GREEN BAY, Wis. (NBC 26) -- With economic shutdowns across the United States, less cash is changing hands. Restaurants, businesses, and banks in Northeast Wisconsin are feeling the effects of a coin shortage.
"Related to the pandemic, there is a shortage in circulation as well as production of coins," North Shore Bank district manager Kerri Collins said.
Starting this week, some Cousins Subs location (including three in Green Bay) are offering customers the chance to round up their bill while donating the extra change to their local Boys and Girls Club chapter, so the store does not have to return coins in low supply.
About 45% of Cousins Subs customers pay in cash, but exact numbers vary by location. Kwik Trip recently posted signs asking for customers to pay in exact change if using cash, and the company says they see between 20-40% of customers use cash across the state.
"Some of our store operators may go to the banks and get change, and some maybe can't," Specht said. "It's not terrible right now, but we know there's going to be a squeeze on change -- that's only going to grow."
This is rolling out at Cousins Subs locations on a case by case basis. This type of round up for charity program is not new to the chain.
"All we can do is react, and we looked at the opportunity as maybe we can do something good for somebody else," Specht said.
In addition, some banks are encouraging the public to exchange their household coin jars for cash bills, returning stagnant coins to circulation. North Shore Bank is offering free coin exchange through their self-serve machines in lobbies.
