Price Chopper donates to BMC
PITTSFIELD - The Price Chopper supermarket in Pittsfield donated $5,000 to Berkshire Medical Center in support of Operation Better Start, a Berkshire Health Systems program that provides health and nutrition services to women of child-bearing age, children, adolescents, young adults and their families.In conjunction with the national program called Produce for Kids, the Price Chopper chain raised funds to be donated to ten hospitals within its stores' service areas. Berkshire Medical Center was selected to receive a donation to support one of its key programs targeting health, exercise and nutrition for youth.
"Price Chopper believes in giving back to the communities it serves and we are extremely happy to present this donation to Berkshire Health Systems," said Barbara L. Page, Community & Public Relations Manager.
The $5,000 donation will be used to help Operation Better Start expand its focus on the growing issue of childhood obesity and diabetes, working with families, physicians and local schools to help combat these issues.
"We are very proud of the work the staff of Operation Better Start provides to our community, and thank Price Chopper and its employees for their generous support of our important mission to give our youth and their families the tools to better health," said Ruth Blodgett, Senior Vice President of System Planning and Development for Berkshire Health Systems. "Price Chopper's support benefits all of the children and parents whose lives are changed by Operation Better Start."
"Price Chopper is continuing to invest in Pittsfield and we're glad to give back to our neighbors," said Steve A. DeSanty, Pittsfield Store Manager.
"Operation Better Start is very excited to receive this generous gift from the Price Chopper community," said Peter Gazzillo, Director of Operation Better Start. "It demonstrates their dedication to the health of our youth and young families. This is a critical time for addressing the rise in obesity in our youth and this gift will allow us to continue to work with other stake holders in a coordinated effort to ensure the best health outcomes for all."
The goal of Operation Better Start is to achieve positive changes in long-term health through an emphasis on healthy lifestyles, personal empowerment and coordination of services among healthcare providers. OBS focuses on young people identified to be at a high degree of clinical risk for health conditions related to nutrition and lifestyle. In its clinical setting at the BMC Hillcrest Campus, OBS provides specialized counseling services to clients from infancy through age 22 and their families. OBS staff works with clients and families to address health issues including but not limited to obesity, failure to thrive, eating disorders, hypertension, food allergies, gastrointestinal disorders, high cholesterol, pre-diabetes/ diabetes and sports nutrition. Through a special arrangement with Berkshire North WIC, pregnant women are also eligible to receive individualized health education and pregnancy support.
There is no out-of-pocket cost to families who would like to be involved with Operation Better Start, but a referral from your Primary Care Physician is required. For more information on Operation Better Start please call 445-9243 or go online to: www.berkshirehealthsystems.org
