"From the canny cast to the crack chamber ensemble backing the action, the double bill offered a feast for eyes, ears, and mind." ~ A.Z. Madonna, Boston Globe
Nobody’s selling apples on the corner for a nickel yet, but you can be sure the need has never been greater — not in anyone’s memory younger than 90.
Berkshire County has been gearing up to support her more vulnerable citizens who have lost work, can’t leave their homes or are otherwise struggling with the vast new restrictions on everyday life.
A growing sea of similar stories that swell amid these trying times - when kids are out of school, parents are out of work, and the infrastructure of community that so many rely upon in order to survive feels tenuous at best.
People of all descriptions shop at the Pantry and some don’t speak English. The Pantry has translators who can help. When a new client shows up, a volunteer will escort them around and talk about the availability of different items.
The program reaches underserved populations throughout western Massachusetts that don’t have access to healthy foods, including families, seniors and children.
Underwritten by AARP Massachusetts, the volunteer fair at St. James Place in Great Barrington will give 35 nonprofits as well as municipalities the opportunity to meet face to face with prospective volunteers.
For 25 years, Mel, along with many helpers and his well-worn pickup, drove to the markets, bakeries and cafes of Great Barrington each week collecting food donations and distributing them to a variety of organizations.
The new organization soon expects to be collecting and distributing fresh fruit, vegetables, meat and baked goods to those in need at the rate of 100,000 pounds per year.
The People’s Pantry is located at Saint James Place and distributes food to all those in South County who feel they need help feeding themselves and their families.
