SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — Big Y's annual Sack Hunger 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, day care 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, a customer can support Sack Hunger from any register at Big Y's 72 supermarkets or Table & Vine Fine Wines and Liquors from Nov. 4 to Dec. 15. Customers can donate online at https://www.bigy.com/rs/GiftCards. 

 

Big Y will be matching donations. Every $5 donation brings 10 meals to those in need of support. Last year Big Y and their customers donated 2.1 million meals to those in need.

 

"Throughout our 85-year history, we've recognized the importance of helping our communities. We know that our customers and employees are eager to support families across Massachusetts and Connecticut," said Big Y's president and CEO, Charles L. D'Amour. "Our Sack Hunger program makes it easy 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 this past year."

 

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 four food banks are Food Bank of Western Massachusetts, Worcester County Food Bank, Greater Boston Food Bank, and The Connecticut Food Share.