Big Y Launches Sack Hunger Campaign to Fight Hunger
Customers can donate at Big Y checkouts and online to support four regional food banks through December 9.
Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in Philanthropy
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Big Y has launched its annual Sack Hunger campaign to combat food insecurity across the region. Each $5 donation provides 10 meals to families in need, with donations accepted through December 9.
Why it matters
Food insecurity remains a concern across Massachusetts and neighboring Connecticut, and the campaign channels customer donations to regional food banks. The food banks supply food and resources to more than 1,400 member agencies.
Each $5 donation supplies 10 meals, and the four beneficiary food banks together supply more than 1,400 member agencies. The total dollar amount raised by the campaign has not yet been reported.
The players
Big Y
Big Y is a family-owned supermarket chain founded in 1936 by brothers Paul and Gerald D'Amour that employs more than 10,000 people.
Greater Boston Food Bank
The Greater Boston Food Bank is one of four regional food banks receiving Sack Hunger campaign proceeds.
Food Bank of Western Massachusetts
The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts is one of four regional food banks receiving Sack Hunger campaign proceeds.
Worcester County Food Bank
The Worcester County Food Bank is one of four regional food banks receiving Sack Hunger campaign proceeds.
Connecticut Foodshare
Connecticut Foodshare is one of four regional food banks receiving Sack Hunger campaign proceeds.
The details
Customers can donate at checkout registers in Big Y supermarkets, Big Y Express locations, and Table & Vine locations, as well as online. Individual Big Y stores also donate fresh meat, produce, bakery items, groceries, frozen foods, and dairy to local food banks up to six days a week year-round.
Timeline
2010: Big Y created the Sack Hunger program.
December 9: Sack Hunger donation acceptance ends.
Philanthropy Landscape
Retailer-run round-up and donation drives like Sack Hunger channel point-of-sale giving into regional food bank networks that supply member agencies. Such programs supplement the donated fresh and grocery goods that individual stores deliver to food banks year-round.
Shoppers can add a $5 donation at Big Y checkout or online, with each contribution providing 10 meals to families in need. The campaign runs through December 9, giving customers a short window to participate.
The takeaway
Small, everyday contributions at checkout can add up quickly, since each $5 donation supplies 10 meals. Shoppers can participate in person at Big Y, Big Y Express, or Table & Vine locations, or online.
What happens next
Sack Hunger donations will be accepted through December 9.
Further reading
Explore more Massachusetts Philanthropy coverage to see how local giving campaigns support regional food security.
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Would you donate to a food bank campaign at your grocery checkout?
