Friends,

In Berkshire County, 22,270 children and adults rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) for food assistance. Due to the government shutdown and resulting delays in SNAP benefits, nearly 20% of our Berkshire neighbors are now facing a food crisis. In addition, 8,000 households that depend on the federally funded HEAP program for fuel assistance are entering the winter season without adequate heating.

In response, Jewish Federation of the Berkshires has approved emergency allocations of $11,000 to support food assistance and $10,000 for fuel assistance to help our neighbors across Berkshire County. The Jewish Women’s Foundation of Berkshire County has also approved an emergency allocation of $10,000 to support local food pantries.

Together, these allocations represent a $31,000 commitment from our Jewish community to help ensure that our neighbors have access to food and warmth during this critical time.

If you would like to donate to support food access, we encourage you to support to the Berkshire United Way’s county-wide effort. Click “Food and Other Emergency Needs” on the United Way's Donate page:

Food Pantries and Meal Sites

Berkshire County is home to a robust network of emergency food sites. If you, or someone that you know, is in need of food assistance, please click below to find resources: 

Older Adult Kosher Meals

Federation offers kosher meals for older adults (60 years old and above), which are available for pick up on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursdays. Contact our kitchen reservation line at (413) 442-2200 up to 24 hours in advance to reserve a meal for pickup.

Other Emergency Assistance and Support

The Federation provides small, one-time emergency grants to Jewish community members facing urgent or essential needs. Our Community Social Worker, Jill Goldstein, also offers guidance in navigating local care services, accessing transitional assistance, and connecting with additional resources to help individuals regain stability and self-sufficiency. For support, contact Jill Goldstein at [email protected] or (413) 442-4360, ext. 17.

We are deeply grateful to our Federation donors whose generosity makes this care and support for our Berkshire community—and so much more—possible.