Food Bank of Western Massachusetts

The mission of The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts is to work with our community to reduce hunger and increase food security.

Executive Director: Andrew Morehouse
Email: andrewm@secondharvest.org
Web Site: www.foodbankwma.org
Media Contact: Megan Pete
Title: Director of Development
Phone: 413-247-9738 x117
Email: meganp@foodbankwma.org

Community Supported Agriculture farms (CSAs) are supported by members who buy a share in the farm and receive fresh, organic produce throughout the season. The Food Bank Farm is one of the largest and most efficient CSAs in the country and the first with the primary mission of helping to feed those in need.

The Harvest Season

Each week, from June through October, shareholders bring home a bounty of freshly picked organic produce. From gourmet salad greens and heirloom tomatoes to our delicious carrots, squash and sweet red peppers, the farm raises more than 250 varieties of vegetables, flowers and herbs.

Uncompromised Quality
At the Food Bank Farm, we harvest your vegetables the same day you pick them up. We select all of our varieties for superior flavor, rather than how they look. Supermarket varieties are chosen for their uniformity and ability to be shipped long distance, using millions of gallons of gasoline. This is not only destructive to our environment, it also compromises the nutritional value and flavor of your food. Join the Food Bank Farm and eat tomatoes and melons grown solely for taste - you will notice the difference.

Beyond the Season
In both November and December you will receive a month’s supply of storage crops. These will include carrots, beets, winter squash, cabbage, leeks, rutabagas, and more.

U-Pick Vegetables
There are some crops that you can U-Pick. These vary from year to year but will always include: Green beans, strawberries, sugar snap peas, more than 20 types of herbs (including 3 kinds of basil!), plum and cherry tomatoes. U-pick is generally unlimited; you take what you need. Some years, when a crop performs poorly, we impose limits on one or two crops.

U-pick Flowers
We also offer unlimited U-pick on our “Acre of Flowers”. We raise a spectacular assortment of more than 50 different flower varieties. This is by far one of the most popular spots on the farm. One of the farmers’ favorite things to do is watch members quietly cutting their bouquets against the backdrop of Holyoke Range; we know they will bring the farm’s beauty back home.

The bounty will be picked, washed and ready for you to collect at your weekly pick up. There is no work requirement on your part. Of course, the farmers love it when members show up to lend a hand and you are invited to do so anytime.

Other Local Products
In addition to the produce included in your membership, the farm also makes available a wide assortment of fresh local products: organic sour dough bread baked in a brick oven, local and organic eggs, tofu, goat cheese, tempeh, miso, our own dressings, granola, tasty baked goods, organic and low spray fruit, naturally raised beef, lamb and chicken, fresh pasta, and biodegradable detergents. We even sell a soap which is made locally by bicycle powered equipment!

The Food Bank Farm is about building community. On your weekly pick-up you will see where your food comes from and meet the folks who grow it. You will experience the harmony of the seasons. The farm is a great place to bring kids, meet your neighbors, and celebrate a way of farming that nurtures the land that supports us all.

At the same time you enjoy your bounty, your membership helps the farm raise healthy organic produce for the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts. Over the last five years, the farm has produced more than 900,000 pounds of food for the Food Bank and its member agencies. Share the Harvest!

A Farm Share feeds a family of 3-5 and is $460 for the season. A Farm Share Plus feeds 5-7 and costs $615. According to an independent study, a share costs less than half of what you would pay for the same amount of organic produce in a supermarket.

Call (413) 582-0013
For general farm questions, e-mail foodbankfarm@yahoo.com
For membership and billing questions, e-mail foodbankfarmmembers@yahoo.com

Other Services:

Finding the Help You Need
For information about food assistance, heating oil, housing, health care, and much more, call one of the following numbers:

First Call for Help (Franklin County) 413-774-2318
First Call for Help (Hampshire County) 413-582-4237 or 1-800-339-7779
Help Line (Hampden County, Granby, S. Hadley) 413-737-2712
Food Stamps
Find out if you qualify for food stamps at www.gettingfoodstamps.org. This Web site provides a confidential calculator that will allow you to determine your eligibility and estimate your benefit and offers information and support to help you complete the application process successfully.

Food Stamp Benefits
Families, individuals and elders who meet income rules can get food stamp benefits. Food stamp benefits help buy nutritious food. Food stamp benefits can give you extra money for other things you need, like prescription medicines, fuel for your home or dependent care.

There are several ways to apply for food stamp benefits.

To get more information about food stamp benefits and to get an application, call the Department of Transitional Assistance at (866) 950-FOOD. You may also get information about the Food Stamp Program by visiting the Department’s website at www.mass.gov/dta.

Women, Infants & Children (WIC)
WIC is a nutrition program that provides nutrition and health education, healthy food and other services free of charge to Massachusetts families who qualify. The general phone number for WIC is 1-800-WIC-1007, (1-800-942-1007). The website for WIC is http://www.mass.gov/wic. You may also contact your local WIC office:

Berkshire County North (413) 445-9429
Berkshire County South (413) 528-0457
Franklin County/North Quabbin (413) 376-1160
Hampshire County (413) 584-3591
Holyoke/Chicopee (413) 534-2460
Springfield North (413) 737-8868
Springfield South (413) 693-1029