Discover How Berkshire Food Co-op’s Workshops Foster Community Connections

A trip to the co-op can serve many purposes. You can stock up your kitchen, enjoy a warm vegan soup for lunch, and even make new friends while picking up some skills along the way.

At the Berkshire Food Co-op in Great Barrington, the focus is on community. One of the key goals of the Co-op is to build strong relationships among its members. They achieve this by offering a variety of workshops that cater to different ages, interests, and skills.

“Workshops make us more than just a grocery store,” says Devorah Sawyer, the marketing manager. “We create a space for learning and sharing experiences. It’s about building connections, not just shopping for food.”

Whether it’s cooking classes, mocktail-making sessions, or game nights, the Co-op designs its events based on community suggestions and volunteers who share their expertise. This way, everyone can find something that sparks their interest.

For instance, a recent collaboration with Canaan Kids Artspace resulted in a workshop to build stuffed animal houses using recycled materials. This was in response to a local school’s half-day schedule, showing how the Co-op is responsive to community needs.

“In our area, there are many events for adults, but fewer for kids. We aim to fill that gap,” Sawyer explains. If you missed the last kids’ workshop, there’s another opportunity on January 25 to “Make Your Own Paper Squishy Toys.”

Many workshops at the Co-op are free, while some may require a small fee. For example, on January 26, there’s an herbalism workshop focusing on using kitchen spices to combat winter illnesses. There’s also a free sauerkraut workshop on January 30, highlighting the importance of gut health.

The Co-op has a spacious upstairs area designed for gatherings. “We encourage people to use this space even if they’re not attending a workshop. You can meet friends for lunch, have a quick work meeting, or even set up a remote office for the day,” says Sawyer.

The pop-up space is inviting, filled with plants, comfy couches, games, puzzles, and a lending library. It’s a place where community members can come together.

Looking ahead, Sawyer plans to host even more events this year. She invites anyone interested in leading a workshop to reach out. “We want to be a resource for the community, whether it’s for learning new skills or sharing experiences.”