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Farmer Friendly Banking ProgramWhat is it?Beginning in 2008, the Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) will invite banks and credit unions to support FMNP by waiving some bank processing fees charged to participating farmers. Banks and credit unions will be contacted through a network of farmers, farmer markets, local WIC agencies, the Washington State Farmers Market Association (WSFMA), and other FMNP supporters in a grass-roots effort to enlist their participation. Why is it important?Last season we received many reports from farmers that the rising costs of depositing $2 FMNP checks might cause them to leave the program. Most of the 700 local farms selling at farmers markets and farm stands across 31counties in Washington are small, family owned businesses. Rising costs are a constant drain on small farm operations. The Farmer Friendly Banking Project is one way to help keep farmers’ banking costs down and spread the word about how vital FMNP is to Seniors and WIC families. How will banks participate?The project seeks banks and credit unions who have a vested interest in their communities and their farmer customers. Banks and credit unions will sign an enrollment form to be returned to DOH who will post their business names and locations on the WSFMA website. This list of banks and credit unions will also be mailed to our 700 participating FMNP farmers each season. How can I help?You can help us by distributing our letter with attachments to banks in your area. Visit the WSFMA website or contact us directly. FFBP ResourcesFarmer Friendly Banking Project - Fact Sheet [pdf 87 KB] |
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