fbpx

Fresh to Families

Fostering Community, Connection and Empowerment through Food:
Fresh to Families Program

Donations of $20 or more are eligible to receive a charitable tax receipt through our partners at Vancity Foundation.

 

ABOUT FRESH TO FAMILIES PROGRAM

The Fresh to Families Program is Vancouver Farmers Markets’ own expansion project of the Farmers Market Nutrition Coupon Program, a province-wide healthy eating initiative led by the BC Association of Farmers Markets (BCAFM) and the BC Ministry of Health. At VFM, we believe that fresh, locally-grown food should be available to everyone regardless of income. Our Fresh to Families Program is one of the ways we work to make that goal a reality.

Under the BCAFM Nutrition Coupon Program participants receive coupons from community partners and these can then be redeemed at the BC farmers markets. BCAFM collaborates with community organizations and BCAFM member farmers’ markets (like us) to support lower-income families, pregnant women and seniors.

While the program provides access to fresh, locally grown food that may otherwise be inaccessible, while also giving participants the dignity to choose the foods that work best for them, every dollar redeemed goes straight to BC farmers and producer vendors.

The VFM Fresh to Families Program provides funding and administrative support to the entirety of the Nutrition Coupon Program, which serves 18,000 families across BC living with low income, newly arrived refugees, seniors, and at-risk families with food skills and nutritional programming.

OUR PROGRAM PARTNERS

The Fresh to Families Program directly fundraises to provide coupons to families through four Vancouver community organizations:


In 2023 you helped us raise $77,760 and support 180 local families through Fresh to Families Program!

In order to keep up our support for these families and many more facing food insecurity, we need your support.

Donations of $20 or more are eligible to receive a charitable tax receipt through our partners at Vancity Foundation.


IMPACT OF YOUR DONATION

Fresh to Families coupons always have Double the Impact! Each $3 coupon feeds families with fresh, local food while also benefiting local farmers, who receive the full value of each coupon.

Here’s our 2023 Impact Report:

Download a copy of our 2023 Impact Report and share it to help us get support.

MAKE A BIG IMPACT

  • $30 Donation – Brings ONE family to the farmers markets just ONCE
  • $120 Donation – Brings ONE family to the farmers market for an entire MONTH
  • $600 Donation – Brings ONE family to the farmers market for an entire MARKET SEASON
  • $1,200 Donation – Brings TWO families to the market for an entire MARKET SEASON

What difference do you make by supporting Fresh to Families?

  • Participants shop for culturally appropriate food that suits their diets at our farmers markets – This is not just food, but dignity and opportunities for empowerment through choice
  • This Supports the livelihoods of BC farmers and producers through increased sales at farmers markets
  • The process itself Fosters community integration across neighborhoods and allows individuals to connect with people with similar backgrounds, and thus expand their horizons.

BECOME A CORPORATE SPONSOR

HELP US BRING MORE DESERVING FAMILIES TO THE MARKETS AND SUPPORT LOCAL BC FARMERS

Make a real difference for the most vulnerable in our community by becoming a corporate partner of the Fresh to Families Program! Contact Monika Chowdhry to start the conversation.

*Sponsoring the Fresh to Families Program is tax deductible.

We would like to thank our Fresh to Families supporters and sponsors of 2023

  •      
  •   Snowy Mountain
  • Paul's Produce
  • Golden West Farms
  • Sustainable Economy Fund

Our partners in the community:

 

 

 

Building Blocks Program

 

Unknown

 

 

Healthiest Babies Possible Program, Youth Prenatal + Parenting Program, and Public Health Dieticians

Unknown-1

 

 

 

Mount Pleasant Family Centre Circles of Care and Connection

 

 

 

Connecting Neighbours. Creating Communities

WE ARE ALWAYS GRATEFUL FOR THE SUPPORT OF:

                             

 


About Vancouver Farmers Markets Community Access Programs

VFM’s Community Access Programs provide increased access to fresh local food, food education and business development for underserved communities, aligning with our mission to promote food equity, support local farmers and agriculture, and create a more inclusive and sustainable local food system for all.