How You Can Help This Summer
As the warmer months approach, many in our community look forward to enjoying the abundance of locally grown food from our region’s farms. But for hundreds of families across Berkshire County, summer also brings heightened food insecurity – especially for families with school aged children who rely on free school lunches during the academic year.
That’s why Community Health Programs has launched its Farm Fresh Food Campaign – an urgent effort to keep our food pantry shelves stocked with nutritious, locally sourced foods throughout the summer months.
Our food assistance programs serve over 1,200 people each month through our pantries in Great Barrington and Adams, as well as pre-packed food bags delivered through other CHP locations in Lee and Pittsfield.
What began as an emergency response during the pandemic has become an ongoing necessity. The need hasn’t diminished – in fact, it’s grown. Over the past five years, grocery prices have increased by more than 20%, stretching already tight budgets beyond their limits. Families who were once managing to get by are now looking to us for help.
Even with generous food donations from local farms, grocery stores, and the Western Mass Food Bank, pantry supplies are running out faster than ever before.
Summer is a time when our region’s farmers are producing some of the best food available anywhere, and we believe that everyone – regardless of income – deserves access to that food.
Through the Farm Fresh Food Campaign, we aim to increase the volume of healthy, locally grown food available to the families served. That means more fresh fruits, vegetables, dairy, and eggs going directly into the hands of people who need them most.
But we can’t do it alone.
This campaign depends on the generosity of community members who believe, like we do, that food is a basic right – not a privilege.
Together, we can make sure that summer’s abundance is shared by all.