Big Y Donates 1 Million Meals to Regional Food Banks

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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."

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Dalton Board Signs Off on Land Sale Over Residents' Objections

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff

Residents demanded the right to speak but the agenda did not include public comment. Amy Musante holds a sign saying the town now as '$20,000 less for a police station.'
DALTON, Mass. — The Select Board signed the sale on the last of what had been known as the Bardin property Monday even as a handful of residents demanded the right to speak against the action. 
 
The quitclaim deed transfers the nine acres to Thomas and Esther Balardini, who purchased the two other parcels in Dalton. They were the third-highest bidders at $31,500. Despite this, the board awarded them the land in an effort to keep the property intact.
 
"It's going to be an ongoing battle but one I think that has to be fought [because of] the disregard for the taxpayers," said Dicken Crane, the high bidder at $51,510.
 
"If it was personal I would let it go, but this affects everyone and backing down is not in my nature." 
 
Crane had appealed to the board to accept his bid during two previous meetings. He and others opposed to accepting the lower bid say it cost the town $20,000. After the meeting, Crane said he will be filing a lawsuit and has a citizen's petition for the next town meeting with over 100 signatures. 
 
Three members of the board — Chair Robert Bishop Jr., John Boyle, and Marc Strout — attended the 10-minute meeting. Members Anthony Pagliarulo and Daniel Esko previously expressed their disapproval of the sale to the Balardinis. 
 
Pagliarulo voted against the sale but did sign the purchase-and-sale agreement earlier this month. His reasoning was the explanation by the town attorney during an executive session that, unlike procurement, where the board is required to accept the lowest bid for services, it does have some discretion when it comes to accepting bids in this instance.
 
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