GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — Berkshire Bounty, a 501(c)(3) food recovery organization, will conduct a crowdfunding campaign from April 22 through April 29  to raise funds to address growing community need regarding food insecurity.

 

"Like many nonprofits in our community, Berkshire Bounty has been affected by cuts and fluctuations in federal funding," said Morgan Ovitsky, Executive Director of Berkshire Bounty. "We're also closely watching potential cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program [SNAP]. If enacted, the most vulnerable Berkshire County residents will be heavily impacted."

 

"Spring Into Action" will raise $75,000 for Berkshire Bounty. The Crowdfunding Campaign is the public facing portion in which Berkshire Bounty reaches out to supporters and asks for help in reaching that goal.

 

The Greater Boston Food Bank report indicated that the food insecurity rate in Berkshire County was at 45 percent. Berkshire Bounty has data from partner emergency food sites about increased use, particularly among people who are "working poor" and the immigrant community. Reporting data collected quarterly in 2024 from emergency food sites show a 30 percent increase in people accessing food assistance over the year. Projections and trends indicate the increase in food insecurity will continue to climb.

 

"Food pantries are serving more people than ever and struggling to procure enough to satisfy the demand. Berkshire Bounty receives calls daily for more food," stated Mark Lefenfeld and Jay Weintraub, Board members and co-founders of Berkshire Bounty. "We are so grateful to our community for their support."

 

Spring Into Action is aided by the Donald C. McGraw and Black Rock Foundations, offering a $20,000 dollar-to-dollar match. 

 

"Our foundation and family are proud to support Berkshire Bounty as they prepare to provide extra support to our neighbors in a time of need," said Robin McGraw, Director of the Foundations.