Families and Farmers supported with Market Coupon Program
- communications
- Sep 30
- 2 min read
Updated: Sep 30
This summer, we partnered with the Port Hardy Farmers’ Market to support the BC Farmers’ Markets Nutrition Coupon Program and to support community food literacy through education and outreach.
Mount Waddington Family Literacy Society Food Literacy Coordinator Jeanne James-Hory joined Port Hardy Market Manager Cameron Dyck at each market to introduce and register people for the program, distribute coupons, and provide shopping advice and recipes.
More than forty local households were registered and more than $4000 in coupons were distributed to spend at the Port Hardy Farmers’ Market.
The program has successfully:
Supported access to fresh, local food for low-income households.
Strengthened community connections through conversations and shared food knowledge.
Increased food literacy by encouraging participants to try new recipes and enjoy a wider variety of vegetables.
Created a supportive, welcoming environment where people could connect and feel valued.
“This program has been more than a food access initiative,” said Jeanne, “it has created a supportive, social space. Participants have expressed deep gratitude for the coupons and the companionship. At times, more than 10 participants gathered around our booth in conversation, sharing experiences and building community. For some, checking in became a highlight of their week.”
Programs like this make a real difference: they put healthy food on the table, strengthen connections in the community, and support the farmers who grow our food.
This province-wide program, funded by the BC Ministry of Health, is delivered in over 80 communities across B.C. It provides coupons for fresh, local food to families, pregnant people and seniors with lower incomes, while supporting local farmers and markets.
About Mount Waddington Family Literacy Society
The Mount Waddington Family Literacy Society supports literacy and learning on North Vancouver Island through free programs for people of all ages, in partnership with local communities, schools, and organizations.
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