For some families and seniors, it can be difficult to add healthy options to their daily meals. Lack of finances can often be a barrier for those who would otherwise love to shop at their local farmers’ markets.
The Sechelt Farmers’ & Artisans’ Market has partnered with Sunshine Coast Community Services to make healthy options more accessible to families on the Sunshine Coast. Community support programs provide nutrition, cooking and healthy lifestyle skills building programs to those with a lower income. Participants then gain the skills and knowledge needed to help them eat healthier and make the most of their local farmers’ markets.
The farmers’ market nutrition coupon program, an initiative of the BC Association of Farmers’ Markets, will provide participants with the resources to purchase B.C. products such as fruits, vegetables, fresh cut herbs, nuts, dairy and meat.
“The program is really a win-win, for both local producers and local families,” said Jon Bell, president, BC Association of Farmers’ Markets, and vendor at the Sechelt Farmers’ and Artisans’ Market.
Wendy Byhre, site manager for the market, said it would be great to see an increase in families who are receiving the coupons living in Sechelt also using their coupons locally and supporting local farmers.
The program starts this Saturday, June 14, and participating vendors who provide fruits, vegetables, herbs, cheese, eggs, nuts and seafood will have a BC Association of Farmers, Market welcome sign to make them easy to identify.
The market runs every Saturday until the end of September from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Cowrie Street in Sechelt.
