Market 32, Price Chopper Announce Over $62K for Regional Food Banks

Print Story | Email Story
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Market 32 and Price Chopper customers and teammates raised a total value of $62,959 for regional food banks across the company's six-state footprint during the annual Fill A Glass with Hope / Fill A Plate with Promise campaign, in partnership with American Dairy Association North East and Garelick Farms.
 
Earlier this summer, shoppers were invited to round up their change at checkout. With a $10,000 match from Market 32 and Price Chopper, the campaign generated critical funds to help regional food banks purchase milk and other nutritious food for families in need. Of the total raised, $48,459 was distributed across 11 food banks local to Market 32 and Price Chopper stores, while $14,500 funded 6,332 half-gallons of milk for children and families facing food insecurity. This adds to the total of more than 1 million servings of milk that have already been donated as part of the 11-year partnership with American Dairy Association North East
 
"These results show what's possible when the community comes together,” said Pam Cerrone, Market 32 and Price Chopper director of community relations. “For many, even basic staples like milk and the foods that fuel active, healthy days are missing. So, by working alongside American Dairy Association North East and Garelick Farms, we're making sure more families have access to the nutrients they deserve.”
 
This year's fundraising announcement comes during Hunger Action Month, a nationwide campaign to raise awareness about food insecurity and inspire action to end hunger. The timing underscores the importance of community-driven programs like Fill a Glass with Hope / Fill a Plate with Promise, which help to close the nutrition gap and ensure families have access to nutritious foods.
 
Founded by the American Dairy Association North East, represents 9,000 dairy farm families across New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, and northern Virginia, Fill a Glass with Hope® ensures that every dollar raised stays local—delivering fresh milk and essential nutrition directly to neighbors in need.
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Hinsdale OKs Police Department Audit After Fatal Shooting

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

HINSDALE, Mass. — The town has approved $25,000 for an administrative review of the police department, more than two months after police fatally shot 27-year-old Biagio Kauvil during a mental health crisis. 

Town Administrator Robert Graves said the shooting on Jan. 7 is not the only focus of the audit, and it will be several months before the Select Board receives a final report. 

During a special town meeting on March 11, an article appropriating $25,000 from free cash for an independent consultant to conduct a professional evaluation and audit of the Town's Police Department was approved. The audit includes a review of the department's policies, protocols, operations, and procedures, and concludes with a written report. 

"The Berkshire County District Attorney's Office and Massachusetts State Police are investigating the shooting, and we await their conclusions.  As we look to move forward, the International Association of Chiefs of Police, our insurance company (MIIA/Cabot Risk), and our legal counsel have recommended that the town hire an independent law enforcement consultant or firm to conduct a comprehensive administrative review of our police operation," Graves wrote in an email to iBerkshires on Friday. 

"This event is not their focus; they will assess the overall operation. We want a written assessment of our police operation's strengths and weaknesses to help Hinsdale make future changes and improvements." 

He said after completing the procurement process and signing a contract with a reputable consultant or business, it will most likely be several months before the Select Board receives the final report. 

"Still, it will help the town and police department move forward," Graves wrote. 

Last weekend, family and friends of Kauvil stood in Park Square asking for justice. A flier for the standout reads "Biagio was killed by police while experiencing a mental health crisis. Now, over seven weeks later, authorities have not yet provided any updates.

View Full Story

More Pittsfield Stories