Post Falls, Idaho, is a city experiencing significant growth, yet its residents face a harsh reality when it comes to access to essential financial services. Despite the city's expansion, Post Falls still struggles with limited access to Automated Teller Machines (ATMs), a basic service that many take for granted. For many residents, the lack of nearby ATMs is not just an inconvenience but a daily hardship that complicates access to cash—a necessity in rural areas.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the median household income in Post Falls stands at $73,313, slightly below both the Idaho state median of $74,636 and the national median of $74,580. This financial gap means that many families live paycheck to paycheck, and the absence of convenient ATMs exacerbates the challenges of managing finances. For some residents, traveling miles just to withdraw cash is not only time-consuming but also costly, especially with rising gas prices and limited public transportation options.

The rural designation of Post Falls, as classified by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), means that these financial barriers are even more pronounced. While the city is part of a growing metropolitan area, all census tracts in Kootenai County qualify as rural. This rural status makes it harder for local businesses and residents to access vital services like banking and ATM withdrawals, which are essential for their daily lives.

In fact, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare’s Primary Care Office has recognized that rural and underserved areas like Post Falls are facing dire shortages in critical services. This lack of financial infrastructure contributes to the feeling of abandonment felt by many in these areas, as they struggle to find accessible and reliable means to manage their finances.

CANDY KINGS VENDING LLC

Candy Kings Vending is stepping forward to address this pressing issue by placing ATMs in the most underserved areas of Post Falls. Our goal is simple: to make financial services more accessible to the residents who need them most. The absence of ATMs in areas such as residential pockets and remote businesses has led to a financial strain on individuals who are already struggling with economic pressures.

Beyond residential areas, Post Falls is home to a thriving network of farmers' markets and small community events that support local businesses and economic growth. However, these events often rely on cash-only transactions, leaving many attendees and vendors with limited access to funds. Candy Kings Vending is uniquely positioned to address this gap by providing ATMs at these key events, ensuring that both customers and vendors have reliable access to cash when they need it.

Our ATMs will be strategically placed in locations where they can have the greatest impact, including at local events and markets, to provide much-needed services in high-traffic areas. Not only will this initiative help individuals who struggle to find cash, but it will also boost local businesses by attracting more customers who can easily withdraw money and spend it locally.

To make this vision a reality, we are seeking funding to cover the startup costs of installing and maintaining these ATMs in areas that need them the most. This funding will not only improve access to cash for residents but also have a far-reaching impact on the community as a whole. With this support, we will:

- Provide much-needed access to ATMs in rural and underserved areas where other options are scarce.
- Support local businesses and events by increasing customer convenience and ensuring cash availability.
- Contribute to the overall economic health of Post Falls, especially for families who already face economic hardship.
- Provide no-fee ATM transactions through verified government programs to support the growth of underprivileged residents.

Investing in this project is more than just a business opportunity—it’s a chance to help the community in a time of need. By addressing the lack of financial infrastructure, we can begin to level the playing field for those who have long been left behind.

Sources:

U.S. Census Bureau – QuickFacts Post Falls, Idaho: [Click here](https://censusreporter.org/profiles/16000US1664810-post-falls-id)

Health Resources and Services Administration – Rural Health Resources: [Click here](https://www.hrsa.gov/sites/default/files/hrsa/rural-health/resources/forhp-eligible-areas.pdf)

Idaho Department of Health and Welfare – Rural Health and Underserved Areas: [Click here](https://healthandwelfare.idaho.gov/providers/rural-health-and-underserved-areas/rural-health-and-underserved-areas)

Rural Poverty & Well-Being – Economic Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture: [Click here](https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/states/idaho)

Rural Health Clinics – Idaho Department of Health and Welfare: [Click here] (https://healthandwelfare.idaho.gov/providers/acute-and-continuing-care/rural-health-clinics)

County Population Urban v. Rural – Idaho Department of Health and Welfare: [Click here](https://publicdocuments.dhw.idaho.gov/WebLink/DocView.aspx?dbid=0&id=23351&repo=PUBLIC-DOCUMENTS)

CANDY KINGS VENDING LLC CONTACT:

Chris Banks: (ECONOMIC GROWTH & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR)
Email: chrisb@candykingsid.com
Website: [www.candykingsid.com]

"At Candy Kings Vending, we believe in the power of community and the difference that small, thoughtful actions can make. By providing accessible financial tools like ATMs, we're not just offering a service—we're building stronger connections, fostering economic growth, and empowering our neighbors to thrive."