Big Y Food’s annual Sack Hunger campaign donated 1 million meals to food banks across Massachusetts and Connecticut, a milestone it said reflects collective support from customers, employees and partners during the holiday season.
Springfield, Massachusetts-based Big Y has operated the campaign since 2010, with the effort evolving into a cornerstone of its year-round hunger-relief efforts.
“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. Big Y amplifies the impact through additional contributions, including designated proceeds from produce, floral and meat departments, along with a portion of sales from its 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 – that together serve nearly 1,500 local agencies.
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.
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