By BC Association of Farmers Markets
On September 12th, the BC Association of Farmers’ Markets (BCAFM) will launch a new online fundraising platform and campaign to provide fresh local food to thousands of British Columbians facing economic barriers or a lack of grocery stores, while directly supporting local farmers across BC. The BCAFM has set up a new donor fund in collaboration with Vancity Community Foundation. Individuals, local businesses, sports teams and other organizations can now donate directly to the Farmers’ Market Nutrition Coupon Program (FMNCP) and be eligible for a charitable tax receipt. Today, the FMNCP currently impacts the lives of 10,000 lower- income British Columbians from over 3,500 households along with nearly 1,000 BC farmers in 55 communities across the province. The BCAFM began delivering this program in 2012 in partnership with the Province of British Columbia and the Provincial Health Services Authority.
“In nearly every community, we have a waiting list to join this unique program, and we are thrilled we now have an opportunity for individuals, businesses and organizations to support this program and meet growing demand across the province,” says Heather O’Hara, BCAFM executive director. “This is a fantastic opportunity for the public to donate funds to support more people while sustaining farmers and farmland in their own communities and enable more people to purchase fresh, local foods, like fruits, vegetables, nuts, meat and dairy, direct from BC farmers.”
Each $20 charitable donation supports a family, individual or senior to buy fresh local food from their farmers’ market one time. A charitable donation of $320 will support a family, individual or senior for the entire summer farmers’ market season, from June to October. To donate, or learn more about the program, visit bcfarmersmarket.org/donate.
The BC Association of Farmers’ Markets is a registered BC society representing over 145 farmers’ markets across the province. Its mission is to develop, promote and strengthen farmers’ markets. The BCAFM was founded in 2000 and operates from Vancouver.