As the cold, hard freeze eventually makes its way to New England this winter, some members are already planting stakes in summer fruits like plums, strawberries and watermelon.

Thanks to a niche loan program, the $347 million UMassFive College Federal Credit Union in Hadley, Mass., is helping members who are strong advocates of supporting local farms.

For the past three years, the credit union has offered its farm share loan. The way it works is a member who wants to buy their fruits and vegetables locally can purchase a share of a local farm. Once the fee is paid, a member can visit the farm, typically once a week during harvest time, to pick their selections.

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