Food

Food Bank of Western Massachusetts

The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts maintains a list of food pantries and meals by city.

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

SNAP (formerly known as food stamps) provides nutritious food to eligible individuals and families through SNAP retailers (grocery stores, some convenience stores, farmers’ markets).

• At least one household member must be a US citizen (children count).

• Call 413-992-6204 to reach a SNAP coordinator to apply or for more information.

Pandemic EBT (P-EBT)

Through Pandemic EBT, all school-aged children that qualify for free and reduced-cost school lunch will receive additional dollars to spend on nutritious foods.

• All families with school-aged children enrolled in Pittsfield Public Schools or North Adams Public Schools will automatically receive this benefit.

• If you are enrolled in SNAP, P-EBT will be loaded onto your SNAP EBT card. If you are not enrolled in SNAP you will receive a separate P-EBT card.

• Your child will receive this benefit whether they are learning remotely or hybrid.

• Benefits are distributed in July.

MA Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)

WIC is a free nutrition program that provides healthy foods, nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and referrals to healthcare and other services to all families who qualify, including women who are pregnant and children under 5.

• You do not need to be documented to qualify.

• Offers farmers’ market checks in the summer.

• Call 413-447-3495 for more information and to be screened for eligibility.

Massachusetts Healthy Incentives Program (HIP) 

HIP will provide a 1-to-1 match for SNAP dollars spent on fruits and vegetables at farmers markets, Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) programs, and some farm stands. The earned incentive is added to your EBT card for immediate or future use at any SNAP retailer on any SNAP-eligible foods.

• Can only be earned at HIP vendors. (Look for the HIP logo.)

• You need to spend SNAP to earn HIP.

• Includes the Downtown Pittsfield Farmers Market, Great Barrington Farmers Market, and North Adams Farmers Market.

• This is a year-round program. Winter farmers’ markets include: Pittsfield, Great Barrington, Williamstown, and North Adams.

Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (FMNP)

The Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program provides eligible elders (60+) with coupons for produce redeemable at farmers’ markets. Coupons are available from early summer through October each year; they are distributed through your local Council on Aging.

Meals on Wheels

The Meals on Wheels (MOW) program delivers lunch 5 days a week to homebound seniors who are unable to provide their own meals, and who meet certain income and health guidelines.

• Special dietary considerations are available for those with chronic health conditions such as diabetes and heart disease.

• Daily check-in by a volunteer driver.

• Only provides assistance with grocery shopping.

• Visit the Elder Services of Berkshire County website or call them at 413-499-0524.