Food Bank of Western Massachusetts Welcomes Berkshire Bounty

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CHICOPEE, Mass. — The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts (FBWMA) announced a new partnership with Berkshire Bounty, a food rescue organization located in Great Barrington, dedicated to alleviating hunger throughout Berkshire County. 
 
The collaboration will enhance the effort to recover and distribute fresh, nutritious food to individuals and families county-wide.
 
Berkshire Bounty is a volunteer-driven organization that collects food from 25 local retailers and delivers it to 31 food access sites across Berkshire County. With a network of 130 registered volunteers, Berkshire Bounty is on track to collect an estimated 450,000 pounds of food in 2024. Forty percent of this food is purchased to meet the needs of the community, including eggs, meat, fresh produce, dairy, and culturally appropriate foods.
 
"The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts recognized the important work of Berkshire Bounty in our shared mission to feed people in need and is thrilled to now be partners in this effort," said Brandie Taggart, food donations coordinator at the Food Bank. "We look forward to forging a strong and lasting partnership with the team at Berkshire Bounty."
 
In the spring of 2024, Berkshire Bounty and FBWMA signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to formalize their collaboration. Through this partnership, Berkshire Bounty volunteers are now transporting donated food from grocery stores directly to FBWMA member agencies, ensuring that food reaches food pantries and community kitchens four days a week. Since the beginning of the partnership, which started as a pilot program in January 2024, nearly 50,000 pounds of food, valued at $90,000, have been collected and distributed.
 
"The partnership with FBWMA has opened the door to providing more food to the Berkshire County community in need," said Morgan Ovitsky, Executive Director of Berkshire Bounty. "Together, we are working to increase the quantity of healthy, fresh food available to residents so they can thrive."
 
The Food Bank and Berkshire Bounty will continue to identify additional retail stores, farms, and food donors to expand the food rescue efforts. The partnership is expected to have a direct impact on reducing food insecurity in the Berkshires.
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MassDOT: South County Construction Operations

STOCKBRIDGE, Mass. — The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) is announcing various construction operations on I-90 eastbound and westbound for tree trimming, road repairs, bridge work, and bridge painting.

The work will take place from Monday, Dec. 9, through Friday, Dec.13, during the following scheduled hours:

Lee 

  • Tree trimming will be conducted on I-90 eastbound at mile marker 7.0, utilizing lane closures, from Monday through Friday, Dec. 9, to December 13, from 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Otis/Blandford 

  • Roadway repairs will be conducted on I-90 between mile markers 21.9 to 24.0, utilizing lane closures, on Monday, Dec. 9, from 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

West Stockbridge 

  • Bridge work will occur on I-90 eastbound and westbound from mile marker 0.8 to 3.0, utilizing lane closures, from Monday night through Tuesday night ending Wednesday morning, Dec. 9, to Dec. 11, from 7:00 p.m. to 5:30 a.m.

Stockbridge 

  • Bridge work will be conducted on I-90 eastbound from mile marker 3.9 to 6.5, utilizing lane closures, from Monday night through Wednesday night ending Thursday morning, Dec. 9, to Dec.12, from 7:00 p.m. to 5:30 a.m.

Becket 

  • Bridge painting will take place on I-90 eastbound at mile marker 18.4, utilizing lane closures, from Monday night through Wednesday night ending Thursday morning, Dec. 9, to Dec. 12, from 7:00 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. 
  • Bridge painting will also occur on I-90 westbound at mile marker 18.4, utilizing lane closures, on Wednesday night ending Thursday morning, Dec. 11, to Dec. 12, from 7:00 p.m. to 5:30 a.m.

Drivers traveling through these areas should expect delays, reduce speed, and use caution. 

Appropriate signage and messaging will be in place to guide drivers through the work areas. 

All scheduled work is weather dependent and subject to change without notice. 

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