The BC Farmers’ Market Nutrition & Coupon Project (FMNCP) was an initiative of the BC Association of Farmers’ Market. The project distributed farmers’ market coupons to selected cooking and skill builiding programs around the province. The project provided participating families with increased access to fresh, local foods, greater cooking and nutrition skills, a stronger connection with the local food system and a strengthened community.
Since its inception in 2007, close to 3000 low-income families and children participated in the FMNCP. Evaluation summaries are available for 2007, 2008 and 2009. View the video and digital story made about the project in 2009.
The BC Association of Farmers’ Markets (BCAFM), host organization of the FMNCP, has been working to secure funds for the 2010 season. To date, the funds needed have not been secured, and the BC Association of Farmers’ Markets has made the decision to cancel the 2010 season of the FMNCP. The FMNCP will be reevaluated as the economic climate shifts and more funds become available.
While the funding and project infrastructure will not be in place by the BCAFM for the 2010 season, there are opportunities for markets and cooking & skill building programs to work together. Many of the participating programs and markets developed strong partnerships and worked together to programming and information sharing. Market tours, guest speaker talks by vendors, market managers and community organizations, information sharing on what’s coming to market, food donations to community programs, volunteer opportunities for participants, cooking demonstrations, and recipe sharing are a few successful initiatives that may work in your community. Alternative funding sources such as credit unions, Health Authorities, environmental organizations, and community organizations (e.g. Rotary Club) are all potential sources of funding and partnerships that may work in your community. Each community has its own unique dynamic and opportunities within it.
