a variety of local food products including fruit, vegetables, meat, fish, eggs, nuts, dairy and herbs.

The 2013 funding is being provided through the Provincial Health Services Authority and builds on an initial $2 million investment in 2012.

The South Cariboo Farmers’ Market takes place at Birch Avenue at Third Street each Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. until Sept. 27. For more information on CFEC programs, call 250-395-5155 or visit www.cariboofamily.org. To learn more about the Farmers’ Market Nutrition and Coupon Program, go to www.bcfarmersmarket.org.