1.5 Million Meals Donated to Food Banks from Big Y

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SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — Big Y's annual Sack Hunger campaign provides funds for the four food banks within their 2 state marketing area. 
 
In turn, these food banks support local soup kitchens, food pantries, senior food programs, daycare centers and many others of the 2,100 member agencies that they help every day. Their goal is to maximize access to nutritious food and other resources that support food security for those at risk of hunger.
 
For $5, customers supported Sack Hunger at Big Y's 72 supermarkets or Table & Vine Fine Wines and Liquors. Every $5 donation brings 10 meals to those in need of support.
 
Big Y's Sack Hunger campaign started in 2010 where 740 meals were donated. With this year's 1.5 million meals, the program continues to grow in support of those in need.
 
"We appreciate the generosity of our customers and employees in helping us to support our friends and neighbors. And, we are grateful to our partnerships with our four area food banks for their tireless efforts in serving those most vulnerable in our communities. Being able to provide another 1.5 million meals through our Sack Hunger program helps us to fulfill our mission to feed families," said Big Y president and CEO, Charles L. D'Amour. 
 
Big Y's Sack Hunger donation is part of their ongoing support throughout the year including almost daily donations of meat, fresh produce and bakery along with grocery, frozen food and dairy items.
 
The four regional food banks are the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts, the Worcester County Food Bank, the Greater Boston Food Bank in Massachusetts, and the Connecticut Foodshare.

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Cyclists Pedal Into Berkshire Bike Month

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

Berkshire Bike Path Council President Marge Cohan addresses bikers at the event. 

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Clad in helmets and bright colors, more than 20 people gathered in Park Square to kick on Berkshire Bike Month on Wednesday.

The month of May will be stacked with bicycle-centered events throughout the county — beginning with an eight-mile loop from the city's center that ends at Hot Plate Brewing Co.

"We have we have a lot of things going on in Pittsfield for bicycles and for safety," Commissioner of Public Services and Utilities Ricardo Morales said.

"We're not anywhere near where we should be. We have a lot of work to do."

Bike month is meant to promote the safe use of streets for anyone and everyone no matter how they are traveling, he said The commissioner is especially excited about Bike to Work Day on May 17, as he can register to be recognized for his typical commute.

He presented a proclamation to President of the Berkshire Bike Path Council President Marge Cohan. It states that the city is committed to the health of its citizens and environment, safe cycling with road bike lanes and the extension of the Ashuwillticook Rail Trail, and that the Police Department encourages safe cycling by distributing lights and helmets and accompanies the city's Ride Your Bike to School event.

BBPC is celebrating its 25th anniversary. Cohan said the quarter century has been full of commitment to bike paths and bike safety throughout Berkshire County "on roads, on trails, on tracks, and on paths."

"In expanding our mission in this way we have been able to encompass all kinds of cycles and all kinds of riders," she said.

She noted that participants range from babies to 90-year-old people. Bike month includes events for all ages.

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