Simon's Rock Food Pantry Accepting Donations

Print Story | Email Story
GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. —  Simon's Rock has officially opened an on-campus food pantry, the Rocker Pantry, for students who may be experiencing food insecurity or simply need extra assistance.
 
However, the Rocker Pantry is open to all students. The Rocker Pantry also provides necessary cold-weather gear, clothing, hygiene products, and various household supplies.
 
The Rocker Pantry is accepting donations on campus. Local community members can find donation boxes at the Kilpatrick Athletic Center
 
At the moment, the Rocker Pantry is seeking the following donations:
  • Nonperishable food items 
  • Financial gifts  
 
"Food insecurity on college campuses across the country is unfortunately becoming more and more prevalent, even in small communities like Great Barrington and the Berkshires. With the Rocker Pantry, we're aiming to address and meet the needs of students in our community in an accessible and stigma-free way, which is why the pantry is open to all of our students, no questions asked. We are also asking our local community to support the pantry with non-perishable food item donations, as well as financial donations," said Provost and Vice President John B. Weinstein.
 
Those interested in giving a financial gift, please contact Tom Esch, Director of Institutional Advancement, tesch@simons-rock.edu. For other inquiries, contact Fiona Scruggs, Director of Communications and Marketing, fscruggs@simons-rock.edu.

Tags: bard college,   donations,   

If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

West Stockbridge Gearing Up for Zucchini Fest

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

West Stockbridge will be filled with zucchini on Saturday so don't leave your car unlocked.

WEST STOCKBRIDGE, Mass. — Zucchini, courgette, summer squash — whatever you call it.  West Stockbridge will be full of the vegetable (or fruit) on Saturday.

Volunteers are busy preparing homemade booths, decorations, games, and more for the annual Zucchini Festival from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. The first was held in 2003, ran for a decade, and then went on hiatus until it was brought back last year.

Sponsored by the West Stockbridge Cultural Council, the festival has drawn thousands to the town's center over the years and is a testament to its tight-knit community. Chris Powell, one of the many hands who make it happen, explained that the actual event and the preparations unite people from near and far in a special way.

"It's just a bunch of people coming together when they can and kind of meeting everyone where they're at too, what they can put into it, and it's just super fun in that way," he said.

It will kick off with a pet parade where zucchini costumes are encouraged if temperatures aren't too high. Lucky Bucket will end the night playing classic rock, oldies, country, blues, and soul beneath fireworks.  

In between, attendees can enter a zucchini weigh-off or decorating contest, a "zuck" river race, a baking contest, and a poetry contest among many more. These are said to be "quintessential" to the event.

There will also be a food court with vendors offering one to two zucchini-themed options along with their usual fare. Downtown businesses are also participating.

It is free and for all ages, with tickets for games and activities available for purchase. Powell noted that Zucchini Festival merchandise is cash only.

View Full Story

More South Berkshire Stories