Big Y in the News
Big Y Foods, Inc. is one of the largest independently owned supermarket chains in New England. Big Y operates 84 locations throughout Massachusetts and Connecticut including 70 supermarkets, Table & Vine Fine Wines and Liquors and 13 Big Y Express gas and convenience locations with almost 12,000 employees. Big Y has been recognized by Forbes as a Best-in-State Employer in Massachusetts and Connecticut, as well as Employer of Choice by the Employers Association of the Northeast. Founded in 1936 by brothers Paul and Gerald D'Amour, the store was named after an intersection in Chicopee, Massachusetts where two roads converge to form a "Y".
Big Y in the News contains excerpts from press releases that have been sent to local media.
Application Now Open for 10th year of the
Local Farmer Awards for Infrastructure Improvements
Farmers in Western Massachusetts are invited to apply for Local Farmer Awards of up to $2,500. These awards are for capital/infrastructure improvement projects related to planting, growing, harvesting, and processing that will help farms compete in the marketplace. The Harold Grinspoon Charitable Foundation (HGCF), in partnership with Big Y and the Massachusetts Society for Promoting Agriculture along with the support of other funders, is entering the tenth year of the awards program which has helped more than 260 farmers carry out a total of 572 projects. The Three County Fair is a new addition to the group of funders this year.
The awards have helped farmers make necessary improvements such as upgrading electric fencing, purchasing no-till equipment, expanding irrigation, installing frost-free water systems, purchasing feed troughs, and applying shade cloths for greenhouses. Charlie D’Amour, CEO of Big Y, says “'We're honored and pleased to be able to support our local farmers and their families with these practical and impactful grants. Seeing how these awards are creatively and intelligently applied not only highlights the resiliency of our local farm community but underscores the needs and support we can provide."
To be eligible, farms must have gross sales of $10,000 and be located in Hampden, Hampshire, Franklin or Berkshire County. For a full list of eligibility requirements and
application information, farmers are encouraged to visit www.farmerawards.org.
The deadline for applying is January 31, 2024