FMI Supports Actions to Help Solve Ongoing Coin Circulation Challenges

Arlington, VA - As a member of the U.S. Coin Task Force, FMI – The Food Industry Association calls on the American public and financial institutions to help address the ongoing challenges with circulating coin throughout our economy, including at grocery stores across the country. Additional resources and information are available at getcoinmoving.org.

U.S. Coin Task Force Call to Action

The coin circulation disruption that started in the early days of the pandemic continues to this day, alongside consumer sustained demand for coins. The U.S. Coin Task Force (USCTF) has called for consumers holding onto coins to #getcoinmoving by depositing or exchanging them in order to replenish national supplies, and for financial institutions to make coin redemption more convenient for their customers. Currently, more than 60% of coin in circulation sits with consumers.

How the American Public Can Help

Members of the USCTF urge consumers to help get coin moving by making purchases using exact change, depositing excess coins with their financial institution, or exchanging coin at a coin redemption kiosk. The coins in piggy banks, jars, and couch cushions will help those who rely on cash transactions for household purchases and to pay bills. To reliably and responsibly facilitate commerce, prompt stabilization of coin inventories is essential to establishing equitable access to coin and improving financial inclusion within the nation’s payment system.

How Financial Institutions Can Help

The U.S. Coin Task Force requests all depository institutions to review their coin inventories and promptly deposit any coin that exceeds the needs of their customers to the Federal Reserve. All organizations with unused coin inventories should manage their balances downward and avoid ordering coins unless needed to meet customer demand. According to independent research and analysis, many millions of Americans continue to rely on cash transactions for daily purchases, and merchants require coins to facilitate these transactions.

Financial institutions are encouraged to utilize the toolkits and best practices provided by the USCTF for improving coin circulation.

For more information, visit www.getcoinmoving.org

About FMI

As the food industry association, FMI works with and on behalf of the entire industry to advance a safer, healthier and more efficient consumer food supply chain. FMI brings together a wide range of members across the value chain — from retailers that sell to consumers, to producers that supply food and other products, as well as the wide variety of companies providing critical services — to amplify the collective work of the industry. www.FMI.org