Berkshire Bounty Fundraiser Responds to Community Need

11:10AM / Thursday, April 24, 2025Print Story | Email Story

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.

Donations to the Crowdfunding Campaign can be made online on this dedicated page. For more information, or to inquire about making an online or offline donation, please contact Sara Haimowitz, Berkshire Bounty Director of Development, at sara@berkshirebounty.org.

Tags: food insecurity,

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Lt. Governor Driscoll Visits Great Barrington Businesses

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
05:50AM / Wednesday, December 24, 2025

Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll, Housing Secretary Ed Augustus and state Rep. Leigh Davis are ready to chop wood out back of Pleasant and Main.

GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll did some holiday shopping on Main Street last week after announcing millions of federal Community Development Block Grant funds.

She was glad to see an array of small-business owners thriving, and the eclectic items that Great Barrington has to offer.

"We know that the vibrancy of communities can often be defined by what's happening on Main Street," she said.

"It's great to be here in Great Barrington and see so many independent entrepreneurs who are running really, not only fun, but businesses that are doing well, and we want to try and find ways to uplift and support that work moving forward."

State Rep. Leigh Davis coordinated a business tour with Pleasant and Main Cafe and General Store, Robbie's Community Market, and Butternut Ski Mountain. While downtown, Driscoll also stopped at Coco's Candy and Rob's Records and Audio.

Earlier that day, the Healey-Driscoll administration announced $33.5 million in federal CDBG funds at the Housatonic Community Center. Great Barrington, in conjunction with Egremont and Stockbridge, has been allocated $ 1.25 million to rehabilitate approximately 14 housing units. A new Rural and Small Town Housing Choice Community designation for its Housing Choice Initiative was also launched.

Davis emphasized the significance of the state announcing these dollars in the small village of Housatonic.

Craig Bero, founder of Pleasant and Main, prepared desserts and hors d'oeuvres for the group at his cozy cafe across the street from the Housatonic Community Center. Bero opened more than a decade ago after migrating from New York City, and Pleasant and Main offers sustainable, organic meals for an affordable price while enjoying the museum of antiques that is the restaurant.

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