The Berkshire Mobile Farmers Market brings fresh, locally grown food to areas in the county that have been identified as low income and/or low access. Now in a 10-week pilot season, the mobile market aims to enhance community food security and ensure all community residents have access (economic, physical, social) to adequate food supplies.

Shoppers can find a variety of seasonal produce as well as other food staples such as eggs, meat, dairy products, bread, maple syrup, and honey.

All products are locally sourced, and will be priced at different tiers (retail, wholesale, or free) to make shopping at the market affordable for all. A customer’s payment tier is based on their self-disclosed information. This pricing model emulates the “Fair Pricing System” employed by Rolling Grocer, a full-service grocery store located in Hudson, NY, as well as other food access programs across the country.

“We strive to make shopping at the market a stigma-free, welcoming experience for all,” says Alyssa VanDurme, manager of the Berkshire mobile market. “Our region is abundant with wonderful farms and producers, and we want everyone to be able to access this bounty.” Using a leased refrigerated van, the market will travel each week to three diverse locations and set up a mini farmers market. For details on the locations and times, see the chart at right.

At the end of the 10-week pilot, the program will undergo a period of assessment and fine tuning in preparation for its official launch in spring 2024, which will bring an expansion of locations and product offerings.

This collaborative program is funded in part by a USDA Regional Food Systems Partnership grant. Each partner addresses a distinct aspect of food production, storage, purchase, and distribution. By joining skills and networks, this group aims to help build a sustainable local food system in the county.

The Berkshire Regional Planning Commission is the grant overseer, and joins with Berkshire Bounty, Berkshire Grown, and the Southern Berkshires Rural Health Network and partners Berkshire United Way and Community Health Programs in this collaboration.

This program would not be possible without the support of its community partners and volunteers. The Berkshire Mobile Farmers Market relies on donations and financial contributions to support operational costs and allow for the lower pricing tiers.

• To learn more or donate, please visit berkshiremobilefarmersmarket.org.

The Berkshire Mobile Farmers Market Fall Pilot Schedule

NORTH ADAMS

MCLA North Adams Campus—
Bowman Hall | 375 Church St.
Tuesday, 11:30am to 2pm
Sept 12– Nov 14

PITTSFIELD

18 Degrees parking lot
(near picnic tables)
480 West St.
Wednesday, 3:30pm to 6:30pm
Sept 13– Nov 15

BECKET

Becket Town Hall Pavilion
557 Main St.
Thursday, 11:30am to 2pm
Sept 14–Nov 16