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Announcements & Updates
1/26/10: NEW WEBSITE COMING SOON! Berkshire Organics will launch a new website in the coming months with an enhanced customer-friendly shopping cart. Do all of your grocery shopping online and we will deliver it right to your door(you can already do this with our current website but the new one will be much more user friendly). Stay tuned...
1/25/10:
NEW ITEMS AT BERKSHIRE ORGANICS STORE Organic Milk (we've researched them all and found the best!), Chatham Sheepherding, NY cheese and yogurt, Tierra Farm, NY organic nuts, seeds, dried fruits, granola, Organic deli meats and cheese, Organic orange juice, Sustainable Himalaya Salt and Peppercorns, Local farm meat, Blue Q bags, prepared items and much more. Stop in the check us out 813 Dalton Division Rd. Dalton (Burgner's Market). Now open 7 days a week!
1/25/2010:
THERE'S STILL TIME TO SIGN UP! The Winter Wellness Group will meet alternating Tuesdays 7-9PM February 2-May 25, 2010. Spend this season with a like-minded community and learn the best health, nutrition, and cooking tips to feel your absolute best all year long! For more details go to www.laurenswanekamp.com
1/4/2010:
BULK BUYING CLUB UPDATE
Berkshire Organics is thrilled to announce we are planning to extend our Bulk Buying Club to all customers. There will be no membership fees or obligations. We want to pass our savings on to you, our loyal customer.
In March, we will start offering bulk organic items well below retail prices. In the coming months, we will be working on our product list (groceries, dairy, beauty, cleaning products and much more). If you have suggestions or requests for items you would like to buy in bulk, please send them to blanche@berkshireorganics.com
12/9/09:
HOLIDAY SCHEDULE
For the week of Christmas and New Year's Berkshire Organics will make regular deliveries on Wednesday and Thursday instead of our usual Thursday and Friday deliveries. You will receive an email confirmation indicating which day you can expect your delivery.
We will not have the (25%-40% off) produce sales in the store the week of Christmas 12/20 and the week of New Years 12/27 because fresh produce will arrive on Monday and Tuesday in anticipation of the Wednesday deliveries.
STORE HOURS EXTENDED FOR HOLIDAY:
Monday 12/21- 9AM-6PM
Tuesday 12/22- 9AM-6PM
Wednesday 12/23- 9AM-6PM
Thursday 12/24- 9AM-1PM
Friday 12/25- Closed for Holiday
Saturday 12/26- 9AM-6PM
Resume Regular Store Hours
12/1/2009:
PRODUCE UPDATE- This is the last week we will offer produce from Markristo Farm in Hillsdale, NY. They are done for the season so enjoy the last of the braising mix and cooking spinach!
Next week will be our last week with produce from Hibbard Farm in Hadley, MA. They have been our carrots, parsnips, beets, herbs, hard squash and cauliflower source this season.
We are now working with Enterprise Farm in Whately, MA in full force. Enterprise Farm has formed relationships with other small organic family farms down the east coast who truck overnight direct to Enterprise. We pick our order up the very next day for your baskets. Some of the southern farms Enterprise works with include Mahon Farm in SC, Eagles Nest Farm in FL, and Lady Moon Farm in GA and FL. We hope you enjoy the freshness of this produce!
11/10/09:
FRESH SEAFOOD FRIDAYS
Fresh wild, sustainable and organic seafood is now available from the Other Brother Darryl's based in Otis, MA. Order must be placed by the end of Wednesday for store pick-up Friday or Saturday. Please call 413-442-0888 for availability.
11/3/09:
THANKSGIVING PRODUCE ORDER FORMS NOW AVAILABLE
Please call us to receive an order form: 413-442-0888. Berkshire Organics wil not make regular deliveries the week of Thanksgiving. Instead we will deliver produce baskets customized with exactly what you need on Tuesday 11/24 and Wednesday 11/25. Produce will also be available at our store. Other items available for your feast such as Tofurky, Stuffing, Cranberry Sauce, Herbs, Pies, Canned Goods, Breads and much more!
11/1/09:
LOCAVORE BASKET CHANGES TO EAST COAST BASKET
Do you still want to support small family organic farms? Are you interested in reducing your carbon footprint? Berkshire Organics has teamed up with Enterprise Farm in Whately, MA to offer the East Coast Basket available Nov-May. The basket will feature local greens from Equinox Farm in Sheffield and Swartz Family Farm in Amherst, apples and pears from local orchards, and plenty of produce from our neighbors in the south. Please note, the basket will be similar to a CSA share in that there will not be as much fruit and/or variety at certain times based on the growing season. If you prefer more variety such as bananas, avocadoes, peppers etc you may want to continue with our other baskets.
10/27/09:
WE'RE STILL ACCEPTING NATURAL TURKEY ORDERS UNTIL NOV. 1ST.
10/6/2009:
ORGANIC & NATURAL TURKEY ORDERS DUE BY 10/22/09 FOR THANKSGIVING:
Berkshire Organics will deliver customized (you select) Thanksgiving produce baskets Tuesday, November 24th & Wednesday, November 25th. We will NOT make our regular deliveries on Thursday & Friday that week. Produce basket order forms will be available November 1st. We will not deliver Turkeys this year because they are FRESH not frozen so all Turkey orders must be picked up at our store located at 813 Dalton Division Rd Dalton, MA 01226 (Burgner’s Farm). Turkey orders must be received by Thursday October 22nd so the farm has plenty of time to harvest your Turkey. Please contact us 413-442-0888 for ordering details.
BERKSHIRE ORGANICS OWN PREPARED ITEMS AVAILABLE- THIS WEEK: ORGANIC HUMMUS.
10/5/2009:
HEIRLOOM APPLES AVAILABLE!
Varieties include Hudson Golden Gem, Cox Orange Pippin, Orleans Reinette, Reine Reinette, Ananas Reinette, Hohlstein, Claygate Pear, Blue Pearmain, Mix Sampler Available (6 varieties). Perfect for Wine & Cheese Tasting!
9/23/2009:
WE HAVE YOUR FALL LOCAL PRODUCE FAVORITES: Apples (Gala, Golden Supreme, Honey Crisp, MacIntosh, Macoun, Paula Red, Red Cortland, Zestar), Corn, Sweet Pumpkins, Fall Squash, Gourds, Root Vegetables and much more. Stop in and see us!
9/22/2009:
Visit our table at these Fall Harvest Events in the Berkshires, Saturday & Sunday September 26th & 27th: Lenox Apple Squeeze in downtown Lenox, MA and the Hancock Shaker Village Country Fair in Hancock, MA 10AM-5PM. We will also have a table at the Hilltown Hoot in Washington on Sunday the 27th. We hope to see you at one of these great events!
9/8/2009:
Berkshire Organics Now Open Tuesdays from 12PM-6PM. 40% off Produce Sale Continues!
8/18/2009:
The Berkshire Organics store located at 813 Dalton Division Rd in Dalton. has expanded and continues to add new items and products so we need your feedback! If you visit us, please let us know what items you would like to see us offer. Currently the store has fresh produce (of course!), locally made fresh breads, baked goods, soups, coffee, tea, sauces, condiments, snacks, breakfast items, beauty & cleaning products, organic juices, yogurt, High Lawn Farm milk, butter, cream, So-Co Ice Cream, Hillside Pizzas, Australis Barramundi fish, local grass-fed meats, organic meats, veggie burgers, tofu and MUCH more. Berkshire Organics is also a pick-up point for Granny B’s Raw Milk Club. We participate in the bag share program to try and rid the Berkshires of plastic bags and we have a magazine exchange stand.
Store Hours Fresh Schedule:
Wednesday: 12PM-6PM All Produce Arrives (most by 12PM, Equinox
Farm Greens by 3PM), Bread Euphoria Breads
& Hillside Pizza arrives by 1PM.
Thursday: 9AM-6PM Clovertown Baker arrives by 10AM,
Farm Country Soup & the Sweetish Baker
arrives by 3PM.
Friday: 9AM-6PM Berkshire Mountain Bakery arrives by 1PM.
Saturday: 9AM-6PM Special Sales
Sunday: 10AM-4PM 25% off Produce, Bread Sale Continues.
Monday: 10AM-4PM 40% off Produce, All Bread on Sale.
Tuesday: 12PM-6PM Sales Continue. Remaining produce donated to
Dalton & Pittsfield Food Pantrys.
8/17/2009:
Mark Your Calendar- Gluten Free Day This Friday 8/21 & Saturday 8/22 at Berkshire Organics. The Upper Crust Baker (a local Berkshire County Baker who specializes in Gluten & Dairy Free Items), will have a table in our store from 10AM-1PM. We want to hear from you as to what items you’re looking for us to carry. Please stop in and visit us!
8/10/2009:
Berkshire Organics has a wide variety of local fruit this week (Arriving Wed. 8/5 by 3PM) including strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, peaches, nectarines, plums, apricots, and apples.
We also have many local veggies such as corn, squashes, greens, beans, carrots, onions, cukes, garlic and much more!
Be sure to visit our new shop 813 Dalton Division Rd. Dalton, MA 01226
Posted 7/1/2009:
Berkshire Organics now accepts EBT/Quest cards.
Posted 6/23/2009:
Berkshire Organics named THE BEST OF THE BERKSHIRES 2009 by the Berkshire Eagle!
Thank you to everyone who voted for us.
Posted 6/16/2009:
LOCAVORE BASKET - NOW AVAILABLE!
Are you up for the challenge to eat only local produce grown within a 50 mile radius? If so, you may want to switch to Berkshire Organics’ Locavore Basket. The basket will be available June-Oct and will feature the best local produce from the Berkshires and Pioneer Valley. Please note, the basket will be similar to a CSA share in that there will not be as much fruit and/or variety at certain times based on the local growing season.
Small Locavore Basket for 1-2 people (12 items)…..$32
Large Locavore Basket for 3-5 people (16 items)…$46
What is a locavore? Oxford Dictionary made it the 2007 word of the year. Its definition is someone who exclusively (or at least primarily) eats foods from their local food shed or a determined radius from their home (commonly either 100 or 250 miles, depending on location). By eating locally, most locavores hope to create a greater connection between themselves and their food sources, resist industrialized and processed foods, and support their local economy. Many locavores give themselves several exceptions to their local diet. Commonly excluded items include coffee, chocolate, salt, and/or spices - although locavores tend to try and find local coffee roasters, chocolate producers, and spice importers when they can.
VISIT OUR NEW LOCATION!
813 Dalton Division Rd. Dalton, MA (Burgner's Farm)
NEW STORE HOURS:
Wed. 2PM-6PM (Produce arrives)
Thur, Fri, Sat. 9AM-6PM
Sun. 10AM-4PM (25% off all produce)
Mon. 10AM-4PM (40% off all produce)
5/19/2009:
MOVE TO BURGERS UPDATE
We will close our location at 720 Main Street on Saturday, May 30th. We will reopen for business at Burgners Farm 813 Dalton Division Rd. in Dalton on Wednesday, June 3rd. Deliveries and Pick-ups should not be affected.
5/18/2009:
LOCAL EVENTS THIS WEEK
Please stop by and visit us at Pittsfield's Third Thursday 5/21 5PM-8PM on North Street in Downtown Pittsfield. Also, Saturday 4/23 Lenox's Extreme Green Event in Downtown Lenox 12PM-6PM at the Lenox Town Hall.
5/8/2009:
Grab & Go Local, Organic Grill Packs and Biodegradable Picnic Supplies Now Available. On the home page, click on Additional Items to order.
4/28/2009:
BERKSHIRE ORGANICS MOVING TO BURGNER'S FARM
Berkshire Organics is thrilled to announce that we will be moving to Burgner’s Farm located at 813 Dalton Division Rd. in Dalton. The move will happen sometime in late May (whenever the renovations are complete). Business has been great and we have outgrown our space on Main St. in Dalton. Our new space at Burgners offers more space, a larger walk-in cooler and one of the best perks will be more parking! We will start out with a retail store similar in size to our current shop but plan to expand the store as the summer progresses. Burgner’s will continue to sell their turkeys, turkey pot pies, conventional produce, flowers and plants. It is our hope that we continue to grow and rejuvenate the space which was once a booming produce stand. We hope you will stop in and visit us. We will keep you posted as to our exact moving date. Thank you for all of your support.
4/27/2009:
RAW MILK:
Information on Granny B's Raw Milk Buying Club: We get our milk from Farmer Sean Stanton at Blue Hill Farm in Monterey every Wednesday and Saturday. His price on the milk is $7/gal; $4/half gal and our group membership fee is $1.50/week or $6/month. The milk needs to be prepaid at least one week in advance and there is a standard raw milk buying group Release of Liability Form that needs to be signed.
Berkshire Organics in Dalton and Berkshire Green Grocer in Lee are a pick-up points for our buying group. They do not sell raw milk (illegal to retail in MA) and do not deliver milk – either the raw milk or the High Lawn Farms milk that they do sell at the store. Please Note: Granny B’s Milk Buying Group is a raw milk co-op and is in no way legally affiliated with Berkshire Organics or Berkshire Green Grocer.
For questions or to sign-up please contact:
Blanche Lennington
Granny B's Raw Milk Buying Group
GrannyBsMilk@gmail.com
413-623-5438
4/21/2009:
The Lenox Environmental Committee and Chamber of Commerce will hold a screening of the “A Sense of Wonder,” a poignant and intimate documentary-style film depicting the last year of Rachel Carson’s life. When this pioneering environmentalist published Silent Spring in 1962, the backlash from her critics thrust her into the center of a political maelstrom. Despite economic adversity, family tragedy, health problems, and gender stereotyping, Carson’s life reminds us that we each have not only the ability to make a creative difference in this world—we have the responsibility to do so.
The screening will take place at 7:30 p.m. on Earth Day, Wednesday, April 22, FREE, at the Lenox Town Hall, 6 Walker St, Lenox. For more information contact Susan Olshuff at (413) 637-2643.
Thanks to our sponsor, Berkshire Organics.
4/13/2009:
From Enterprise Farm's Newsletter (the farm Berkshire Organics receives much of their winter produce from based in Whately, MA)-
"Interesting developments in next winter’s share continue. A second local grower has made us an offer to grow organic winter storage crops for the share. Michael Doctor, the former manager of the Food Bank Farm in Hadley, is looking to grow local carrots and parsnips for Enterprise! For much of this winter, our carrots were from Vermont or Canada, so this would further decrease food miles traveled! Together with the potatoes, onions, and beets planned from Full Bloom Farm, in Whately, MA, next winter is looking rosy and local already."
4/10/2009:
Safe and Healthy Eggs-
Terms that we may find stamped on supermarket egg cartons include Cage Free, Free Range, Organic and even Vegetarian. These terms look impressive but may not actually mean anything at all in calculating the nutritional bottom line of the eggs in the carton.
Cage Free may mean that rather than 20,000 chickens being stacked in cages in a small dim room with their feet wired to the cage floor, they are free to roam about in that same small dim room where they now have to be debeaked so they don’t cannibalize each other because of the stressful conditions. Free Range may mean that there is a small door at one end of the room which leads to a small patch of dirt that the chickens may or may not find. Organic addresses what the chickens are fed; it does not address the conditions in which they are housed. And Vegetarian, while sounding healthy and wholesome is actually the most misleading of all because chickens are omnivores and so, a vegetarian diet it completely unnatural for them.
So how do we know if the eggs we buy are safe and healthful? Mother Earth News has been conducting studies and research for years and has found time and time again that the Pasture Raised chickens produce consistently healthier eggs. These are chickens that are allowed to free roam and eat a well rounded diet of feed (usually organic) as well as fresh grass, greens, bugs, and whatever else they find. They are normally allowed to sleep at night without extra full spectrum lighting, and have free access to fresh water. They are not debeaked, not subject to caging, and there is little concern of them cannibalizing each other. Pasture raised chickens show relaxed behavior as they move around the property, making quiet noises and interacting with the other chickens.
Berkshire Organics offers eggs from Holiday Farm in Dalton, Leahey Farm in Lee, Mighty Food Farm in VT, and Wayne’s Farm in Hinsdale. All chickens are pasture raised. http://www.motherearthnews.com/Real-Food/2007-10-01/Tests-Reveal-Healthier-Eggs.aspx
http://hubpages.com/hub/Are-Free-Range-Eggs-A-Healthier-Alternative-to-Eggs
3/24/2009:
Bagshare Sewing Circle Great Success! Over 200 bags were sewn for the launch of Berkshire Organics' plastic and paper bag-free commitment toward zero waste. Countless bags of fabric were donated. Scraps and fabric samples were used to create a tote bag; ties and seatbelts were used to make the bag handles. The bags will be used for the Berkshire Organics' store and for additional items being delivered. Customers can borrow a bag and return it the next time they visit the store or they can leave the bag in the green bin for deliveries. We anticipate another bagshare sewing circle will be scheduled for late May. Please contact us if you have donations or are interested in attending. Thank you!
Posted 3/17/2009:
Bagshare Sewing Circle this Sunday, March 22nd 12:00PM at St. Stephen's Church located at 67 East Street in Pittsfield (Downstairs in the dining room). We will show the film, "Battle of the Bags" at 12:30PM. In an effort to become a zero waste business, Berkshire Organics will not use plastic or paper bags. Bags sewn at the Bagshare Sewing Circle will be reused at our store and for our delivery service. Please join us in an effort to make Pittsfield plastic bag free!
Posted 3/9/2009:
Berkshire Organics will have a table at this Friday's (March 13th) 3rd Annual "Soup Fest" to Benefit Local Food Pantries and Soup Kitchens at the Berkshire Hills Country Club from 5:30PM-8PM (Admision is $20 - to sample soups from over 25 local vendors). We will provide soup from Farm Country Soup.
Posted 2/23/2009:
Delivery Route Schedule
Thursday: 12PM-4PM Tyringham, Monterey, New Marlborough, Ashley Falls, Sheffield, South Egremont.
11:30AM-3PM North Adams, Clarksburg, Adams.
12PM-2PM Williamstown
3PM-5PM Dalton, Hinsdale, Peru
Friday: 7:30AM-9:00AM Richmond
9AM-11AM Lee, Lenoxdale, Becket, Washington
9AM-2PM Lenox, West Stockbridge, Stockbridge, Great Barrington
10AM-12PM Pittsfield (East)
1PM-4PM Pittsfield (West & North St)
3PM-5PM Cheshire, Lanesborough
Orders can be picked up at our store (you get 10% off the basket price): Thursday 2PM-6PM, Friday 9AM-5PM, Saturday 10AM-4PM, Sunday 12PM-4PM.
Posted 2/10/2009:
Valentine's Day Gift Baskets available for delivery. Beauty Baskets for Him & Her as well as a Sweet Indulgence Basket with locally made sweets for your sweetheart. Order deadline has passed but call or email us for last minute orders or information: 413-446-5510 or info@berkshireorganics.com
Posted 1/15/09:
Cold Weather Advisory: Temperatures will be very cold this Thursday and Friday and the produce will freeze if left out for more than twenty minutes; we are not responsible for produce that freezes after we make the delivery. If you are not going to be home when the delivery is made, please leave out an empty cooler and we will transfer the produce to protect it or let us know if we can leave your basket inside the door or in a breezeway/mudroom. All delivery drivers will ring your doorbell to alert you that the basket has been left if you are home. You can also pick-up your basket at our shop (720 Main St. Dalton) and receive 10% off the basket price.
Posted 1/9/09:
You’re Saving $$$ with Berkshire Organics
We did it again! In October, Berkshire Organics visited two local supermarkets and one specialty food store to compare prices with our Berkshire Basket. This time we took the items from this week’s Bachelor Basket and here’s what we found:
N/A = Organic Not Available at Store (price estimate)
Supermarket Organic = (SO), Specialty Market Organic (SMO)
Bachelor Basket Produce Items
8 oz Baby Spinach $3.99 (SO) $4.99 (SMO)
1 Spaghetti Squash $3.50 N/A (SO) $3.99 N/A (SMO)
1 Bok Choy $2.99 N/A (SO) $3.50 (SMO)
1 lb Fingerling Potatoes $3.99 N/A (SO) $4.99 (SMO)
1 head Red Leaf Lettuce $3.00 N/A (SO) $3.49 (SMO)
1 bunch Broccoli $3.00 (SO) $3.99 (SMO)
10 oz White Mushrooms $2.50 (SO) $2.99 (SMO)
1 lb Bananas $ .99 (SO) $1.29 (SMO)
1 lb Apples $1.99 (SO) $1.99 (SMO)
1 lb Pears $2.50 (SO) $2.30 (SMO)
3 Oranges (Cara Cara) $4.50 N/A (SO) $3.00 (SMO)
1 head Garlic $ .65 N/A (SO) $ .75 N/A (SMO)
Bachelor Basket (Delivered to Your Door)
Our Price $32.00
Supermarket Organic Total: $33.60
Specialty Market Organic Total: $37.27
Berkshire Basket from October (Delivered)
Our Price $42.00
Supermarket Organic Total $47.44
Specialty Market Total $48.98
Posted 12/28/08:
Berkshire Organics will resume their regular delivery schedule on Thursday afternoon 1/1 and Friday 1/2.
Posted 12/27/08:
The Berkshire Organics Shop (located at 720 Main St. in Dalton) is now open Thursday 2pm-6pm, Friday 12pm-5pm, Saturday 10am-4pm, and Sunday 12pm-4pm. Sunday special- 40% off organic produce.
Local and organic items available at the shop: eggs, meat, fish, yogurt, cheese, bread, baked goods, granola, coffee, and much more! Gift certificates also available.
Customers can now pick up their produce baskets at our shop and receive 10% off the basket price. Refer a friend to our service and get $5 off your next basket.
Posted on 12/26/08:
Berkshire Organics is proud to work with Enterprise Farm in Whately, MA through the winter months. Enterprise Farm has their own winter CSA but they also help bring organic produce from the Carolinas, Georgia, Florida, and Vermont to small businesses such as Berkshire Organics.
Berkshire Organics is also working with the following Berkshire County Farms through the winter: Equinox Farm in Sheffield, Holiday Farm in Dalton, Leahey Farm in Lee, Bradley Farm in Lanesborough, Cricket Creek Farm in Williamstown, Ioka Valley Farm in Hancock, Hancock Shaker Village in Hancock, Hilltop Orchards in Richmond, Steadylane Farm in Ashfield, Sidehill Farm in Ashfield.
1/25/10:
NEW ITEMS AT BERKSHIRE ORGANICS STORE Organic Milk (we've researched them all and found the best!), Chatham Sheepherding, NY cheese and yogurt, Tierra Farm, NY organic nuts, seeds, dried fruits, granola, Organic deli meats and cheese, Organic orange juice, Sustainable Himalaya Salt and Peppercorns, Local farm meat, Blue Q bags, prepared items and much more. Stop in the check us out 813 Dalton Division Rd. Dalton (Burgner's Market). Now open 7 days a week!
1/25/2010:
THERE'S STILL TIME TO SIGN UP! The Winter Wellness Group will meet alternating Tuesdays 7-9PM February 2-May 25, 2010. Spend this season with a like-minded community and learn the best health, nutrition, and cooking tips to feel your absolute best all year long! For more details go to www.laurenswanekamp.com
1/4/2010:
BULK BUYING CLUB UPDATE
Berkshire Organics is thrilled to announce we are planning to extend our Bulk Buying Club to all customers. There will be no membership fees or obligations. We want to pass our savings on to you, our loyal customer.
In March, we will start offering bulk organic items well below retail prices. In the coming months, we will be working on our product list (groceries, dairy, beauty, cleaning products and much more). If you have suggestions or requests for items you would like to buy in bulk, please send them to blanche@berkshireorganics.com
12/9/09:
HOLIDAY SCHEDULE
For the week of Christmas and New Year's Berkshire Organics will make regular deliveries on Wednesday and Thursday instead of our usual Thursday and Friday deliveries. You will receive an email confirmation indicating which day you can expect your delivery.
We will not have the (25%-40% off) produce sales in the store the week of Christmas 12/20 and the week of New Years 12/27 because fresh produce will arrive on Monday and Tuesday in anticipation of the Wednesday deliveries.
STORE HOURS EXTENDED FOR HOLIDAY:
Monday 12/21- 9AM-6PM
Tuesday 12/22- 9AM-6PM
Wednesday 12/23- 9AM-6PM
Thursday 12/24- 9AM-1PM
Friday 12/25- Closed for Holiday
Saturday 12/26- 9AM-6PM
Resume Regular Store Hours
12/1/2009:
PRODUCE UPDATE- This is the last week we will offer produce from Markristo Farm in Hillsdale, NY. They are done for the season so enjoy the last of the braising mix and cooking spinach!
Next week will be our last week with produce from Hibbard Farm in Hadley, MA. They have been our carrots, parsnips, beets, herbs, hard squash and cauliflower source this season.
We are now working with Enterprise Farm in Whately, MA in full force. Enterprise Farm has formed relationships with other small organic family farms down the east coast who truck overnight direct to Enterprise. We pick our order up the very next day for your baskets. Some of the southern farms Enterprise works with include Mahon Farm in SC, Eagles Nest Farm in FL, and Lady Moon Farm in GA and FL. We hope you enjoy the freshness of this produce!
11/10/09:
FRESH SEAFOOD FRIDAYS
Fresh wild, sustainable and organic seafood is now available from the Other Brother Darryl's based in Otis, MA. Order must be placed by the end of Wednesday for store pick-up Friday or Saturday. Please call 413-442-0888 for availability.
11/3/09:
THANKSGIVING PRODUCE ORDER FORMS NOW AVAILABLE
Please call us to receive an order form: 413-442-0888. Berkshire Organics wil not make regular deliveries the week of Thanksgiving. Instead we will deliver produce baskets customized with exactly what you need on Tuesday 11/24 and Wednesday 11/25. Produce will also be available at our store. Other items available for your feast such as Tofurky, Stuffing, Cranberry Sauce, Herbs, Pies, Canned Goods, Breads and much more!
11/1/09:
LOCAVORE BASKET CHANGES TO EAST COAST BASKET
Do you still want to support small family organic farms? Are you interested in reducing your carbon footprint? Berkshire Organics has teamed up with Enterprise Farm in Whately, MA to offer the East Coast Basket available Nov-May. The basket will feature local greens from Equinox Farm in Sheffield and Swartz Family Farm in Amherst, apples and pears from local orchards, and plenty of produce from our neighbors in the south. Please note, the basket will be similar to a CSA share in that there will not be as much fruit and/or variety at certain times based on the growing season. If you prefer more variety such as bananas, avocadoes, peppers etc you may want to continue with our other baskets.
10/27/09:
WE'RE STILL ACCEPTING NATURAL TURKEY ORDERS UNTIL NOV. 1ST.
10/6/2009:
ORGANIC & NATURAL TURKEY ORDERS DUE BY 10/22/09 FOR THANKSGIVING:
Berkshire Organics will deliver customized (you select) Thanksgiving produce baskets Tuesday, November 24th & Wednesday, November 25th. We will NOT make our regular deliveries on Thursday & Friday that week. Produce basket order forms will be available November 1st. We will not deliver Turkeys this year because they are FRESH not frozen so all Turkey orders must be picked up at our store located at 813 Dalton Division Rd Dalton, MA 01226 (Burgner’s Farm). Turkey orders must be received by Thursday October 22nd so the farm has plenty of time to harvest your Turkey. Please contact us 413-442-0888 for ordering details.
BERKSHIRE ORGANICS OWN PREPARED ITEMS AVAILABLE- THIS WEEK: ORGANIC HUMMUS.
10/5/2009:
HEIRLOOM APPLES AVAILABLE!
Varieties include Hudson Golden Gem, Cox Orange Pippin, Orleans Reinette, Reine Reinette, Ananas Reinette, Hohlstein, Claygate Pear, Blue Pearmain, Mix Sampler Available (6 varieties). Perfect for Wine & Cheese Tasting!
9/23/2009:
WE HAVE YOUR FALL LOCAL PRODUCE FAVORITES: Apples (Gala, Golden Supreme, Honey Crisp, MacIntosh, Macoun, Paula Red, Red Cortland, Zestar), Corn, Sweet Pumpkins, Fall Squash, Gourds, Root Vegetables and much more. Stop in and see us!
9/22/2009:
Visit our table at these Fall Harvest Events in the Berkshires, Saturday & Sunday September 26th & 27th: Lenox Apple Squeeze in downtown Lenox, MA and the Hancock Shaker Village Country Fair in Hancock, MA 10AM-5PM. We will also have a table at the Hilltown Hoot in Washington on Sunday the 27th. We hope to see you at one of these great events!
9/8/2009:
Berkshire Organics Now Open Tuesdays from 12PM-6PM. 40% off Produce Sale Continues!
8/18/2009:
The Berkshire Organics store located at 813 Dalton Division Rd in Dalton. has expanded and continues to add new items and products so we need your feedback! If you visit us, please let us know what items you would like to see us offer. Currently the store has fresh produce (of course!), locally made fresh breads, baked goods, soups, coffee, tea, sauces, condiments, snacks, breakfast items, beauty & cleaning products, organic juices, yogurt, High Lawn Farm milk, butter, cream, So-Co Ice Cream, Hillside Pizzas, Australis Barramundi fish, local grass-fed meats, organic meats, veggie burgers, tofu and MUCH more. Berkshire Organics is also a pick-up point for Granny B’s Raw Milk Club. We participate in the bag share program to try and rid the Berkshires of plastic bags and we have a magazine exchange stand.
Store Hours Fresh Schedule:
Wednesday: 12PM-6PM All Produce Arrives (most by 12PM, Equinox
Farm Greens by 3PM), Bread Euphoria Breads
& Hillside Pizza arrives by 1PM.
Thursday: 9AM-6PM Clovertown Baker arrives by 10AM,
Farm Country Soup & the Sweetish Baker
arrives by 3PM.
Friday: 9AM-6PM Berkshire Mountain Bakery arrives by 1PM.
Saturday: 9AM-6PM Special Sales
Sunday: 10AM-4PM 25% off Produce, Bread Sale Continues.
Monday: 10AM-4PM 40% off Produce, All Bread on Sale.
Tuesday: 12PM-6PM Sales Continue. Remaining produce donated to
Dalton & Pittsfield Food Pantrys.
8/17/2009:
Mark Your Calendar- Gluten Free Day This Friday 8/21 & Saturday 8/22 at Berkshire Organics. The Upper Crust Baker (a local Berkshire County Baker who specializes in Gluten & Dairy Free Items), will have a table in our store from 10AM-1PM. We want to hear from you as to what items you’re looking for us to carry. Please stop in and visit us!
8/10/2009:
Berkshire Organics has a wide variety of local fruit this week (Arriving Wed. 8/5 by 3PM) including strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, peaches, nectarines, plums, apricots, and apples.
We also have many local veggies such as corn, squashes, greens, beans, carrots, onions, cukes, garlic and much more!
Be sure to visit our new shop 813 Dalton Division Rd. Dalton, MA 01226
Posted 7/1/2009:
Berkshire Organics now accepts EBT/Quest cards.
Posted 6/23/2009:
Berkshire Organics named THE BEST OF THE BERKSHIRES 2009 by the Berkshire Eagle!
Thank you to everyone who voted for us.
Posted 6/16/2009:
LOCAVORE BASKET - NOW AVAILABLE!
Are you up for the challenge to eat only local produce grown within a 50 mile radius? If so, you may want to switch to Berkshire Organics’ Locavore Basket. The basket will be available June-Oct and will feature the best local produce from the Berkshires and Pioneer Valley. Please note, the basket will be similar to a CSA share in that there will not be as much fruit and/or variety at certain times based on the local growing season.
Small Locavore Basket for 1-2 people (12 items)…..$32
Large Locavore Basket for 3-5 people (16 items)…$46
What is a locavore? Oxford Dictionary made it the 2007 word of the year. Its definition is someone who exclusively (or at least primarily) eats foods from their local food shed or a determined radius from their home (commonly either 100 or 250 miles, depending on location). By eating locally, most locavores hope to create a greater connection between themselves and their food sources, resist industrialized and processed foods, and support their local economy. Many locavores give themselves several exceptions to their local diet. Commonly excluded items include coffee, chocolate, salt, and/or spices - although locavores tend to try and find local coffee roasters, chocolate producers, and spice importers when they can.
VISIT OUR NEW LOCATION!
813 Dalton Division Rd. Dalton, MA (Burgner's Farm)
NEW STORE HOURS:
Wed. 2PM-6PM (Produce arrives)
Thur, Fri, Sat. 9AM-6PM
Sun. 10AM-4PM (25% off all produce)
Mon. 10AM-4PM (40% off all produce)
5/19/2009:
MOVE TO BURGERS UPDATE
We will close our location at 720 Main Street on Saturday, May 30th. We will reopen for business at Burgners Farm 813 Dalton Division Rd. in Dalton on Wednesday, June 3rd. Deliveries and Pick-ups should not be affected.
5/18/2009:
LOCAL EVENTS THIS WEEK
Please stop by and visit us at Pittsfield's Third Thursday 5/21 5PM-8PM on North Street in Downtown Pittsfield. Also, Saturday 4/23 Lenox's Extreme Green Event in Downtown Lenox 12PM-6PM at the Lenox Town Hall.
5/8/2009:
Grab & Go Local, Organic Grill Packs and Biodegradable Picnic Supplies Now Available. On the home page, click on Additional Items to order.
4/28/2009:
BERKSHIRE ORGANICS MOVING TO BURGNER'S FARM
Berkshire Organics is thrilled to announce that we will be moving to Burgner’s Farm located at 813 Dalton Division Rd. in Dalton. The move will happen sometime in late May (whenever the renovations are complete). Business has been great and we have outgrown our space on Main St. in Dalton. Our new space at Burgners offers more space, a larger walk-in cooler and one of the best perks will be more parking! We will start out with a retail store similar in size to our current shop but plan to expand the store as the summer progresses. Burgner’s will continue to sell their turkeys, turkey pot pies, conventional produce, flowers and plants. It is our hope that we continue to grow and rejuvenate the space which was once a booming produce stand. We hope you will stop in and visit us. We will keep you posted as to our exact moving date. Thank you for all of your support.
4/27/2009:
RAW MILK:
Information on Granny B's Raw Milk Buying Club: We get our milk from Farmer Sean Stanton at Blue Hill Farm in Monterey every Wednesday and Saturday. His price on the milk is $7/gal; $4/half gal and our group membership fee is $1.50/week or $6/month. The milk needs to be prepaid at least one week in advance and there is a standard raw milk buying group Release of Liability Form that needs to be signed.
Berkshire Organics in Dalton and Berkshire Green Grocer in Lee are a pick-up points for our buying group. They do not sell raw milk (illegal to retail in MA) and do not deliver milk – either the raw milk or the High Lawn Farms milk that they do sell at the store. Please Note: Granny B’s Milk Buying Group is a raw milk co-op and is in no way legally affiliated with Berkshire Organics or Berkshire Green Grocer.
For questions or to sign-up please contact:
Blanche Lennington
Granny B's Raw Milk Buying Group
GrannyBsMilk@gmail.com
413-623-5438
4/21/2009:
The Lenox Environmental Committee and Chamber of Commerce will hold a screening of the “A Sense of Wonder,” a poignant and intimate documentary-style film depicting the last year of Rachel Carson’s life. When this pioneering environmentalist published Silent Spring in 1962, the backlash from her critics thrust her into the center of a political maelstrom. Despite economic adversity, family tragedy, health problems, and gender stereotyping, Carson’s life reminds us that we each have not only the ability to make a creative difference in this world—we have the responsibility to do so.
The screening will take place at 7:30 p.m. on Earth Day, Wednesday, April 22, FREE, at the Lenox Town Hall, 6 Walker St, Lenox. For more information contact Susan Olshuff at (413) 637-2643.
Thanks to our sponsor, Berkshire Organics.
4/13/2009:
From Enterprise Farm's Newsletter (the farm Berkshire Organics receives much of their winter produce from based in Whately, MA)-
"Interesting developments in next winter’s share continue. A second local grower has made us an offer to grow organic winter storage crops for the share. Michael Doctor, the former manager of the Food Bank Farm in Hadley, is looking to grow local carrots and parsnips for Enterprise! For much of this winter, our carrots were from Vermont or Canada, so this would further decrease food miles traveled! Together with the potatoes, onions, and beets planned from Full Bloom Farm, in Whately, MA, next winter is looking rosy and local already."
4/10/2009:
Safe and Healthy Eggs-
Terms that we may find stamped on supermarket egg cartons include Cage Free, Free Range, Organic and even Vegetarian. These terms look impressive but may not actually mean anything at all in calculating the nutritional bottom line of the eggs in the carton.
Cage Free may mean that rather than 20,000 chickens being stacked in cages in a small dim room with their feet wired to the cage floor, they are free to roam about in that same small dim room where they now have to be debeaked so they don’t cannibalize each other because of the stressful conditions. Free Range may mean that there is a small door at one end of the room which leads to a small patch of dirt that the chickens may or may not find. Organic addresses what the chickens are fed; it does not address the conditions in which they are housed. And Vegetarian, while sounding healthy and wholesome is actually the most misleading of all because chickens are omnivores and so, a vegetarian diet it completely unnatural for them.
So how do we know if the eggs we buy are safe and healthful? Mother Earth News has been conducting studies and research for years and has found time and time again that the Pasture Raised chickens produce consistently healthier eggs. These are chickens that are allowed to free roam and eat a well rounded diet of feed (usually organic) as well as fresh grass, greens, bugs, and whatever else they find. They are normally allowed to sleep at night without extra full spectrum lighting, and have free access to fresh water. They are not debeaked, not subject to caging, and there is little concern of them cannibalizing each other. Pasture raised chickens show relaxed behavior as they move around the property, making quiet noises and interacting with the other chickens.
Berkshire Organics offers eggs from Holiday Farm in Dalton, Leahey Farm in Lee, Mighty Food Farm in VT, and Wayne’s Farm in Hinsdale. All chickens are pasture raised. http://www.motherearthnews.com/Real-Food/2007-10-01/Tests-Reveal-Healthier-Eggs.aspx
http://hubpages.com/hub/Are-Free-Range-Eggs-A-Healthier-Alternative-to-Eggs
3/24/2009:
Bagshare Sewing Circle Great Success! Over 200 bags were sewn for the launch of Berkshire Organics' plastic and paper bag-free commitment toward zero waste. Countless bags of fabric were donated. Scraps and fabric samples were used to create a tote bag; ties and seatbelts were used to make the bag handles. The bags will be used for the Berkshire Organics' store and for additional items being delivered. Customers can borrow a bag and return it the next time they visit the store or they can leave the bag in the green bin for deliveries. We anticipate another bagshare sewing circle will be scheduled for late May. Please contact us if you have donations or are interested in attending. Thank you!
Posted 3/17/2009:
Bagshare Sewing Circle this Sunday, March 22nd 12:00PM at St. Stephen's Church located at 67 East Street in Pittsfield (Downstairs in the dining room). We will show the film, "Battle of the Bags" at 12:30PM. In an effort to become a zero waste business, Berkshire Organics will not use plastic or paper bags. Bags sewn at the Bagshare Sewing Circle will be reused at our store and for our delivery service. Please join us in an effort to make Pittsfield plastic bag free!
Posted 3/9/2009:
Berkshire Organics will have a table at this Friday's (March 13th) 3rd Annual "Soup Fest" to Benefit Local Food Pantries and Soup Kitchens at the Berkshire Hills Country Club from 5:30PM-8PM (Admision is $20 - to sample soups from over 25 local vendors). We will provide soup from Farm Country Soup.
Posted 2/23/2009:
Delivery Route Schedule
Thursday: 12PM-4PM Tyringham, Monterey, New Marlborough, Ashley Falls, Sheffield, South Egremont.
11:30AM-3PM North Adams, Clarksburg, Adams.
12PM-2PM Williamstown
3PM-5PM Dalton, Hinsdale, Peru
Friday: 7:30AM-9:00AM Richmond
9AM-11AM Lee, Lenoxdale, Becket, Washington
9AM-2PM Lenox, West Stockbridge, Stockbridge, Great Barrington
10AM-12PM Pittsfield (East)
1PM-4PM Pittsfield (West & North St)
3PM-5PM Cheshire, Lanesborough
Orders can be picked up at our store (you get 10% off the basket price): Thursday 2PM-6PM, Friday 9AM-5PM, Saturday 10AM-4PM, Sunday 12PM-4PM.
Posted 2/10/2009:
Valentine's Day Gift Baskets available for delivery. Beauty Baskets for Him & Her as well as a Sweet Indulgence Basket with locally made sweets for your sweetheart. Order deadline has passed but call or email us for last minute orders or information: 413-446-5510 or info@berkshireorganics.com
Posted 1/15/09:
Cold Weather Advisory: Temperatures will be very cold this Thursday and Friday and the produce will freeze if left out for more than twenty minutes; we are not responsible for produce that freezes after we make the delivery. If you are not going to be home when the delivery is made, please leave out an empty cooler and we will transfer the produce to protect it or let us know if we can leave your basket inside the door or in a breezeway/mudroom. All delivery drivers will ring your doorbell to alert you that the basket has been left if you are home. You can also pick-up your basket at our shop (720 Main St. Dalton) and receive 10% off the basket price.
Posted 1/9/09:
You’re Saving $$$ with Berkshire Organics
We did it again! In October, Berkshire Organics visited two local supermarkets and one specialty food store to compare prices with our Berkshire Basket. This time we took the items from this week’s Bachelor Basket and here’s what we found:
N/A = Organic Not Available at Store (price estimate)
Supermarket Organic = (SO), Specialty Market Organic (SMO)
Bachelor Basket Produce Items
8 oz Baby Spinach $3.99 (SO) $4.99 (SMO)
1 Spaghetti Squash $3.50 N/A (SO) $3.99 N/A (SMO)
1 Bok Choy $2.99 N/A (SO) $3.50 (SMO)
1 lb Fingerling Potatoes $3.99 N/A (SO) $4.99 (SMO)
1 head Red Leaf Lettuce $3.00 N/A (SO) $3.49 (SMO)
1 bunch Broccoli $3.00 (SO) $3.99 (SMO)
10 oz White Mushrooms $2.50 (SO) $2.99 (SMO)
1 lb Bananas $ .99 (SO) $1.29 (SMO)
1 lb Apples $1.99 (SO) $1.99 (SMO)
1 lb Pears $2.50 (SO) $2.30 (SMO)
3 Oranges (Cara Cara) $4.50 N/A (SO) $3.00 (SMO)
1 head Garlic $ .65 N/A (SO) $ .75 N/A (SMO)
Bachelor Basket (Delivered to Your Door)
Our Price $32.00
Supermarket Organic Total: $33.60
Specialty Market Organic Total: $37.27
Berkshire Basket from October (Delivered)
Our Price $42.00
Supermarket Organic Total $47.44
Specialty Market Total $48.98
Posted 12/28/08:
Berkshire Organics will resume their regular delivery schedule on Thursday afternoon 1/1 and Friday 1/2.
Posted 12/27/08:
The Berkshire Organics Shop (located at 720 Main St. in Dalton) is now open Thursday 2pm-6pm, Friday 12pm-5pm, Saturday 10am-4pm, and Sunday 12pm-4pm. Sunday special- 40% off organic produce.
Local and organic items available at the shop: eggs, meat, fish, yogurt, cheese, bread, baked goods, granola, coffee, and much more! Gift certificates also available.
Customers can now pick up their produce baskets at our shop and receive 10% off the basket price. Refer a friend to our service and get $5 off your next basket.
Posted on 12/26/08:
Berkshire Organics is proud to work with Enterprise Farm in Whately, MA through the winter months. Enterprise Farm has their own winter CSA but they also help bring organic produce from the Carolinas, Georgia, Florida, and Vermont to small businesses such as Berkshire Organics.
Berkshire Organics is also working with the following Berkshire County Farms through the winter: Equinox Farm in Sheffield, Holiday Farm in Dalton, Leahey Farm in Lee, Bradley Farm in Lanesborough, Cricket Creek Farm in Williamstown, Ioka Valley Farm in Hancock, Hancock Shaker Village in Hancock, Hilltop Orchards in Richmond, Steadylane Farm in Ashfield, Sidehill Farm in Ashfield.