Berkshires Direct: Farm-to-Consumer Delivery To Your Doorstep

Stephanie Webster March 17, 2021

Chefs realized a long time ago that “farm to table” was more than a phrase, it was a healthier way to eat, tasted better and improved the diversity of local economies by helping make farming economically viable. In addition, this growing trend has another major benefit, increasing access to a wide range of different food options across our community.

We, in Connecticut, are incredibly lucky with access to a large and growing number of farms and farmers’ markets, but sometimes a visit to that local farm stand during its business hours is difficult. For people who are not members of a CSA (community supported agriculture) program and would still like to incorporate ultra-fresh products into their everyday lives, CT based Berkshires Direct now gives customers greater access to the resources of farm-fresh products delivered to your home. They are based in Connecticut and currently making deliveries in Connecticut and NYC (Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens).

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Berkshires Direct is a small operation with a big heart. Leveraging the inspiration of Nick Martinelli, who worked closely with farms in New England for years and operates Marty’s Local, co-founders, Stephanie L. Park, Caleb Ganzer and Miriam Wakim partnered with Martinelli to gain access to his farm-partners’ high-quality products.

Park’s background in business and management combined with Ganzer’s experience as a vocal advocate of sustainable farming practices and a leader within the NYC wine scene, created a partnership that put education and communication at the forefront of their product. Ganzer’s background includes fifteen years with Food and Wine magazine, and a sommelier in several NYC fine dining restaurants. In the early days of pandemic he started creating wine and food packs, combining produce from the Union Square Farmers’ Market alongside curated food and wine, for delivery throughout Manhattan. The enthusiastic response inspired what has become Berkshires Direct. What I love about Berkshires Direct is its desire to “promote and exalt the smaller local farms,” says Ganzer. “We want to introduce customers to the coolest, geekiest high-quality farms, and push people outside of their comfort zone.”

Eager to sample the experience, I ordered one of their Farmer’s Bounty boxes. Along with fresh fruits and vegetables, I was very pleased to receive fresh milk and creme fraiche from Ronnybrook Dairy Farm, plus artisan bread, raw honey, and eggs, as part of my first weekly $55 box (one-time purchases are also available). This was the largest of four different sized boxes, each offered at a pretty reasonable price. You can check out all of the boxes here.

I was stumped by what I was going to do with the gorgeous rutabaga, which was the size of my head (true story), but I was thrilled when I saw that they included their 1-800-DIAL-A-CHEF hotline (actual number included in the box) where customers can connect with culinary professionals with experience in top restaurants. These chefs can offer meal tips and ideas for your items, and they are standing by for your text or call Mondays and Wednesdays 12-8pm. This service is exclusively for members of Berkshires Direct, and a really nice add-on feature for those of us less astute in the kitchen. They are the ONLY farm-to-consumer box offering that include this type of access to restaurant chefs.

The list of farms is constantly expanding and currently includes Atlas Farm; MX Morningstar Farm; Baer's Best; Cream of the Crop Farm; Maplebrook Farm; Five College Farms; Little Leaf Farms; Pine Hill Orchard; Ronnybrook Farm; Chaseholm Farm Creamery; High Lawn Farm; Miracle Springs Farm; Cricket Creek Farm; Robinson Farm.