Big Y's Sack Hunger campaign donates 1 million meals to families

The annual holiday drive has grown to support food banks across Massachusetts and Connecticut.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Big Y's annual Sack Hunger campaign provided 1 million meals to food banks serving families across Massachusetts and Connecticut during the holiday season. The milestone was reached through the contributions of customers, employees, and partners who donated to help address food insecurity.

Why it matters

The Sack Hunger campaign has become a central part of Big Y's commitment to addressing hunger in the region, supplementing near-daily donations of fresh food. The program has grown significantly since launching in 2010, reflecting the community's shared purpose in supporting those in need.

The details

Under the Sack Hunger program, every $5 donation from a customer delivers 10 meals to neighbors in need. Funding is generated through customer donations as well as designated proceeds from Big Y's meat, floral and produce departments, and a portion of sales from its private label brands. The money raised directly supports four regional food bank organizations that distribute resources to nearly 1,500 local hunger relief agencies.

  • Big Y's annual Sack Hunger campaign launched in 2010.
  • The 1 million meal milestone was reached during the 2025 holiday season.

The players

Big Y

A regional supermarket chain with locations across Massachusetts and Connecticut.

The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts

A regional food bank organization that distributes resources to local hunger relief agencies.

Worcester County Food Bank

A regional food bank organization that distributes resources to local hunger relief agencies.

The Greater Boston Food Bank

A regional food bank organization that distributes resources to local hunger relief agencies.

Connecticut Foodshare

A regional food bank organization that distributes resources to local hunger relief agencies.

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What they’re saying

“Reaching one million meals is a powerful reminder of what's possible when a community comes together with a shared purpose.”

— Michael P. D'Amour, President and CEO of Big Y (WWLP)

What’s next

Big Y plans to continue the Sack Hunger campaign in the coming years, with the goal of further increasing its impact and reach across the region.

The takeaway

Big Y's Sack Hunger campaign demonstrates the power of community-driven initiatives to address food insecurity, with the program's growth over the past 15 years reflecting the shared commitment of customers, employees, and partners to support those in need.