The Prince George Native Friendship Centre and the Prince George Farmers Market are teaming up to help families and seniors gain access to healthier meals.

The two local organizations are part of a wider provincial partnership that will see families and seniors attend cooking classes and get nutrition advice as well as vouchers redeemable at farmers markets so they can put the healthy eating tips they learn into practice.

The provincial government has committed $2 million over three years to fund the province-wide project and it will be reviewed after one year to see if the program is worth expanding.

Families and pregnant women who participate in food skills programs at the Friendship Centre will be eligible to receive $15 a week in vouchers redeemable at Prince George Farmers Market vendors. Seniors can receive $12 a week. The vouchers won't expire immediately so participants will be able to save up for bigger shopping trips.

Up to 50 families and pregnant woman, as well as 10 seniors, in Prince George will be eligible for the service.

The program was officially launched Tuesday and will run for the next 14 weeks.

There are 22 farmers' markets participating this year including those in Quesnel, Houston and Smithers.