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.

New Camp Is Safe Place for Children Suffering Loss to Addiction

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff

Last year's Happy Campers courtesy of Max Tabakin.
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — A new camp is offering a safe place for children who have lost a parent or guardian to addiction. 
 
Director Gayle Saks founded the nonprofit "Camp Happy Place" last year. The first camp was held in June with 14 children.
 
Saks is a licensed drug and alcohol counselor who works at the Brien Center. One of her final projects when studying was how to involve youth, and a camp came to mind. Camp had been her "happy place" growing up, and it became her dream to open her own.
 
"I keep a bucket list in my wallet, and it's right on here on this list, and I cross off things that I've accomplished," she said. "But it is the one thing on here that I knew I had to do."
 
The overnight co-ed camp is held at a summer camp in Winsted, Conn., where Saks spent her summers as a child. It is four nights and five days and completely free. Transportation is included as are many of the items needed for camping. The camp takes up to 30 children.
 
"I really don't think there's any place that exists specifically for this population. I think it's important to know, we've said this, but that it is not a therapeutic camp," Saks said.
 
She said the focus is on fun for the children, though they are able to talk to any of the volunteer and trained staff. The staff all have experience in social work, addiction and counseling, and working with children.
 
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