Northwest Agriculture Business Center Awarded Peoples Bank’s $25,000 Impact Grant
October 09, 2025
Bellingham, WA – Peoples Bank is proud to announce the Northwest Agriculture Business Center (NABC) as the recipient of its annual $25,000 Impact Grant. Based in Mount Vernon, WA, NABC is a nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening the economic vitality of agriculture in rural western Washington. Through business development services, technical assistance, and innovative programs, NABC empowers local farmers and producers to grow resilient, market-ready agricultural enterprises. NABC was selected for its innovative and community-driven food distribution initiative that supports both local Latinx farm owners and low-income families in Skagit County.
“Northwest Agricultural Business Center exemplifies the kind of community organization we aim to support through our Impact Grant,” said Lisa Hefter, Chief Operating Officer at Peoples Bank. “Their creative and strategic approach to strengthening local food systems while addressing food insecurity should be applauded. We’re proud to help fund a project that addresses immediate hunger relief and long-term community resilience through various partnerships.”
NABC’s efforts are focused on creating a comprehensive approach to community health, economic development, and cultural preservation. The grant from Peoples Bank will play a significant role in helping NABC purchase fresh, locally grown produce directly from Latinx farm owners. This is a crucial step to creating stable market opportunities for local farmers, enabling them to grow their businesses sustainably. The initiative aims not only to support farmers but also to distribute their produce to families in need in Skagit County. In collaboration with the Catholic Community Services Farmworker Center, NABC addresses food insecurity and promotes healthy eating habits by delivering locally grown produce to low-income families.
"Northwest Agriculture Business Center is honored to receive the Peoples Bank Impact Grant,” said Alex Perez, Latinx Business Development Program Director at NABC. “This support will help local Latinx farmers with sales of their culturally relevant produce, which will be distributed to other local families in need. We are very grateful for this support that will have a great community impact."
The Impact Grant program was launched in 2017 to help fund a specific project, use, or identified purpose that will have a long-lasting, positive impact on the community. Previous winners and their stories can be found here.
In addition to the Impact Grant, Peoples Bank invites the public to vote for the recipient of its $10,000 Peoples Choice Grant. Ten additional applicants have been selected for consideration for the grant. Community members can see the list and help select the winner by casting their vote online at www.peoplesbank-wa.com/peoples-choice.
About Peoples Bank
Peoples Bank is a locally owned and operated, independent full-service community bank with $2.4 billion in assets. Headquartered in Bellingham, Washington, Peoples Bank has been serving the community for 100 years and operates 23 locations throughout Washington. Reflecting its strong financial management practices, dedicated employees, and long-standing customer relationships, Peoples Bank was awarded a superior five-star rating from BauerFinancial, a leading independent bank rating firm. Learn more about Peoples Bank at www.peoplesbank-wa.com. Member FDIC.
“Northwest Agricultural Business Center exemplifies the kind of community organization we aim to support through our Impact Grant,” said Lisa Hefter, Chief Operating Officer at Peoples Bank. “Their creative and strategic approach to strengthening local food systems while addressing food insecurity should be applauded. We’re proud to help fund a project that addresses immediate hunger relief and long-term community resilience through various partnerships.”
NABC’s efforts are focused on creating a comprehensive approach to community health, economic development, and cultural preservation. The grant from Peoples Bank will play a significant role in helping NABC purchase fresh, locally grown produce directly from Latinx farm owners. This is a crucial step to creating stable market opportunities for local farmers, enabling them to grow their businesses sustainably. The initiative aims not only to support farmers but also to distribute their produce to families in need in Skagit County. In collaboration with the Catholic Community Services Farmworker Center, NABC addresses food insecurity and promotes healthy eating habits by delivering locally grown produce to low-income families.
"Northwest Agriculture Business Center is honored to receive the Peoples Bank Impact Grant,” said Alex Perez, Latinx Business Development Program Director at NABC. “This support will help local Latinx farmers with sales of their culturally relevant produce, which will be distributed to other local families in need. We are very grateful for this support that will have a great community impact."
The Impact Grant program was launched in 2017 to help fund a specific project, use, or identified purpose that will have a long-lasting, positive impact on the community. Previous winners and their stories can be found here.
In addition to the Impact Grant, Peoples Bank invites the public to vote for the recipient of its $10,000 Peoples Choice Grant. Ten additional applicants have been selected for consideration for the grant. Community members can see the list and help select the winner by casting their vote online at www.peoplesbank-wa.com/peoples-choice.
About Peoples Bank
Peoples Bank is a locally owned and operated, independent full-service community bank with $2.4 billion in assets. Headquartered in Bellingham, Washington, Peoples Bank has been serving the community for 100 years and operates 23 locations throughout Washington. Reflecting its strong financial management practices, dedicated employees, and long-standing customer relationships, Peoples Bank was awarded a superior five-star rating from BauerFinancial, a leading independent bank rating firm. Learn more about Peoples Bank at www.peoplesbank-wa.com. Member FDIC.
Contact:
Katie Annette, Digital Marketing Specialist
Katie.Annette@peoplesbank-wa.com, (360) 543-6542
