Berkshire Mobile Farmers Market Returns for Third Season

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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.
 
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Hinsdale Day-Care Opening New PreK Classroom

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff

Tina Karch shifted her home-run day care to the former sports academy in 2003, expanding the number of children and staff. The preK will offer more educational programming to prepare her charges for kindergarten. 
HINSDALE, Mass. — Tina's Kiddie Junction is expanding its day-care program to add a new prekindergarten class this month. 
 
Owner and educator Tina Karch said the preK was a step above preschool in offering more educational programming. 
 
"PreK is like the new, honestly, first grade, and then preschool is like new kindergarten now," she said. "It's more getting ready for school. Making sure they have all their skills."
 
Karch has been teaching and caring for children for 30 years, since opening her initial day-care in 1996 and running one out of her home Dalton.
 
She opened the Hinsdale center in November 2023 with classrooms serving preschool, infant and toddler, and toddler. The new preK classroom has been under construction and will open July 14 with teacher Charity Bergeron.
 
Karch said it has always been her dream to take care of children.
 
"I just want to pass on the learning and make it a happy, enjoyable experience, because a lot of the kids that I've taken care of when they were little remember all of the wonderful things I've done with them," she said. "And it's nice to know that I gave them a foundation of a good provider, some good learning."
 
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