Big Y Donates 1 Million Meals to Local Food Banks

01:26PM / Sunday, February 15, 2026Print Story | Email Story

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.

Tags: big y,

iBerkshires.com Text Ads

rk MILES Blding Materials

Are You Ready to Update Your Home? Start With rk MILES. 4 Locations (800)670-7433

www.rkmiles.com

Greylock Youth SummerFest

Come join in on the wealth building fun! August 3-8. Click for event details. Insured by NCUA.

www.greylock.org

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

Pittsfield Council Preview: DEI Office Rename, Playground Grants, and City Audit

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
11:46AM / Monday, August 10, 2026

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — On Tuesday, the City Council will see a request to rename the DEI office, $80,000 in grants for Williams Elementary School's playground renovation, and a proposal for the city audit.

The agenda includes a request to amend Chapter 2 of the City Code, renaming the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion the "Office of Equity, Access, and Opportunity."

"The proposed changes reflect the City's approach to advancing equitable access to municipal programs and services," it reads.

"The updated name more accurately represents the Office's commitment to removing systemic barriers, promoting opportunity, and ensuring fair treatment of all employees and residents."

During fiscal year 2027 budget hearings, $5,800 was reduced from the DEI Office: $4,800 from the DEI ambassador line and $1,000 from travel and dues.

Ward 7 Councilor Kathy Moody asked Mayor Peter Marchetti to consider merging the department with Human Resources, and other councilors supported exploring restructuring the department, though not during budget season.

The proposed ordinance also establishes the Equity, Access and Opportunity Commission to replace the current Human Rights Commission.

The Office of Equity, Access, and Opportunity, through the chief equity officer and supporting staff, would develop and implement the policies, programs, and initiatives of the city and Pittsfield Public Schools related to equity, access, and opportunity.