Good to hear.
Perhaps UNBC and Cozzetto could top that up a little.

Cozzeto can now afford to have his produce delivered.

This is nice to see!!!...
it is amazing how the money appears when there is an election just around the corner though.
But what am I saying this would have nothing to do with that would it?....

You know lostfaith and harbinger they have all of the ingredients for fruitcake at the farmers market.

Seriously. Lighten up. This story isn't even about UNBC. It is a feel good story, about helping families access healthy, low carbon, local food. It is about PG being innovative. Win-Win. Smile-smile.

healthy - low carbon - local food (not all is local) $15.00 will not go far at a farmers market. Often low income families need to purchase the most quantity rather than the best quality for their family! Transportation to the Farmers Market may well be an issue.It will be interesting to see how well utilized this program is used.

$15 is more than they are currently receiving. I appreciate the intent to help those who need it most. 50 families will benefit from this generosity. Let's be thankful and appreciative for this. Chester

Yes, Let's be thankful for the *50* families who receive it. I would be very interested to know if the coupons are used!

I think it is a great start. IMO feed the kids at school, so they all have equal opportunity to learn first and foremost, then in the case of welfare or working welfare families I have no problem with tax payer dollars assisting through coupons these families in purchasing food that is locally grown by the local farmers. 50 seems like a small number, but it is a start I guess.

IMO this should be one of the most important programs government is involved in.

My opinion is basically the same as Eagle one. This is at least the germ of a good idea, perhaps a small step in the right direction. It would probably be more effective to implement a school feeding program though, and somehow carry it through the summer months. I sincerely hope that there is no opportunity for low lifes to abuse this apparent generosity.
metalman.

It sounds like a good idea to me, too. It is experimental, so we can see how well it works and what any of the problems might be. Hopefully, it will work well for all concerned and help point the way towards the benefits that could accrue by making the food produced in BC more affordable to all.

In response to "werthers":
__________________________________

The Prince George Farmers' Market participated in the pilot project for this program last year (2007), as one of 5 markets involved.

The Prince George Farmers' Market had the highest redemption rate for these coupons. Redemption rate was 93%.

The market will participate in the program for 2008.

_____________________________

source: Prince George Citizen June 25, 2008.

For more market information visit
www.farmersmarketpg.ca

I was one of those families that took part in the program last year. (...and will be again this year) They are giving an extra 5$ this year it seems. 15$ doesn't sound like alot, but actually it is. It usually buys us apples (a huge bag)for the week and a few zuchs/potatoes/etc as well. Sometimes a loaf or two of bread if we get there early enough! And it is a weekly benifit, which equals 60 a month.. so it does go far in the long run. If you dont end up spending it all one week, you can use it the next. They coupons come in 1$ tickets.

I seen many young girls (like myself) every week last year. Some are also provided with bus tickets if transportation is an issue. (Which is a bonus) Its nice to get out on a nice day to look around and check out what our local (and some not) people have to offer.

The one thing I didn't appreciate last year... A vendor that I won't name was put off in taking my coupons one time. She looked me up and down and said "I thought these were for street people." I was amazed that she would actually come right out and say that to me. I was pretty offended and hurt. I'm not a street person, Im just a single mom buying fruit for my son. Maybe I didn't fit her image of a person in need... I hope she reads this. Please don't judge me this year. Im still the same person that has accepted a little help from an outside source. Im not stealing or begging.. Just buying some fruit.