Join Big Y's Sack Hunger Campaign

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — During this season of giving, Big Y's annual Sack Hunger campaign is dedicated to supporting those facing food insecurity. 
 
Through this initiative, funds are raised for the four regional food banks across our two-state marketing area. These food banks, in turn, empower over 1400-member agencies, including local soup kitchens, food pantries, senior nutrition programs and childcare centers, to provide essential nourishment and resources every day. Their mission is to expand access to nutritious food and strengthen community support systems for individuals and families at risk of hunger. These four food banks are Food Bank of Western Massachusetts, Worcester County Food Bank, The Greater Boston Food Bank and Connecticut Foodshare.
 
For a $5 donation, customers can support Sack Hunger from any register at Big Y's supermarkets, Table & Vine Fine Wines and Liquors or online at Sack Hunger: Big Y Raising Money for Food Banks in CT & MA | Big Y from now through Dec. 10.
 
Every $5 donation brings 10 meals to those in need.
 
Additionally, Big Y has added even more ways to boost this year's efforts. They will donate a portion of the proceeds from Produce and Floral department purchases from Nov. 13 through Nov. 19. Big Y has pledged a portion of every private label brand that they sell throughout the store from Nov. 28 through Dec. 3.
 
These private label brands include Food Club, Crav'n Flavor, Culinary Tours, Full Circle Market, Basket & Bushel, Cornershop Cuts, CharKing, Wide Awake Coffee, Sweet P's Bake Shop, Cape Covelle Seafood Market, Simply Done, Paws Happy Life, Flock's Finest, Pure Harmony, Tippy Toes and TopCare. 
 
From Dec. 4 through Dec. 10 the Big Y will also donate a portion of the proceeds from the Meat Department.
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

BRTA Plans Technology Upgrades as Fare-Free Service Continues

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — As Berkshire Regional Transit Authority riders take advantage of fare-free service through June 30, 2027, the agency is also looking to modernize its services and make public transportation more accessible.
 
Prior to BRTA going fare-free, riders could pay with cash or electronically using a CharlieCard. However, the state is no longer supporting Charlie Cards, according to BRTA administrator Kathleen Lambert, who said the state had been buying back CharlieCards over the last three months.
 
The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority is taking BRTA's CharlieCard equipment because it is still using the cards and also will be buying BRTA's old Scheidt & Bachmann fare boxes, Lambert said. 
 
But when returns to collecting fares, Lambert said, BRTA would like the system to be as cashless as possible.
 
She noted that based on a Merrimack Valley Transit (MeVa) fare analysis, the cost of collecting and processing cash fares significantly reduced the revenue. Only about 25 cents of every $1.50 collected in cash fares ultimately went back to the authority after accounting for administrative costs, she said, including staff time spent counting cash, armored-car services, banking fees and other costs associated with processing fares.
 
Right now, she said, fare free is a "much better bargain" for the agency because it is getting $1.7 million directly from the state through the Fair Share revenue, she said. 
 
But fare-free will not last forever, hence the need for technology upgrades.
 
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