PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Greylock Insurance Agency, along with partner Arbella Insurance Foundation and Greylock Federal Credit Union, has awarded a combined grant of $4,500 to Berkshire Grown to help fund the Berkshire Mobile Farmers Market.

 

"Before you can think about insurance and other forms of financial health, you have to first meet your most vital needs, like feeding yourself and your family," said Lori Goodell, Senior Vice President, Greylock Insurance Agency. "All of us at Greylock do our best to lead with heart. Supporting Berkshire Grown and this incredible program is part of our commitment to caring for our community. We are thrilled to continue partnering with Arbella to help fight food insecurity in the Berkshires."

 

According to the Greater Boston Food Bank, food insecurity rates in the Berkshires is at 39 percent, with children experiencing even higher rates at 43 percent statewide. Rural regions, such as the Berkshires, have limited transportation, higher housing costs, and lower wages, which create obstacles to affording fresh food.

 

The Mobile Market uses funds from donations and grants to purchase fresh local food from more than 50 area farms. In collaboration with partner organizations, including Berkshire Bounty, the Mobile Market distributes seasonal produce, dairy, meats, and other goods such as honey and bread, to low-income, underserved, and often rural, communities of the Berkshires.

 

"Many areas, like the hill towns and Pittsfield's inner city, lack nearby, walkable grocery stores or pantries," said Katie Rubright, Berkshire Mobile Farmers Market Manager. "Not only does the Mobile Market make accessible fresh, nutritious food, it also strives to create an inclusive, stigma-free shopping experience with a tiered payment system. Shoppers can choose a price that fits their budget."

 

In addition to the tiered payment system, which allows customers to pay retail price, a 50 percent discount, or receive up to $50 worth of food for free, the Mobile Market accepts Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Massachusetts Healthy Incentives Program. Over the course of 17 weeks from June through October, the Mobile Market stopped weekly at sites in Adams, Becket, Cheshire, Monterey, and Pittsfield.

 

A key component of Berkshire Grown's mission is to assist farmers in growing the food the community needs; the Mobile Market pays full prices for all products, regardless of how much the consumer is able to pay.

 

"The program specifically benefits seniors, children, and historically underserved communities, particularly those in Environmental Justice neighborhoods," said Rubright. "We have the highest percentage of people more than 80 years old in the state, and many of them face mobility challenges. Our goal is to make locally grown food more accessible to the people who need it most, and at the same time, support small and mid-sized farms by helping bring their products to a wider market."

 

Margaret Moulton, Executive Director for Berkshire Grown, sees the relationship between the farms, Berkshire Grown, and the Mobile Market as an important way to bolster the health of the Berkshire economy.

 

"Local agriculture is vital to the Commonwealth's food supply and economy, but too often farmers earn less than it costs to grow our food, on average, just 95 cents for every dollar. Choosing to buy local strengthens farm businesses, expands access to fresh, healthy food, and helps preserve the farmland that defines our communities," said Moulton.

 

For more information about Greylock's charitable giving, visit greylock.org/sponsorships.