Regina Farmers’ Market launches ‘nutrition coupon’ program

WATCH: The Regina Farmers Market is rolling out a new voucher program designed to get fresh produce to those who need it. Mick Favel reports.

The Regina Farmers’ Market (RFM) is launching a new program to address food insecurity for those less fortunate in Regina.

The market is now introducing the “Nutrition Coupon Program.” Those using the program can bring their coupon to the market and exchange it for goods being sold.

“We want to make sure there isn’t anyone who is hungry or going without.” said Molly Laird, the executive director of the RFM. “This is one way we can make sure everyone in our community can access local goods we have here.”

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Similar programs in B.C., Manitoba and Nova Scotia were the inspiration for the new initiative.

Talks of the program began in the summer of 2024. Since then, RFM has partnered with the Regina YWCA – which will help distribute the coupons.

Startup funds were made possible through the Building Communities Strong Together grant from Nutrien.

“This is a really great way we can support our community, and we can pull together and help those who are struggling,” Laird noted.

Marilyn Simons is the owner of Aunty M’s Garden Market, a vendor of RFM. She is confident in the program and its future.

“This program is a perfect way to be non-discriminatory,” Simons said. “It’s discreet shopping at its best because the coupons are not just offered to the less fortunate people, they are offered to the public as well.”

The coupon program will be a permanent addition to the market, with potential to expand in the future.