Springfield, Massachusetts-based Big Y has donated 1.5 million meals to food banks during its Sack Hunger campaign. Its annual campaign provides funds for the four food banks within its two state marketing area.
In turn, these food banks support local soup kitchens, food pantries, senior food programs, day care centers and other organizations. Its goal is to maximize access to nutritious food and other resources that support food security for those at risk of hunger.
For $5, customers supported Sack Hunger at Big Y’s 72 supermarkets or Table & Vine Fine Wines and Liquors. Every donation brings 10 meals to those in need of support. Big Y’s Sack Hunger campaign started in 2010, where 740 meals were donated. With this year’s 1.5 million meals, the program continues to grow in support of those in need.
“We appreciate the generosity of our customers and employees in helping us to support our friends and neighbors,” said Charles L. D’Amour, Big Y president and CEO.
“And, we are grateful to our partnerships with our four area food banks for their tireless efforts in serving those most vulnerable in our communities. Being able to provide another 1.5 million meals through our Sack Hunger program helps us to fulfill our mission to feed families.”
Big Y’s Sack Hunger donation is part of the grocer’s support throughout the year including daily donations of meat, fresh produce and bakery, along with grocery, frozen food and dairy items.
The four regional food banks are the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts, the Worcester County Food Bank, the Greater Boston Food Bank in Massachusetts and the Connecticut Foodshare.
Big Y Foods operates locations throughout Massachusetts and Connecticut, including supermarkets, Table & Vine Fine Wines and Liquors and Big Y Express gas and convenience locations with more than 10,000 employees. Big Y has been recognized by Forbes as a Best-in-State Employer in Massachusetts and Connecticut, as well as 2018 Employer of Choice by the Employers Association of the Northeast.
