Produce News Facebook  Produce News Twitter  Produce News LinkedIn  Produce News Instagram

Big Y helping to raise breast cancer funds, awareness

In order to raise awareness and funds for breast cancer, all Big Y Supermarkets will be donating proceeds from their entire produce department as well as additional select products throughout the store to over 22 local breast cancer support groups throughout Massachusetts and Connecticut.

Since 2007, the chain has raised close to $1.1million dollars for this cause. The program, "Partners of Hope," reflects the partnership, commitment and support of breast cancer awareness and research that is so vital for many. Last year, Big Y raised close to $218,000.

During the entire month of October specially marked "pink" products and promotions, some with limits, will involve almost every department in the store. Big Y will donate a portion of the proceeds from both the floral and produce departments. Additionally, for every package of Big Y, Top Care, Full Circle, World Classics Trading Co., PAWS Premium pet products, Academix stationary, Electrix electrical supplies, and Domestix household brand products, Big Y will donate five cents between Oct. 9 and Oct. 15.

The Big Y Butcher Shop will donate 10 cents from every pound of All Natural Angus Beef and Big Y Smart Chicken to breast cancer research during the entire month of October.

During the month of October, Big Y Pharmacies will also donate $5 for every transferred prescription filled toward breast cancer research. Many other items with pink packaging will be available and their manufacturers will also be donating a portion of their proceeds for breast cancer research as well.

Big Y's pink reusable, earth-friendly shopping bag highlighting the Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign will also be available and every store will be promoting Partners of Hope pink ribbons for $1 Oct. 2-30 as a way of generating additional proceeds for local breast cancer organizations throughout Massachusetts and Connecticut.

Big Y's dietitian team, Carrie Taylor and Andrea Samson, will devote a portion of their fall newsletter to cancer prevention. Look for the "Living Well Eating Smart" displays throughout the stores.

"Breast cancer affects thousands of women and many men each year," Donald D'Amour, Big Y's chief executive officer, said in a press release. "We hope that this initiative will not only promote breast cancer awareness but also save lives through early detection and care."

The beneficiaries this year will include the following organizations:

  • Mass General Hospital, Gillette Center for Breast Cancer
  • Brigham & Women's Hospital, Breast Oncology Program
  • Susan F. Smith Center for Women's Cancers
  • Cancer-Connection
  • Cooley Dickinson, Women's Health Care
  • Berkshire Medical Center, Women's Imaging Center
  • Baystate Health Foundation, Rays of Hope
  • Mercy Medical Center, Mercy Breast Care Center
  • Noble Hospital, Comprehensive Breast Program
  • Saint Vincent Hospital, Breast Care Clinic
  • U Mass Memorial Health Care, Comprehensive Breast Center
  • Hartford Hospital, Partnership for Breast Care
  • St. Francis Foundation, Comprehensive Breast Health Center
  • Eastern CT Health Network, Breast Care Collaborative
  • CT. Breast Health Initiative
  • Terri Brodeur Breast Cancer Foundation
  • Yale-New Haven Hospital, Breast Cancer Program
  • Backus Hospital, Backus Cancer Center
  • Johnson Memorial Hospital, Breast Care Center
  • Charlotte/Hungerford Hospital, Pink Roses Program
  • St. Mary's Hospital, Breast & Oncology Center
  • Windham Hospital Foundation, Oncology Program

 

Print
Read more

Ben B. Schwartz & Sons sees great opportunity to distribute Michigan produce to other regions

By
Keith Loria

Ben B. Schwartz & Sons is having a great 2026 so far, building on its distribution growth last year, adding to the sales team and expanding its presence to the west side of Michigan.

Trendspotting: Getting produce from here to there

By
Craig Levitt

Getting produce from here to there is vital. Freight may not be the most glamorous part of the supply chain, but it is every bit important as the other aspects. According to C.H. Robinson and its latest Edge Report, North American freight markets face rising structural pressure.

The report stated that the produce season is placing continued pressure on refrigerated transportation networks across North America. While trucks remain available produce shippers are facing less flexibility in key regions. 

EPC Leadership Class tours farm and Philadelphia port

The eighth Eastern Produce Council Leadership Class gained firsthand knowledge of production practices and logistics while touring farms and facilities in southern New Jersey and Philadelphia. The trip was held June 2, and began at the farm of Frank Donio Inc. in Hammonton, NJ.

Westfalia Fruit appoints avocado industry expert Tommy Padilla as president, North America

Westfalia Fruit, a global leader in the avocado industry, announced the appointment of Tommy Padilla as president, North America. 

One of the most respected figures in the global avocado trade, Padilla brings more than 20 years in the global food industry, the majority of it dedicated to avocados, along with a track record of building international sales, shaping export strategy and developing high-performing commercial teams. He arrives at a pivotal moment for Westfalia Fruit as the company accelerates its growth across North America.

NuBerry Farms strengthens position in blueberry category

By
Keith Loria

NuBerry Farms is a fully vertically integrated blueberry supplier with owned farming operations across domestic and international growing regions, providing retail partners with consistent quality, supply security, and year-round program support.

NuBerry Farms oversees approximately 2,600 acres of blueberry production across Florida, Georgia, New Jersey, North Carolina and Michigan, supported by packing facilities in Georgia, New Jersey and Michigan to provide customers with consistent supply and quality throughout the year.

Fall Creek expands into raspberries and blackberries with acquisition

Fall Creek Farm & Nursery Inc., a world-leading blueberry genetics and nursery company, has acquired Berryplant, an Italy-based leader in raspberry and blackberry nursery production, and Berrytech, its dedicated breeding and intellectual property company.

The acquisition strengthens Fall Creek's genetics platform with the addition of raspberries and blackberries while maintaining its global leadership in blueberries and extending the company's ability to serve growers who operate across multiple berry categories.

Copyright © 2025 The Produce News • Covering Fresh Produce Around the Globe Since 1897