Keep Farming in the Hilltowns is a comprehensive initiative dedicated to strengthening the local food system in our rural region. This ongoing effort is rooted in a commitment to supporting local farmers, enhancing food access for residents, and fostering a resilient community-centered food economy.

Initially launched with funding from a 2014 federal Local Food Promotion Program grant, the initiative has grown through strategic partnerships with Healthy Hampshire and Community Involved in Sustaining Agriculture (CISA). Together, we engaged with the community to develop actionable strategies that address the needs of both local producers and consumers.

One of the cornerstone programs under Keep Farming in the Hilltowns is the Hilltown Market, which has evolved significantly since its inception. Originally a mobile market designed to bring fresh, local food directly to underserved neighborhoods, the Hilltown Market has transformed into a thriving brick-and-mortar store. It is located at 19 Sawyer Road in Worthington and is open year-round Tuesday-Saturday 10-6 and Sunday 12-4. This store continues to serve the entire Hilltowns region, offering both in-person shopping and a robust delivery service that ensures all residents—regardless of location—can access the fresh, local food they desire.

Transformation of the Hilltown Market

The Hilltown Market began as a mobile initiative, driving fresh produce and staple groceries to various communities across the Hilltowns. This model proved highly effective in reaching isolated seniors and low-income households, who often faced barriers to accessing traditional food outlets. However, as the community’s needs evolved, so too did the market.

Recognizing the growing demand for a consistent, reliable local food source, the Hilltown Market transitioned into a permanent, brick-and-mortar store. This transformation allows us to provide a broader range of products and services while maintaining the flexibility and reach of our original mobile model. The market now serves as a hub for local food, offering everything from fresh produce and meat to pantry essentials, all sourced from regional farmers.

Importantly, the Hilltown Market honors its roots by continuing to offer delivery services throughout the Hilltowns. This ensures that even the most remote or mobility-challenged residents can enjoy the benefits of fresh, locally-grown food.

Focus Areas and Strategic Goals

1. Empowering Local Farmers

• Technical Assistance: We provide tailored support to help farmers overcome challenges and grow their businesses.

• Infrastructure Development: We advocate for shared infrastructure to expand local food markets and improve efficiency.

2. Enhancing Food Access

• Local Food Access: We are committed to making fresh, local food available to all residents, particularly low-income individuals and isolated seniors.

• Delivery Services: Our delivery services ensure that even those in the most remote areas can access healthy, local food.

3. Community Engagement and Awareness

• Branding the Hilltowns: Through a targeted marketing campaign, we aim to raise awareness of the region's farms and the health benefits of local food.

• Farmer Networking: We facilitate connections among farmers, producers, and buyers, fostering a more robust local food economy.

4. Research and Development

• Infrastructure Needs: We assess and repurpose existing buildings for shared farmer use and explore the feasibility of new facilities.

• Land Use: We identify land suitable for new and expanding agricultural ventures, ensuring the long-term viability of farming in the Hilltowns.

Building a Sustainable Future

The Hilltown Market’s transformation from a mobile market to a brick-and-mortar store is a testament to the adaptability and resilience of the Keep Farming in the Hilltowns initiative. By continuing to innovate and respond to the needs of our community, we are building a sustainable, equitable, and thriving food system that benefits everyone in the Hilltowns. Our commitment to local agriculture, food access, and community well-being remains as strong as ever, and we look forward to a future where all Hilltown residents can enjoy the fruits of our collective efforts.

Want to build a Food Access Program?

In partnership with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, we’ve developed a comprehensive toolkit to empower organizations and individuals to establish food access programs. We believe everyone deserves access to healthy, locally sourced food and that the farmers who make this possible should be fairly compensated for their hard work.

If you have any questions or would like feedback as you explore the toolkit, please feel free to reach out. We support your efforts to create a more equitable and accessible food system for your community.

Access the Toolkit

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Interested in Joining the Hilltown Food Policy Council?

The Hilltown Food Policy Council is a community-driven advocacy group dedicated to promoting food security, sustainability, and equity in the Hilltown region. We work to ensure that all residents have consistent access to fresh, healthy, and local food, regardless of their abilities or mobility.

Our Goals:

• Enhancing Awareness and Engagement: We strive to increase outreach and advertising efforts to encourage Hilltown residents to engage with the local food system, including food access programs.

• Identifying and Addressing Gaps: By pinpointing gaps in the food access network, we aim to foster greater partnership and collaboration among individuals, organizations, businesses, and groups—like yours—to bridge those gaps.

• Building a Resilient Food System: Our mission is to empower the community to create a robust food system that strengthens connections between Hilltown residents, their local food resources, and the healthcare system.

Learn more here!

For more information about our business assistance program and opportunities for Hilltown Farmers, please contact Hunt Chase at huntc@hilltowncdc.org or 413-296-4536 x116