Double Value Program at the Downtown Pittsfield Farmers Market Reinstated

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Over the past two months the Downtown Pittsfield Farmers Market has been flooded with shoppers doubling their SNAP, WIC and Senior farmers market nutrition benefits through the market’s new Double Value Program.

There has been such a demand for the program, in fact, that after seven short weeks, the program exceeded its funding. This weekend, with the generous sponsorship of Greylock Federal Credit Union and Health New England, the market will reinstate the program.

The Double Value Program is a money-matching program available to mothers, senior citizens and low-income residents who are using their SNAP, WIC and Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program benefits. The market provides up to $20 per week for each person using SNAP benefits and a full match for WIC and Senior coupons (each are valued at $2.50 but amount given varies per person).

“The Downtown Pittsfield Farmers Market was started with the belief that everyone in our community should have access to healthy food. With almost one-third of the households in downtown Pittsfield neighborhoods earning less than $15,000, there is a great need for our Double Value Program,” Market Manager Jess Conzo said.

Market organizers see the program as a win-win-win: farmers increase their sales, customers are able to buy more fruits and vegetables and the market grows its customer base.



In just seven weeks, the Double Value Program has put over $11,000 worth of fresh food on the tables of families in need and leveraged federal SNAP dollars to support local farms and the Berkshire economy.

The market has had 107 SNAP transactions and gained 37 new SNAP shoppers; 113 WIC shoppers, 90 new to the market; and 218 Senior shoppers, 113 new to the market. And shoppers are coming from all over to make use of the Double Value Program, as the Downtown Pittsfield Farmers Market is the only market in the county doubling WIC and Senior coupons.

“The Downtown Pittsfield Farmers Market is such a vibrant market with a deep sense of community. We have been a sponsor since day one and are proud to extend our support the Double Value Program this year. Increased access to fresh, nutritious foods is a huge benefit to our community,” said Victoria May, assistant vice president, manager of Marketing Promotions and Partnerships, at Greylock Federal Credit Union,

The Downtown Pittsfield Farmers Market is a program of Alchemy Initiative, in partnership with the city of Pittsfield. For more information about the market, including signing up for their free weekly email newsletter, visit farmersmarketpittsfield.org or email info@farmersmarketpittsfield.org.

 


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MassDOT Project Will Affect Traffic Near BMC

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Prepare for traffic impacts around Berkshire Medical Center through May for a state Department of Transportation project to improve situations and intersections on North Street and First Street.

Because of this, traffic will be reduced to one lane of travel on First Street (U.S. Route 7) and North Street between Burbank Street and Abbott Street from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday through at least May 6.

BMC and Medical Arts Complex parking areas remain open and detours may be in place at certain times. The city will provide additional updates on changes to traffic patterns in the area as construction progresses.

The project has been a few years in the making, with a public hearing dating back to 2021. It aims to increase safety for all modes of transportation and improve intersection operation.

It consists of intersection widening and signalization improvements at First and Tyler streets, the conversion of North Street between Tyler and Stoddard Avenue to serve one-way southbound traffic only, intersection improvements at Charles Street and North Street, intersection improvements at Springside Avenue and North Street, and the construction of a roundabout at the intersection of First Street, North Street, Stoddard Avenue, and the Berkshire Medical Center entrance.

Work also includes the construction of 5-foot bike lanes and 5-foot sidewalks with ADA-compliant curb ramps.  

Last year, the City Council approved multiple orders for the state project: five orders of takings for intersection and signal improvements at First Street and North Street. 

The total amount identified for permanent and temporary takings is $397,200, with $200,000 allocated by the council and the additional monies coming from carryover Chapter 90 funding. The state Transportation Improvement Plan is paying for the project and the city is responsible for 20 percent of the design cost and rights-of-way takings.

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