The B.C. Association of Farmers Markets has created an 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 farmers.
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 and be eligible for a charitable tax receipt.
Currently, the FMNCP currently impacts the lives of 10,000 lower-income British Columbians from more than 3,500 households along with nearly 1,000 B.C. farmers in 55 communities across the province.
“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,” said 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 B.C. 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.