Dear Community,

With seven days left in our Market Match Fund campaign, BAV is taking a leap.

We are giving out more grant funding than ever to our partner farmers markets this year — responding to clear need in the community. We know federal program cuts and delays are hurting food-insecure households and local farmers especially hard.

To meet these challenges, we are setting a stretch goal of $40,000 for the last week in April. Thanks to the generosity of many people, we reached our original goal of $30,000 during the past three weeks. We believe we can and must stretch to $40,000 — with your help!

Your donation will support all day, all year doubling of SNAP benefits up to $30 at our Berkshire-area farmers markets — providing SNAP customers with $60 to spend on fresh, local produce, meats, dairy, and more. Local households benefit, farmers benefit, and our local markets stay vital and strong.

I had the pleasure of highlighting the critical importance of SNAP matching and the good work of our farmers markets and the Market Match Fund on The Fabulous 413 show last week. If you're interested in learning more, please take a listen!

Please also mark your calendars for BAV's celebration of community generosity and the Market Match Fund — happening on Saturday, May 10, 9am - 1pm at the Pittsfield Farmers Market! It's opening day of the outdoor market, and we're thrilled to take part. Our thanks to The Gilson Family Foundation for generously sponsoring this celebration.

Thank you so much for considering a gift today to help us stretch and leap in order to meet increased community need!

Warmly,



Rebecca Busansky

Executive Director, Berkshire Agricultural Ventures

Gifts may also be mailed to: Berkshire Agricultural Ventures, 4 Castle Street, Suite 215, Great Barrington, MA 01230. Thank you!