Big Y Foods‘ annual Sack Hunger campaign donated 1 million meals to food banks serving families across Massachusetts and Connecticut, the Springfield, Massachusetts-based grocer announced Feb. 12.
The milestone reflects collective support from customers, employees and partners during the holiday season to address food insecurity. Big Y has operated the campaign since 2010, with the effort evolving into a cornerstone of the company’s year-round commitment to fighting hunger.
“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.”
Campaign structure
Through Sack Hunger, every $5 customer donation helps deliver 10 meals to neighbors in need. Big Y amplifies the impact through 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.
The structure helps ensure food banks can meet increased demand during winter months when need typically rises. Big Y complements Sack Hunger with near-daily donations of fresh meat, produce, bakery items and other essential groceries throughout the year.
Beneficiary organizations
Funds raised through Sack Hunger support four regional food banks: The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts, Worcester County Food Bank, The Greater Boston Food Bank and Connecticut Foodshare. The four organizations together serve nearly 1,500 local agencies working on the front lines of hunger relief across the Northeast.
Big Y operates more than 80 supermarkets across Massachusetts and Connecticut, along with Table & Vine fine wine, beer and liquor stores and Big Y Express fuel and convenience locations. The family-owned company employs more than 10,000 people.
Founded in 1936 by brothers Paul and Gerald D’Amour, the company takes its name from an intersection in Chicopee, Massachusetts, where two roads converge to form a “Y.” Big Y has earned recognition from Forbes as a Best-In-State Employer in Massachusetts and Connecticut for seven consecutive years and from Newsweek as one of America’s Most Trustworthy Companies for three years running.
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