Gabriola LTC Letter of Support for BC Farmers Nutrition Coupon Program

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200 – 1627 Fort Street, Victoria BC  V8R 1H8 
Telephone  (250) 405-5151    Fax  (250) 405-5155 
Toll Free via Enquiry BC in Vancouver 660-2421.  Elsewhere in BC 1.800.663.7867 
Email  information@islandstrust.bc.ca 
Web  www.islandstrust.bc.ca 
 
 
Bowen  Denman  Hornby  Gabriola  Galiano  Gambier  Lasqueti  Mayne  North Pender  Salt Spring  Saturna  South Pender  Thetis 
 
April 6, 2022 File No. GB-6410-03; 0110-20-LTC Chairs 
 
Via email: HLTH.Minister@gov.bc.ca 
 
The Honorable Adrian Dix 
Minister of Health 
PO Box 9050, Stn Prov Govt,  
Victoria, BC V8W 9E2 
Dear Minister Dix: 
 
Re:  BC Farmers Market Nutrition Coupon Program 
 
I am writing you as the Chair of the Gabriola Local Trust Committee (“Gabriola LTC”) pursuant to a motion 
passed by the LTC at its regular public meeting of March 3, 2022.   
 
The Gabriola LTC strongly supports the continuation of the BC Farmers Market Nutrition Coupon Program 
and particularly notes its beneficial impacts on both the farmers and residents of Gabriola Island.   We 
understand that last year residents of Gabriola Island redeemed coupons worth $18,747 at the Gabriola 
Agricultural Co-op in partnership with the group People for a Healthy Community.   This community partner 
provided lower income families and seniors coupons to purchase fresh fruits, vegetables, chees, eggs, nuts 
and more from local famers.   
 
In all, over 67 lower income residents on Gabriola accessed more local food, learned about healthy eating, 
and connected with their community.   Local food systems were strengthened as farmers benefited from the 
additional revenue. With all of these benefits on Gabriola Island replicated across the province, we urge the 
Province to continue to enhance and strengthen this valuable program.    
 
Islands Trust is a special-purpose government representing over 30,000 people living within the Islands Trust 
Area and another 10,000 non-resident property owners. The Islands Trust Area is located within Coast Salish 
territory and is the homeland to over 28,000 Coast Salish Peoples who have called this place home since time 
immemorial. Islands Trust is responsible for preserving and protecting the Islands Trust Area's unique 
environment and amenities by planning and regulating land use, development management, education, 
cooperation with other agencies, and land conservation. The area covers the islands and waters between the 
British Columbia mainland and southern Vancouver Island. It includes 13 major islands and more than 450 
smaller islands covering 5,200 square kilometres. 
 
Yours truly, 
 
Dan Rogers 
Chair Gabriola Local Trust Committee 
 
cc.   
BC Association of Farmers Markets, Heather O’Hara Ex Director  
Gabriola Island Local Trust Committee 
Islands Trust Executive Committee 
Islands Trust Website

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