Providing North County families with food and nutrition support
For over 40 years, CHP has helped families access healthy food through a variety of programs, most of which have been based out of the Great Barrington Family Services location. Now, with the support of state funding, CHP is preparing to expand that work to Northern Berkshire County with the establishment of a fully operational food pantry at our Adams health center.
Each week more than 500 patients visit the Adams location for medical, dental, and family services. Until now, CHP has not been able to consistently offer food assistance programs, instead deploying short-term programs and a limited number of twice-monthly deliveries of food bags.
That will change in spring 2026 thanks to a $20,000 award from the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources’ Local Food Policy Council Grant, which will help launch the Adams food pantry.The funding will support essential startup needs, including refrigeration, equipment and supplies needed to safely store and distribute food.
When it opens, the Adams food pantry will work with Berkshire farmers to source locally grown produce, meat, eggs, and dairy products, as well as partner with the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts to help stock the shelves. In addition to providing food, CHP’s on-staff nutritionist and dietitian help ensure families receive guidance and education to support healthy eating.
The pantry project is also connected to a broader investment in the Adams health center. In 2025, CHP received $150,000 from the Commonwealth’s Underutilized Properties Program, administered by MassDevelopment to support building renovations that include a dedicated space for the future pantry.
While state funding is essential to launching the Adams pantry, the continued support of donors makes it possible for CHP to sustain our food pantries and respond to emerging community needs. With partners across the state and within the local community, CHP is building a stronger, healthier future for families in Northern Berkshire County.