GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — Berkshire Grown was awarded $86,886.83 from the state Department of Agricultural Resources to support its winter farmers market. 

 

The organization was one of nine regional Buy Local groups receiving a total of $750,000 in grants from the Baker-Polito administration to help generate consumer awareness and demand for locally grown food products while at the same time improving logistical access to these important food sources. 

 

Through these Buy Local grants, organizations will partner with the administration to achieve shared goals, such as ensuring access to sustainable food, educating the consumer to understand local food sources, and elevating the interest and demand for fresh, nutritious products to enhance the consumption of local products and economically support the Massachusetts agricultural industry.

 

"Regional Buy Local organizations have long recognized the importance of working to support Environmental Justice population neighborhoods across Massachusetts, and these grants will further their efforts to reach many more people about the advantages of buying local produce and other products," said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Beth Card. "Enhancing partnerships and collaborative efforts with farmers and other stakeholders will greatly expand both food access and the local economy."

 

Berkshire Grown's grant will provide technical assistance for SNAP/ HIP vendors and shoppers at the winter markets and facilitate farmer-to-farmer mentoring support. The grant will also contribute to the publication of the annual Guide to Local Food & Farms, as well as support the year-round promotion of local food and farms through advertising, published articles, and social media coverage. Two new initiatives will be implemented: the Last Minute Menu resource for restaurants and farmers and the Farm to Food Access buying exchange.