Big Y Donates 1 Million Meals to Regional Food Banks

Print Story | Email Story
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – Big Y's annual Sack Hunger campaign has provided funding for four regional food banks, resulting in the donation of 1 million meals to those in need.
 
The campaign supports local soup kitchens, food pantries, senior food programs, and other organizations that assist communities in Massachusetts and Connecticut.
 
During the past holiday season, Big Y customers and employees contributed to the campaign through $5 donations, with each donation supplying 10 meals. Additional contributions came from proceeds in the Produce, Floral, and Meat departments, as well as sales from Big Y's private label brands. Since its inception in 2010, the Sack Hunger campaign has grown significantly, beginning with just 740 meals donated in its first year.
 
Big Y also provides ongoing support to regional food banks throughout the year, donating fresh produce, meat, bakery goods, and other essential food items. The four food banks benefiting from the campaign are The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts, Worcester County Food Bank, The Greater Boston Food Bank, and Connecticut Foodshare.
 
"Each year, our customers and employees come together to support families across Massachusetts and Connecticut impacted by food insecurity," said Michael P. D'Amour, President and CEO of Big Y. "We are thankful for the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of those in need and appreciate everyone involved in spreading hope throughout our communities."

Tags: big y,   

If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Pittsfield Seeks CPA Funds for Bike Racks, AED

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The city plans to apply for Community Preservation Act funds for park bike racks and an AED machine at the pickleball fields. 

On Tuesday, the Parks Commission endorsed Pittsfield’s applications for CPA funds. 

"Both of those projects are certainly, relative to CPA funds, low cost but high benefit," Commissioner Anthony DeMartino said. 

Through CPA, bike racks are proposed for a few city parks, and the Berkshire Mountain Pickleball league is looking to place an automatic external defibrillator at the Benedict Avenue pickleball fields. 

Parks, Open Space, and Natural Resources Manager James McGrath and Recreation & Special Events Coordinator Jennifer VanBramer presented the two small project applications, which will go through an eligibility period before full consideration in the spring of 2027. 

During the city’s free, six-week, summer playground program, it was observed that many kids access parks by bicycle. The plan is to buy between six and eight racks to be placed at Durant Park, the Common, and Clapp Park; other parks are being considered as well. 

McGrath explained that the three parks hosting the playground program don’t have bike racks, and they wind up on the ground and sometimes become a distraction. 

"The ancillary benefit to having bike racks is that it encourages that mode of transportation for folks that want to come to the park on their bike," he said. 

View Full Story

More Pittsfield Stories