Dalhousie Farmers’ Market Coupon Program FAQ - 2026 Summer Market
Is participation required?
Yes. All Summer Market vendors participate in the Dalhousie Farmers’ Market Coupon Program. From the beginning, we designed the program to stay simple, low effort, and beneficial for vendors.
Who funds the program?
The Calgary Foundation funds the program through a $25,000 grant. Vendors do not contribute financially.
Who participates in the Coupon Program?
Trusted community partners refer participants to the program. These partners include local schools, community pantries, churches, and other organizations that work closely with the Dalhousie Farmers’ Market. As a result, the program reaches individuals and families who benefit most.
How much do participants receive, and when?
Participants receive market coupons in $2 and $5 denominations.
We distribute all coupons at the first Summer Market on June 11, 2026. After that, participants may use coupons throughout the Summer Market season (Thursdays, June 11 to October 1, 3:30 to 7:30 PM).
- Families receive $600 in market coupons
- Individuals receive $250 in market coupons
Is this program only for food vendors?
No. Participants may use coupons with all vendors across all market categories. Because the program supports both food access and social inclusion, all vendors participate.
How do customers use the coupons?
Customers use coupons like cash and follow the program guidelines outlined below.
Do vendors ever give change on coupon purchases?
No. Vendors do not give change on coupon purchases.
How do pricing and rounding work?
Continue pricing your products exactly as you normally would. Vendors do not adjust pricing for the coupon program.
Because vendors do not give change, customers round purchases up to the nearest dollar when totals do not match an exact coupon amount.
For example, if a purchase totals $15.75, the customer pays $16. As a result, vendors always receive the full rounded amount and never absorb a loss.
Can customers use coupons for any product at my booth?
Yes. Customers may use coupons for any eligible products sold at your booth.
What do vendors need to do?
Simply:
- Accept coupons as payment
- Place collected coupons into the provided envelope
- Return the envelope to the Market Manager or designated volunteer at the end of the market day
As a result, vendors do not complete any reporting, tracking, or paperwork.
Should vendors keep records of coupon sales?
Yes. To avoid reimbursement disputes, we encourage vendors to count the total value of collected coupons at the end of each market day.
How and when do vendors receive reimbursement?
The Dalhousie Community Association reimburses vendors directly through a dedicated $20,000 coupon fund. In turn, we issue payments promptly after each market.
Do vendors exchange cash with participants?
No. Vendors do not exchange cash with coupon recipients. Instead, the Dalhousie Community Association handles reimbursements directly.
Do coupons expire?
Yes. Participants may only use coupons during the 2026 Dalhousie Farmers’ Market Summer season and during regular market hours. All coupons expire on October 1, 2026.
What happens if I forget to return my envelope?
At the end of each market day, the Market Manager or designated volunteer tracks envelope collection. If someone accidentally takes an envelope off site, staff will contact you as soon as possible. In that case, reimbursement simply pauses until the envelope returns. No penalties apply.
Will accepting coupons affect taxes or reporting?
Treat coupon reimbursements the same as regular market sales and continue tracking and reporting income as usual.
Will support be available?
Yes. Before the season begins, we will provide full instructions. In addition, the Market Manager will remain available on market days to answer questions and provide support.
