Everyday choices can change the world
Below you will find Impact Stories that tangibly demonstrate the immense value of the Big Y Community Bag Program by highlighting the multifaceted ways benefiting nonprofits strengthen their local communities.
These stories showcase how the Big Y Community Bag Program sparks positive change in the communities its shoppers call home.
Scroll down to the Impact Library to learn how the Big Y Community Bag Program makes a difference in our communities every day!
- 1Click on the Story Link to access the Impact Story.
- 2
Click on the Nonprofit name to reach the organization’s website.
Big Y Impact Library
| Nonprofit | Story Link | Nonprofit State | Nonprofit Type | Summary | Date Published | Programs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ASAP! The After School Arts Program | Impact Story | CT | Education | Providing joyful, hands-on, art-infused education to students around Connecticut is what ASAP! is all about! Big Y has supported this nonprofit organization through its Community Bag Program. | 12/15/2022 | Community Bag |
| Bakes for Breast Cancer | Impact Story | MA | Health & Wellness | This nonprofit organization takes a very unique approach to fundraising for breast cancer research and treatment. Big Y has supported Bakes for Breast Cancer through its Community Bag Program. | 02/07/2023 | Community Bag |
| Beech Brook Farm Equine Rescue | Impact Story | CT | Civic | Through grants and fundraising, Beech Brook Farm's goal is to provide funds in support of equine care and rescue efforts. They educate and advise on the safe and loving treatment of horses, donkeys and mini mules. Big Y has supported this nonprofit organization through its Community Bag Program. | 06/26/2023 | Community Bag |
| Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Mass/Metrowest | Impact Story | MA | Education | Big Brother Big Sisters of Central Massachusetts & Metrowest pairs youth with adults in the community to create meaningful relationships that foster the youth’s potential. Big Y supported this nonprofit organization through its Community Bag Program. | 01/02/2024 | Community Bag |
| Branford Community Gardens | Impact Story | CT | Hunger Relief | The Branford Community Gardens supports gardeners of all levels. They share their experiences and expertise. And, of course, enjoy and share the produce. Big Y has supported this nonprofit organization through its Community Bag Program. | 09/26/2023 | Community Bag |
| Branford Food Pantry | Impact Story | CT | Hunger Relief | By providing supplemental groceries to food insecure families and individuals, Branford Food Pantry is working to end hunger in its local community. Big Y has supported this nonprofit organization through its Community Bag Program. | 02/04/2025 | Community Bag |
| Canterbury Historical Society | Impact Story | CT | Education | The Canterbury Historical Society (CHS) was formed from a desire to restore and preserve local history. Big Y has supported this nonprofit organization through its Community Bag Program. | 06/06/2023 | Community Bag |
| Community Access to the Arts | Impact Story | MA | Education | For 30 years, Community Access to the Arts has brought inclusive arts programs to people with a range of disabilities. Above, CATA artist Dan performs a scene from Shakespeare in CATA's Annual Performance (photo by Christina Lane). Big Y has supported this nonprofit organization through its Community Bag Program. | 08/10/2023 | Community Bag |
| Connecticut Fallen Heroes Foundation | Impact Story | CT | Military/Veterans Org. | Connecticut Fallen Heroes Foundation brings to the public’s attention the service and sacrifice of brave men and women who have fallen in the line of duty. Big Y has supported this nonprofit organization through its Community Bag Program. | 03/06/2023 | Community Bag |
| Elder Services of Berkshire County | Impact Story | MA | Health & Wellness | Elder Services of Berkshire County is closing in on 50 years of service. Executive Director Chris McLaughlin stresses that the nonprofit could not do what it does without its volunteers who selflessly share their time and talents to help make the lives of their neighbors as fulfilling as they can be. Big Y has supported Elder Services through its Community Bag Program. | 08/09/2022 | Community Bag |
| Foster and Forever Pet Rescue | Impact Story | CT | Civic | Foster and Forever Pet Rescue matches homeless animals with caring foster homes until their forever homes are found. Big Y has supported this nonprofit organization through its Community Bag Program. | 05/28/2024 | Community Bag |
| Gray House - The Market | Impact Story | MA | Hunger Relief | For almost 40 years, The Gray House has provided food, clothing and education services to its neighbors in need. Making room for hope and kindness in every day and treating everyone with dignity and respect are the cornerstones of this organization. Big Y has supported The Gray House through its Community Bag Program. | 11/28/2022 | Community Bag |
| Happily Furever After Rescue | Impact Story | CT | Civic | Happily Furever After Rescue grew out of the love of one special woman, Jaclyn Gartner, for one special dog, Tyler. Big Y has supported this nonprofit organization through its Community Bag Program. | 12/29/2022 | Community Bag |
| Lifeworks | Impact Story | MA | Health & Wellness | Through providing comprehensive services, Lifeworks is empowering individuals of all abilities to be fully engaged within their communities. Big Y has supported this nonprofit organization through its Community Bag Program. | 07/02/2024 | Community Bag |
| Massachusetts Farm Resiliency Fund | Partnership in Focus | MA | Hunger Relief | Since September 2023, the Massachusetts Farm Resiliency Fund has been selected to benefit from the Big Y Community Bag Program 36 times at 34 different Big Y locations. In total, the organization has received $3,164 in donations to provide disaster relief funds to farmers in need and enhance climate resilience efforts in Massachusetts. | 04/02/2025 | Community Bag |
| Nonprofit Center of the Berkshires | Impact Story | MA | Civic | The Nonprofit Center of the Berkshires supports nonprofits by facilitating communication, collaboration, and resource sharing. Big Y has supported this nonprofit organization through its Community Bag Program. | 11/25/2024 | Community Bag |
| Pawsitively 4 Pink | Impact Story | MA | Health & Wellness | Through furry friends and financial assistance, Pawsitively 4 Pink helps underserved women with breast cancer in Massachusetts. Big Y has supported this nonprofit organization through its Community Bag Program. | 11/22/2023 | Community Bag |
| Pink Hippy | Impact Story | MA | Health & Wellness | When PinkHippy does public events, they wear signature pink and purple tutus. As co-founder and board president Del Bachand says, "Everything is done with a warm heart and humor." Big Y supports this innovative nonprofit organization through its Community Bag Program. | 08/03/2022 | Community Bag |
| Recovery Network of Programs | Impact Story | CT | Health & Wellness | Through comprehensive services, Recovery Network of Programs creates a pathway to recovery, health, and happiness for individuals struggling with addiction and individuals experiencing homelessness. Big Y supported this nonprofit organization through its Community Bag Program. | 02/12/2024 | Community Bag |
| Seymour Pink | Impact Story | CT | Health & Wellness | Through fundraising efforts, Seymour Pink's goal is to fund breast cancer research, provide education and empower and assist breast cancer victims and their families. Big Y has supported this nonprofit organization through its Community Bag Program. | 04/04/2023 | Community Bag |
| Susan B. Anthony Project | Impact Story | CT | Health & Wellness | Since 1983, Susan B. Anthony Project has provided free and confidential services to survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault, ensuring each has a safe place to heal and grow. Big Y has supported this nonprofit organization through its Community Bag Program. | 09/06/2024 | Community Bag |
| The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts | Impact Story | MA | Hunger Relief | Through its network of over 180 food pantries, meal sites, and shelters, the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts is working to advance local food assistance programs and address the root causes of hunger. Big Y has supported this nonprofit organization through its Community Bag Program. | 11/21/2024 | Community Bag |
| The Pink WAY Foundation | Impact Story | MA | Health & Wellness | Founded 15 years ago by Robyn Hersey, the Pink WAY (Women Around You) Foundation supports breast cancer patients and survivors in Western Massachusetts by alleiviating financial stress. Big Y has supported this nonprofit organization through its Community Bag Program. | 12/17/2024 | Community Bag |
| The School of Innovative Learning | Impact Story | CT | Education | The School of Innovative Learning is a 501(c)(3) organization that seeks to enrich education by nurturing each student’s unique interests, preferred modes of learning, and expression styles. Big Y supported this nonprofit organization through its Community Bag Program. | 12/06/2023 | Community Bag |
| Veterans of Foreign Wars-Medic Now Foundation | Impact Story | MA | Military/Veterans Org. | The Veterans of Foreign Wars Department of Massachusetts advocates for combat veterans and works to instill patriotism within the state through various community service initiatives. Big Y has supported this nonprofit organization through its Community Bag Program. | 02/15/2024 | Community Bag |