Now through the end of November, the Big Y in Southwick will donate $1 for every reusable Community Program bag purchased for $2.50 to the Our Community Food Pantry that serves Southwick, Granville and Tolland.
Reminder Publishing submitted photo
SOUTHWICK — With the holiday season in full swing, Our Community Food Pantry has been chosen by the Big Y in town to receive a portion of the sales of its reusable bags through the end of November.
“We are very grateful to be chosen for this unique fundraiser,” said the pantry’s Director Sally Munson.
Now through the end of November, for each reusable bag purchased by customers for $2.50, the pantry will receive $1, according to a statement from the regional grocery chain headquartered in Springfield.
Munson said that each year the manager of the Big Y, located at 195 College Hwy., is given a choice of a charity to hold this fundraiser, and the pantry, which serves Southwick, Granville and Tolland, was picked this year.
“We are very fortunate because this will help us continue our commitment to provide our clients with the food so many desperately need during the holiday season,” Munson said.
It will also help with a special treat each client receives during the week of Christmas, she said.
In addition, Munson said that any money donated through the program will help cover operational and food expenses during January and February.
“Our donations often drop during those months because people are catching up with holiday spending,” Munson said.
The Big Y Community Bag Program is a reusable bag program that facilitates community support with the goal to make a difference within the communities where shoppers live and work.
And there is another benefit of the program, she said.
“These reusable bags not only help stop plastic bag waste, but now they can fight hunger too,” she said.
And the need is increasing, even over the past month in Southwick, Granville and Tolland, the communities the pantry serves. Munson said the pounds of food the pantry provided its clients in October increased 28% from last October.
Despite inflation decreasing over the past several months, the price of food continues to burden families, even those working.
“Nearly all our families have at least one person in the household working. They’re working, they just can’t make it. The price of food is what is really driving it,” she said.
It’s even harder, she said, for elderly people who live on fixed incomes.
She also reminded those who are planning to donate to do so before Dec. 31 to take advantage of the tax deduction for the nonprofit.
The pantry is still accepting sign-ups for its Thanksgiving meal through Nov. 21. Those meals will be delivered or can be picked up on Monday, Nov. 25.
Munson said every family or individual who meets the eligibility requirements will be served. To determine eligibility, or to help or donate, call 413-569-9886 or visit ourcommunityfoodpantry.org, email directors@admin.community-food-pantry.org, or visit the pantry’s Facebook page.
For more information on the Big Y Community Bag Program, visit bigy.2givelocal.com
