Big Y Donates 1 Million Meals to Local Food Banks

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SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — Big Y's annual Sack Hunger campaign provided 1 million meals to food banks serving families across Massachusetts and Connecticut. 
 
Through Sack Hunger, every $5 customer donation helps deliver 10 meals to neighbors in need. This impact is amplified by Big Y's 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. Together, these efforts help ensure food banks can meet increased demand during the winter months.
 
Since its launch in 2010, Sack Hunger has continued to grow in reach and impact, stated a press release.
 
"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."
 
The funds raised through Sack Hunger directly support four regional food banks: The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts, Worcester County Food Bank, The Greater Boston Food Bank and Connecticut Foodshare, which together serve nearly 1500 local agencies working on the front lines of hunger relief.
 

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Pittsfield Council OKs Underground Fiber Network

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — More underground fiber internet cables will be installed in Pittsfield. 

On Tuesday, the City Council approved Gateway Fiber's request to install an underground fiber network infrastructure within the city's right-of-way.  

The company was given the go-ahead for an aerial network last year alongside Archtop Fiber, marking the beginning of construction with a ribbon-cutting at the Colonial Theatre. Gateway Fiber will offer subscription plans ranging from $65 to $150 per month, depending on speed. 

Wards 3 and 4 will see the most work in the first phase, according to an underground fiber deployment plan.  Fourteen streets in Ward 4 will see underground fiber deployment; 13 streets in Ward 3.  

Ward 4 Councilor James Conant voted in opposition for personal reasons, as he signed up for Gateway Fiber briefly last year and said he had poor service and poor communication from the company. 

Some councilors and community members appreciated bringing competition to Spectrum internet services. Ward 5 Councilor Patrick Kavey pointed out that it costs about $90 per month for 500 megabytes per second with Spectrum, and that all three fiber services that have come to Pittsfield are cheaper. 

Operations Manager Jennifer Sharick explained that they were seeking approval for underground fiber deployment as part of the next phase in Pittsfield. The city was found to be a "very" viable community for underground fiber. 

Gateway Fiber, she said, originally served a community of 250 residents outside of St. Louis, Mo. 

"Following the pandemic, we saw the need, and what people need for fiber and reliable internet service to bring residents and businesses the opportunity for connectivity," Sharick said. 

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