Big Y Donates 1 Million Meals to Local Food Banks

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SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — Big Y's annual Sack Hunger campaign provided 1 million meals to food banks serving families across Massachusetts and Connecticut. 
 
Through Sack Hunger, every $5 customer donation helps deliver 10 meals to neighbors in need. This impact is amplified by Big Y's additional contributions, including designated proceeds from Produce, Floral and Meat departments, along with a portion of sales from Big Y's family of private label brands. Together, these efforts help ensure food banks can meet increased demand during the winter months.
 
Since its launch in 2010, Sack Hunger has continued to grow in reach and impact, stated a press release.
 
"Reaching one million meals is a powerful reminder of what's possible when a community comes together with a shared purpose," said Michael P. D'Amour, President and CEO of Big Y. "We are grateful for our customers and employees who consistently and generously support this annual campaign. Sack Hunger reflects the heart of who we are as a company and our belief that access to nutritious food should never be out of reach."
 
The funds raised through Sack Hunger directly support four regional food banks: The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts, Worcester County Food Bank, The Greater Boston Food Bank and Connecticut Foodshare, which together serve nearly 1500 local agencies working on the front lines of hunger relief.
 

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Second Streets Second Chances Awarded $85K for Workforce Re-Entry Program

By Brittany Polito

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — A local program for formerly incarcerated citizens seeking a technical career received $85,000 from the state.  

On Thursday, the Healey-Driscoll administration announced $2.25 million in Re-entry Workforce Development Demonstration Program grants to 12 organizations that will provide job training, career support, and employment opportunities to 445 formerly incarcerated individuals returning to their communities.

Second Street Second Chances was allocated $84,712 to partner with the Berkshire County Sheriff's Office to offer a training program to 12 returning citizens with a focus on the advanced manufacturing and engineering industry.  

The funds will be used to put 12 returning citizens through a training program with a focus on the advanced manufacturing and engineering industry. Successful program graduates will be placed in manufacturing and welding roles at Onyx Specialty Papers and Hi-Tech Mold and Tool.

The program was one of 12 awardees, a majority on the eastern side of the state; Greenfield also saw funding.

"When people return to their communities, they should have a real opportunity to get a good job, support their families and build a stable future," said Gov. Maura Healey in a press release. 

"These grants connect people with the training and experience they need to succeed and with employers that are ready to hire."

Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll said successful reentry means making sure people have the tools and opportunities to move forward, and these programs bring together community organizations, public safety partners, and employers to connect people directly with training and jobs. 

Launched in 2022, Second Street Second Chances' mission is to provide a central point of access for medical and mental health, housing, job training, legal services, and more for a successful reentry into the community. 

Early this year, the nonprofit saw an $89,000 grant from the program.  Executive Director Lindsay Cornwell at the time said this funding allowed 2nd Street to expand its mission of supporting returning citizens in Berkshire County through meaningful workforce opportunities and a pathway toward sustainable employment. 

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