Berkshire Blessing Box mini-pantry arrives in Great Barrington
Great Barrington — A new Berkshire Blessing Box, born from the mini-pantry movement taking hold around the world, has been installed in the rear of the First Congregational Church parking lot in Great Barrington, located at 251 Main Street. Great Barrington’s mini community pantry was built by local resident Glen Gallagher, and materials for the build were donated by Ed Herrington, Inc. The Box’s opening day was January 1, 2021 and it will be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
The purpose of this mini pantry is to provide for those who may be experiencing hardship and need food and/or paper items. Donations of dry goods and toiletries for the winter season are now being accepted and can be dropped off in the box at any time. For more information, follow Berkshire Blessing Box on Facebook.
—A.K.
* * *
Berkshire South offering free fitness and wellness program
Great Barrington — Berkshire South Regional Community Center announces registration is now open for its new, free fitness and wellness program: New Year Renew.
Participants who earn the most points during the program win prizes to the Center: a one-month membership for the participant and a friend, one free personal training session, BSRCC face masks, and a two-week trial membership.
One way to earn New Year Renew points is to participate in a free nutrition seminar offered by Stephanie MacLeay, via Zoom, on January 13 from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Learn how to set clear intentions and break through self-limiting beliefs to achieve your health goals.
Join the seminar at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83971655307
Meeting ID: 839 7165 5307
Passcode: Health5!
New Year Renew runs through January 15. Register and learn how to earn points at the Berkshire South website.
—A.K.
* * *
Berkshire Bounty recaps 2020 and plans 2021 expansions
Great Barrington — Berkshire Bounty Co-Presidents Jay Weintraub and Mark Lefenfeld report the organization significantly expanded its activities during 2020 in response to challenges brought on by COVID-19. They collected and distributed more than 270,000 pounds of food — an amount equivalent to more than 220,000 meals — more than double the previous year. During the last four months of the year, Berkshire Bounty collected and delivered an average of 1,000 pounds per day, every day.
In response to the pandemic, Berkshire Bounty became part of a new coalition of non-profits organized to respond to the food needs of the increasing size of the food insecure population in Berkshire County. This led to meaningful cooperation among coalition members and an increased flow of food to those needing assistance.
Berkshire Bounty expanded food distributions in 2020 by:
– Increasing the number of pickups at local supermarkets
– Expanding food collection and distribution activities in Pittsfield
– Initiating deliveries to food pantries recently opened in Monterey and Otis
– Purchasing significantly more fresh produce, milk, cheese and eggs for distribution to food pantry partners
– Initiating a monthly Mobile Food Drive in June, collecting more than 14,000 pounds of food from food donors throughout South County and Pittsfield
Looking ahead to 2021, Berkshire Bounty continues to explore ways to expand its activities, including:
— Supporting local farming through a pilot program with a local farm, wherein Berkshire Bounty will commit to purchasing and delivering crops to be harvested next summer/fall
— Working on a virtual food donation process which will allow individuals to purchase and donate food from a pre-selected menu on Amazon
— Partnering with Berkshire United Way and the Nonprofit Center of the Berkshires to help underwrite and execute a one-day, county-wide food distribution event in Pittsfield on January 18, as part of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day celebration
Finally, the organization expresses its sincere thanks and appreciation for the efforts of the entire community: food suppliers, especially Guido’s Fresh Marketplace, Big Y World Class Market, High Lawn Farm, and Wohrle’s Foods; food distribution organizations, especially The People’s Pantry, South Congregational Church, and WIC; dedicated volunteers who are crucial to Berkshire Bounty’s operations; and financial supporters, for their generosity.
