Support your local farmers' market: You may be eligible for free fruits and vegetables
By Marilyn Wiley
Many area residents are enjoying the camaraderie and great food available at Berkshire County farmers’ markets, which are brimming with fresh vegetables and fruits. Most of the year the produce we eat travels thousands of miles from faraway places including California, Latin America, Europe, Asia, and New Zealand.
Summer offers a welcome change when we can purchase food from the local farmers. This not only cuts down on transportation energy consumption, but also provides income for local farmers, which in turn helps maintain the beauty of the Berkshires. In addition, recent studies have indicated that fresh foods lose valuable nutrients during long distance travel so food purchased locally provides more vitamins and minerals.
Berkshire County Farmers’ Markets include: Adams Visitor Center Parking Lot, Wednesday, 1-5 p.m.; The Berkshire Mall, Route 8 in Lanesboro, Wednesday and Saturday, 8 a.m. - 2 p.m.; Sheffield, Old Parish Church parking lot, Route 7, Friday, 3:30 - 6:30 p.m.; Great Barrington, Historic Train Station, downtown Great Barrington, behind town hall, Saturday, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.; Lenox, Rt. 7, Aspinwell, Friday 2 -6 p.m.; North Adams, St. Anthony’s municipal parking lot, off Rt. 2, Saturday, 8 a.m. - 1 p.m.; and Williamstown, South end of Spring Street, Saturday, 8 a.m. - noon. All of these markets run from late May or early June until late October except the North Adams market which doesn’t start until mid-July.
Low-income elders are eligible for a $10 coupon that can be used at farmers’ markets for free fruit and vegetables. Coupons are available for seniors living in senior housing at the local housing authority or at Elder Services’ congregate meal sites, or directly from Elder Services for those who receive home-delivered meals. To find out if you are eligible for the coupons, contact Elder Services at 499-0524 or 1-800-544-5242.
Farmers who participate receive a banner, which indicates they accept coupons. This is an optional program for the vendors so look for the posted banner or ask the vendor. Some Council on Aging directors may arrange transportation to farmers’ markets. Friends or relatives may be authorized by a senior to use the coupon to pick up vegetables and fruit for those who are unable to get to the market.
Since a major objective of this program is to provide fresh, nutritious, farm products, not all foods available at the markets can be purchased with the coupons. Vegetable plants and baked products from a commercial bakery are not eligible; however, the coupons can be used to purchase baked products from a farm.
Everyone eligible should take part in this worthwhile program to obtain nutritious farm products and in-season fresh fruit and vegetables.
Marilyn Wiley is a Registered Licensed Dietician and Consulting Berkshire County.
