Big Y Launces Virtual Sack Hunger Program

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SPRINGFIELD, Mass. —  In order to simplify the giving of food to those in need, Big Y has turned their annual Sack Hunger campaign from a $10 sack of groceries to a more simplified $5 donation.
 
Donations will go to one of five food banks within Big Y's two-state marketing area. 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. 
 
"Throughout our 85-year history, we've recognized the importance of helping our communities," Big Y's president and CEO Charles L. D'Amour said. "This year is no different. We know that our customers and employees are eager to support families across Massachusetts and Connecticut. Our new virtual Sack Hunger bag makes it simpler for the food banks to do their work. And with Big Y's matching donation, we anticipate even more help for our friends and neighbors as we respond to increased needs brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic."
 
In the past, customers would purchase a Sack Hunger bag filled with staple non-perishable food items that Big Y would distribute to that region's local food bank. This year's $5 virtual sack can be purchased at any register from Big Y's 71 supermarkets, Fresh Acres Specialty Market or Table & Vine Fine Wines and Liquors. 
 
In addition, customers can donate online at https://www.bigy.com/rs/GiftCards
 
Big Y will be matching all donations throughout the program which runs from Nov. 5 through the end of the year. Every $5 donation brings ten meals to those in need of support.
 
Big Y has donated an additional $250,000 to the food banks so far this year due to increased food insecurity throughout the pandemic. In addition to Sack Hunger, Big Y donates healthy food to these food banks six days a week throughout the year. 
 
Most of last year's almost 6 million meals consisted of donations of meat and fresh produce, bakery, nonperishable grocery items, frozen food and dairy items. Over the past ten years including Sack Hunger, Big Y has donated over $10.5 million dollars worth of food or 21 million meals to those in need. The five food banks are Food Bank of Western Massachusetts, Worcester County Food Bank, Greater Boston Food Bank, Foodshare of Greater Hartford and
The Connecticut Food Bank.
 
For the second year, Table & Vine will partner with The Crusher wines to donate $1 for every bottle sold of "The Crusher Pinot Noir" to Sack Hunger. For more information, customers are invited to #DontJustSackHungerCrushIt on TableandVine.com.
 

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Dalton Committee Seeks Funding for Invasive Species

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
DALTON, Mass. — The Open Space and Recreation Committee discussed addressing the invasive species at the Pines trailhead during its meeting last week. 
 
There will possibly be a money article on the annual town warrant requesting voters allocate $20,000  from free cash so that the committee can apply for a Community Forest Stewardship program grant. The Select Board placed it on the annual town meeting warrant on Monday. 
 
During a walkthrough of the Pines, Jess Toro, co-owner of Native Habitat Restoration, urged the committee to apply for the program.
 
According to Town Manager Thomas Hutcheson, although the grant would be reimbursed, the town needs to allocate the amount the committee is requesting in order to apply. 
 
If approved, the first phase would be to hire a consultant and focus on cutting and painting large invasives and vines in the 17 acres, staying out of any wetlands and wetland buffers. 
 
The committee has been thinking about how to address invasive species at the Pines since the start of the project and this year will be taking its first step into the long process of invasive species management. 
 
However, finding a professional to help with invasive species has been difficult due to the limited number of experts in the field, said the committee.
 
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