05/28/2026
This may be old news, however, please do not buy Driscoll strawberries (almost the only brand you see in the stores).
1.) They tested positive to contain cancer causing, forever chemicals;
2.) They don't even taste like strawberries;
3.) They are never ripe and white in the middle which is so weird and gross tasting; and
4.) There are so many local farms that:
i.) Don't use chemicals/pesticides;
ii.) Taste AMAZING and real;
iii.) Support local agriculture; and
iv.) Some places allow you to pick your own.
These farms and farm stands are EVERYWHERE during strawberry season. Medical studies have shown that eating produce "with the seasons" reduces allergies and tbh, will make you l3ss bored either your dinner lineup 😅
If you have never looked into a Farmshare / C.S.A. (Community Supported Agriculture)¹, they are WONDERFUL! Furthermore, if you are someone who utilizes EBT/SNAP, your H.I.P.² benefits can be used towards the cost of a C.S.A. membership!!! Unfortunately, now H.I.P
(Healthy Incentives Program) has been reduced to $40 per SNAP account, regardless of size. 🤷🏼♀️ Still an amazing program and MA is the ONLY state to have it!
Furthermore, I have participated in Farmshares many times³ and when I have done the math regarding cost/savings, etc., it IS beneficial financially! It is less expensive than on sale organic produce AND some conventional produce!
Sorry, I am enthusiastic about some of these programs. H.I.P. is beneficial for the customer, the store/market/farm, and for the local agriculture! It should exist nationwide!
So... in closing.... buy local, organic strawberries. THEY ARE EVERYWHERE! Even conventional non-Driscoll strawberries are sprayed with pesticides due to pests and animals loving strawberries as much as we do!
Sorry for the P.S.A. about C.S.A.'s, I just love 'em!
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¹ A Farmshare or C.S.A. is when you purchase, either upfront in one lump sum or pay monthly, for a "share" of the crop yields. This means that every week or 2 weeks or month - depending on the farm and type of membership - you go to the farm and pick out or pick yourself your share of the crops! Most also include herbs and flowers and other wonderful things. Google "C.S.A. near me" for a list of local farms that offer farmshares. Personally, I've been a member of Riverland Farm in Sunderland as well as Yellowstone House Farm, and have very much enjoyed both!
² Healthy Incentives Program or H.I.P. is included.with your EBT/SNAP account whereby $40 of your food stamp benefits can be spent on produce at specific Farms, C.S.A,'s, Farm Market Stores or Farmer's Markets!! Purchase fresh fruits and vegetables on your EBT/SNAP card and the money (up to $40) is immediately reimbursed! It is monthly and does not roll over so if you don't use it, you lose it! Google the state website for a list of places that accept H.I.P. benefits. THE LOCATION HAS TO PARTICIPATE IN THE PROGRAM FOR YOU TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE BENEFITS! Aside from Farmers Markets and C.S.A.'s, the nearest local Farm Market Store I am aware of is McKinstry Farm Market in Chicopee.
³ Tip: If you do choose to participate, my advice would be this: Whatever your pickup day is, get your product home and prep it right then in a big batch. Wash, cut, separate, freeze, bag, whatever. This will make it FAR easier to use and therefore you will use it more often!!! I have done this for years and overwhelmingly the times I didn't pre-prep my veggies, they ended up going bad because I was too lazy/tired during the week to do it.
