Big Y Streamlines Sack Hunger Campaign

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SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — Big Y converted their Sack Hunger campaign from a $10 bag of groceries to a streamlined $5 donation to the five food banks within their marketing area. 
 
These regional food banks support local soup kitchens, food pantries, senior food programs, children's programs and more for the 2,100-member agencies they serve every day.
 
During last November and December, Big Y customers and employees contributed almost $300,000. In order to expand their support, Big Y matched this contribution bringing the total up to $600,000 or 2.4 million meals.
 
"We appreciate the generosity of our customers and employees in helping us to support our friends and neighbors in need. And, we are grateful to our partnerships with our five area food banks for their heroic efforts in serving those most
vulnerable in our communities," Big Y president and CEO, Charles L. D'Amour said. "Being able to provide another 2.4 million meals through our Sack Hunger program helps us to fulfill our mission to feed families."
 
According to a press release, 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. And, based upon
this past challenging year due to the pandemic, Big Y had already contributed another $250,000 in support of the food banks for their work with vulnerable populations.
 
The five regional food banks are the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts, the Worcester County Food Bank, and the Greater Boston Food Bank in Massachusetts, as well as Foodshare and the Connecticut Food Bank in Connecticut. This year's virtual Sack Hunger bags were purchased from amongst 71 Big Y supermarkets, Fresh Acres Specialty Market and Table & Vine Fine Wines and Liquors.

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Kennedy Calls BCC Workforce Graduates Inspiring

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff

The programs ranged from emergency medical technician to computers to commercial drivers. See more photos here. 
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Berkshire Community College Workforce and Community Education graduates were encouraged to be all they can be on Wednesday.
 
Graduates, families, friends, and staff gathered in Boland Theatre to celebrate around 100 graduates who completed a variety of courses.
 
They included community health worker, emergency medical technician, phlebotomy technician, registered behavior technician, AI fundamentals, Commercial Drivers License Class A and B, CompTIA Tech-plus, para educator, and English for Speakers of Other Languages.
 
College President Ellen Kennedy said it was amazing that this might be her last public speaking event before her tenure comes to an end.
 
She acknowledged the diverse reasons for their studies including career advancement and personal growth, commending their vulnerability and dedication. 
 
"Some of you explored AI, some of you improved your English speaking in really important ways, and the reason that each of you is here is because you decided to put your heart and soul to get vulnerable to do something that might have felt a little bit uncomfortable," she said. "And you did it, and we are so incredibly proud of you, and so happy to be here tonight, celebrating you."
 
Keynote speaker Shirley Edgerton, founder of Rites of Passage and Empowerment (ROPE) encouraged the graduates to reflect on their accomplishments and look forward to the future.
 
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