our farm & education center
Roots Rising is developing a Farm and Education Center that will serve as a vibrant hub for youth empowerment, food equity, and community connection in Pittsfield, Massachusetts. This project will provide a permanent home for our organization and create a space where young people can grow as leaders, where neighbors can gather to connect and learn, and where the community can come together to build a more just and resilient local food system.
More than a farm, this is a living, working campus designed to empower youth, strengthen our food system, and serve our community. Each element is intentionally designed for layered use—encouraging gathering, learning, and production while ensuring the space remains welcoming, accessible, and rooted in community.
Read our plan below to learn more and donate today.
Issues viewing the PDF below? Click here to open it in a new tab.
Our Local Food System
The Roots Rising Farm and Education Center will be a key component of our local food system. It represents a powerful opportunity to increase food production and access, while advancing food sovereignty in our community.
To better understand the history of this work in Pittsfield, the current challenges, and the opportunities ahead, Roots Rising, the City of Pittsfield, and Berkshire Bounty joined forces to support a Community Food System Study conducted by graduate students from The Conway School. Their insights offer a valuable roadmap for strengthening our local food system.
Explore the study below to learn more.
Join Our Sponsors
Special thanks to the visionary sponsors supporting our ambitious capital campaign. View our sponsorship benefits below and join us today!
Visionary
$100,000+
Changemaker
$50,000 - $99,999
Catalyst
$25,000 - $49,999
Partner
$10,000 - $24,999
The Donald C. McGraw Foundation, Lenox Garden Club (Garden Club of America), Tom and Michele Solidarity Fund
Builder
$1,000 - $9,999
Anonymous, Aaron Oster, Bud Ackerman Fund, Classical Tents and Party Goods, Comalli Electric, Green Pastures Fund, Howell Family, Jodi Tartell, Jon Budish, Leslie Ioffredo, Mass Development, Mativ, Mill Town Foundation, Patti Bilodeau, RB Design Co., Susan and Andy Kelly, Tom Gunning, Waterfall Perry