Join Big Y's Sack Hunger Campaign

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — During this season of giving, Big Y's annual Sack Hunger campaign is dedicated to supporting those facing food insecurity. 
 
Through this initiative, funds are raised for the four regional food banks across our two-state marketing area. These food banks, in turn, empower over 1400-member agencies, including local soup kitchens, food pantries, senior nutrition programs and childcare centers, to provide essential nourishment and resources every day. Their mission is to expand access to nutritious food and strengthen community support systems for individuals and families at risk of hunger. These four food banks are Food Bank of Western Massachusetts, Worcester County Food Bank, The Greater Boston Food Bank and Connecticut Foodshare.
 
For a $5 donation, customers can support Sack Hunger from any register at Big Y's supermarkets, Table & Vine Fine Wines and Liquors or online at Sack Hunger: Big Y Raising Money for Food Banks in CT & MA | Big Y from now through Dec. 10.
 
Every $5 donation brings 10 meals to those in need.
 
Additionally, Big Y has added even more ways to boost this year's efforts. They will donate a portion of the proceeds from Produce and Floral department purchases from Nov. 13 through Nov. 19. Big Y has pledged a portion of every private label brand that they sell throughout the store from Nov. 28 through Dec. 3.
 
These private label brands include Food Club, Crav'n Flavor, Culinary Tours, Full Circle Market, Basket & Bushel, Cornershop Cuts, CharKing, Wide Awake Coffee, Sweet P's Bake Shop, Cape Covelle Seafood Market, Simply Done, Paws Happy Life, Flock's Finest, Pure Harmony, Tippy Toes and TopCare. 
 
From Dec. 4 through Dec. 10 the Big Y will also donate a portion of the proceeds from the Meat Department.
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

North Adams Updated on Schools, Council President Honored With 'Distinction'

By Tammy Daniels iBerkshires Staff

Superintendent Timothy Callahan gives a presentation on the school system at Tuesday's City Council meeting. 
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The City Council got an update on what's up in the school system and its president was inducted into the mayor's Women's Leadership Hall of Fame.
 
Mayor Jennifer Macksey, as the city's first woman mayor, established the Hall of Fame in 2022, during March, Women's History Month, to recognize local women who have had a positive impact on the city. Past inductees have included the council's first woman president Fran Buckley, Gov. Jane Swift and boxing pioneer Gail Grandchamp. 
 
She described President Ashley Shade as a colleague and a friend and a former student. 
 
"Ashley is known not just for her leadership, but for her compassion, her ability to listen, to understand and to stand up for those whose voices are often gone unheard," the mayor said. "She has been a tireless advocate for the LGBTQ plus community and marginalized communities at both the local and national level here in North Adams."
 
Elected in 2021, Shade is the first openly transgender person to hold the role of council president in Massachusetts. She also leads the first-ever woman majority council in the city's history. 
 
The McCann Technical School graduate also has served on boards and commissions, "always working to make our city more inclusive, equitable and welcoming," said the mayor. "Ashley not leads not only with strength, but with a heart, and our community is a much stronger place because of it."
 
Shade, wearing her signature pink suit, was presented with a plaque from the mayor designating her a "woman of distinction."
 
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