Big Y to Raise Breast Cancer Funds

To raise awareness and funds for breast cancer, all Big Y Supermarkets will donate proceeds from various store departments to more than local breast cancer support groups across the grocer's footprint of Massachusetts and Connecticut. Since 2007, the Springfield, Mass.-based grocery store chain has raised more than $1.32 million dollars for the cause through its Partners of Hope program. In 2014 alone, Big Y raised $222,386.

Throughout Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, Big Y will donate a portion of the proceeds from both the floral and produce departments, the Big Y Butcher Shop will donate 10 cents from every pound of All Natural Angus Beef and Big Y Air-Chilled Chicken to breast cancer research, Big Y Pharmacy & Wellness Center will donate $5 for every flu shot given, and Big Y’s pink reusable shopping bag highlighting the breast cancer awareness campaign will be on sales, and every store will promoting Partners of Hope pink ribbons for $,1 to raise additional funds. Further, for every package of Big Y, Top Care, Full Circle, World Classics Trading Company and Paws Premium pet products, the grocer will donate 5 cents between Oct. 1 and Oct. 7.

Additionally, Big Y's dietitian team, Carrie Taylor and Andrea Samson, will devote a portion of their in-store fall newsletter to cancer prevention.

"Breast cancer affects thousands of women and many men each year," noted Big Y CEO Donald D'Amour. "We hope that this initiative will not only promote breast cancer awareness but also save lives through early detection and care."

One of the largest independently owned supermarket chains in New England, family-owned and –operated Big Y operates 63 stores in Connecticut and Massachusetts, with more than 10,000 employees.