At Seacoast Eat Local, we’re always looking for ways to deepen our community’s connection to the local food system. This month, we’re thrilled to announce a new partnership with Walden Mutual Bank—a collaboration that aligns perfectly with our vision of cultivating a thriving local food economy by supporting regional food producers and the people who value their work.
The partnership brings a unique opportunity for all of us who love our farmers’ markets. With Walden Mutual Bank, not only can you bank locally, but you can also make a direct impact on the sustainability of our regional food system every time you shop at the farmers’ market. Mutual banks are owned by their depositors and borrowers, rather than shareholders. This is different from stock banks, which are owned by shareholders who profit from the bank.
A Perfect Match in Mission
Walden Mutual Bank isn’t just any bank. Their focus on supporting farms, food businesses, and sustainability initiatives makes them a natural partner for Seacoast Eat Local. Their mission—empowering individuals and businesses to make a lasting impact on the local food ecosystem—complements our work. Walden’s approach to banking is rooted in community, a principle that is at the core of everything we do.
This partnership is about more than just dollars and cents; it’s about investing in the future of our local food economy. Every deposit made at Walden Mutual Bank goes toward funding loans for farmers, food businesses, and other sustainability-focused organizations. That means, by banking with Walden, you’re contributing to the resilience of the food system that sustains us all.
Introducing the 10% Cashback Perk at the Farmers’ Market
As part of this exciting partnership, Walden Mutual Bank is offering an incredible new benefit to our farmers’ market shoppers. When you use a Walden debit card to access Seacoast Eat Local Market Money, you’ll receive 10% cashback—up to $50 a month! This Market Money can be used with any vendor at our markets, allowing you to support even more local farms and businesses while enjoying fresh, seasonal food. It’s a win-win: you get a little back, and our local food producers gain even more customers who appreciate the value of shopping locally.
To get started, just stop by the info booth at any of our farmers’ markets to learn how to use the Market Money. And if you’re already a Walden Mutual Bank customer, you’re just a swipe away from earning your cashback rewards.
A $100 Donation for You, and a Donation to Seacoast Eat Local
In addition to the cashback perk, Walden Mutual Bank is offering another exciting incentive: open a new account using the promo code “SEL,” fund it with at least $100 within the first 30 days, and Walden will make a $100 donation to Seacoast Eat Local on your behalf! This is a unique opportunity to directly support our work, while also taking advantage of all the great benefits that come with banking locally.
It’s a small act with a big impact, as this donation will help us continue connecting local eaters to local farmers and expanding access to fresh, healthy, and affordable food for everyone in our community.
Personal Connection to Walden Mutual Bank
On a personal note, I’m honored to have been recently elected as a Corporator for Walden Mutual Bank. Corporators are a group of community representatives who advocate for the interests of the bank’s depositors and elect the board of directors. They come from a variety of backgrounds, including business, farming, and of course, the nonprofit sector like me.
It’s both exciting and meaningful for me to be able to share this partnership with you, as it reflects a deep commitment I hold—to both Seacoast Eat Local and Walden Mutual. In my dual roles, I have the privilege of contributing to two organizations that share a mission-driven focus on local food and community-building.
Join Us in Strengthening the Local Food Economy
We invite you to join us in this exciting new chapter. Whether it’s by opening an account with Walden Mutual Bank, using your cashback rewards at our farmers’ markets, or simply spreading the word, every small step makes a difference.
As always, we’re grateful for your continued support of Seacoast Eat Local. Together with partners like Walden Mutual Bank—and with all of you—we’re building a vibrant, diverse local food system that benefits everyone.
To learn more about this partnership, visit Walden Mutual Bank’s website, or stop by our markets to chat with our team. We look forward to seeing you at the market soon!
Shawn Menard, Executive Director
