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.

Brown Street Bridge Reopens in North Adams

By Jack GuerinoiBerkshires Staff

Mayor Jennifer Macksey is the first to drive across the bridge, closed since early 2023.
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Mayor Jennifer Macksey led a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Monday, Dec. 15, marking the official reopening of the Brown Street Bridge.
 
"We are very excited despite the cold weather," Macksey said before the ribbon-cutting. "… We are chipping away at these projects, but this is long overdue."
 
The bridge had been closed to all vehicle traffic since March 2023 after being deemed structurally deficient by the state Department of Transportation (MassDOT). The 26-foot steel structure, built in 1952, was flagged after its superstructure rating fell to 3.
 
The reopening follows a temporary repair project designed to safely restore access while the city and state determine a long-term plan. The temporary repair contract was awarded to J.H. Maxymillian at a cost of $349,920.
 
Funding for the project included $75,000 from state Chapter 90 road funds, with the balance was covered by state flood money the city had been previously awarded following a severe storm in July several years ago.
 
The mayor emphasized the critical need to reopen the span, particularly for public safety. 
 
"The perception behind that was we have flooding on West Main Street and River Street, we have to use this bridge," she said. "We are very excited to have it open. Not only to alleviate traffic problems down at the intersection of Big Y and the intersection of City Hall, but to help our friends at emergency management with the ambulance."
 
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