Berkshire Mobile Farmers Market Returns for Third Season

11:09AM / Tuesday, June 17, 2025Print Story | Email Story

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Berkshire Mobile Farmers Market will launch its third season on June 17, 2025, bringing fresh, locally-sourced food directly to six communities across Berkshire County through October 17.

The mobile market addresses food access challenges by delivering seasonal produce, eggs, meat, dairy products, and pantry staples such as bread, maple syrup, and honey to areas with limited access to fresh, healthy food options.

Operating on a tiered pricing system, the market ensures affordability for all community members. Customers can choose to pay full retail price, receive a 50 percent discount, or access products at no cost through the market's food pantry option. The market also accepts SNAP/HIP benefits and Farmers Market Nutrition Program coupons (WIC and Senior coupons).

"We envision a food system where everyone is working together to support regional agriculture and food access in the community," said Katie Rubright, Mobile Farmers Market Program Manager. "Our mission is to bridge the gap between local food producers and community members by making fresh, healthy, local food accessible for all."

Market Schedule and Locations

The 2025 season will serve six locations across Berkshire County:

Cheshire (Town Offices, 191 Church Street): Tuesdays, 3:00-5:00 PM
Becket (Becket Town Hall, 557 Main Street): Tuesdays, 3:30-5:30 PM
Pittsfield (Wahconah Park, 105 Wahconah Street): Wednesdays, 11:30 AM-1:30 PM
Pittsfield (Sheriff's Office, 264 Second Street): Wednesdays, 3:00-5:00 PM
Adams (Town Offices, 19 Depot Street): Thursdays, 11:00 AM-1:00 PM (no market June 19)
Monterey (Community Center, 468 Main Road): Fridays, 3:30-5:30 PM (no market July 4)

Addressing Growing Food Insecurity

The mobile market model addresses rising hunger in the Berkshires, particularly in areas with limited access to fresh, locally grown foods. The collaborative effort supports both community food security and local agriculture by providing farmers with higher direct-to-consumer sales, lower marketing costs, and stronger social connections.

The Berkshire Mobile Farmers Market represents a partnership between Berkshire Grown, Berkshire Bounty, the Berkshire Regional Planning Commission, the Southern Berkshire Rural Health Network, Berkshire United Way, and Community Health Programs. Each partner contributes expertise in different aspects of food production, storage, purchase, and distribution.

Stigma-Free Shopping Experience

The market prioritizes creating a welcoming, stigma-free environment where all community members can access fresh, local food with dignity. All products are sourced from local farms and food producers, supporting the regional agricultural economy while ensuring quality and freshness.

For more information about the Berkshire Mobile Farmers Market, visit berkshiremobilefarmersmarket.org.

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ServiceNet Hopes to Open Pittsfield Warming Center in Nov.

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
05:48AM / Thursday, October 15, 2026

PITTSFIELD, Mass.— A warming center is again planned in the First United Methodist Church for the cold months.

During last week's Homelessness Advisory Committee meeting, Erin Forbush, director of shelter and housing at ServiceNet, reported that they hope to begin operating the nighttime center in mid-November.

It would operate from 10 p.m. to 8 a.m. in the church, which abuts The Pearl shelter. Forbush said the warming center would be the same program as in the past.

"Again it's a warming center, so there's no cots or beds, but it is certainly a place to come in, and we'll have a hot coffee or cocoa ready for folks," she explained.

"It will be a place to be inside and warm."

This year, ServiceNet hopes to secure full funding from the state so the warming center can open on Sundays at 5 p.m. In years past, they found that Sunday is the most challenging day for unhoused individuals because many community spaces aren't open.

The First Housing Resource Center, managed by Hearthway, opened earlier this year as a low-barrier option for people to rest and access amenities. It is open seven days a week, and Forbush said if people could come to the warming center on Sundays at 5, there would be a fuller day of coverage.

"It does still leave a little gap for Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, as spaces like the library close at five, but we know that Sundays were something that people were looking for," she said.

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