Big Y Community Bag Program
About
What is the program?
The Big Y Community Bag Program was created with a simple yet powerful mission: to give back to the local communities that make up the Big Y footprint. Through this program, shoppers and supporters are provided with an easy way to make a difference every time they make a simple purchase.
How does it work?
With each purchase of a $2.50 Community Bag, a $1 donation is redirected to a local nonprofit chosen by local store leadership. This donation helps support important community initiatives, with a different nonprofit selected each month to benefit from the contributions made by shoppers.
What impact has the program had since inception?
Since its launch in January 2019, the Big Y Community Bag Program has donated over $469,229 to local causes, provided more than 777,160 meals to those in need, helped reduce 14.1M single-use plastic bags, and supported 1,950 nonprofits within the Big Y community.
This low-effort, high-impact program is a win-win for both shoppers and the communities we call home. Together, we’re creating a more sustainable future, supporting local organizations, and making a lasting difference where it matters most.
Impact Story: The Pink WAY Foundation
Total 2024 Sales
*Bag Inventory OOS
1,712,760 Single-Use Plastic Bags Not Used 0 1,000
57,092 2024 Total Sales $57,092 Total Donations 94,870 Meals Provided
787 NPOs Supported
2024 Analysis
2024 kicked off with strong sales, totaling 7,710 bags sold in January. Numbers began to decline in February, March, and April, with totals of 6,262, 5,578, and 4,902 bags sold, respectively. This decline was due to a reduction in inventory, as the warehouse entered an out-of-stock period toward the end of Q2.
In June and July, bags were unavailable across the Big Y footprint, and sales temporarily declined to historically low numbers. Once inventory was replenished in August, the program recovered. Sales reached 5,160 bags sold, marking a return to typical program averages. By the end of Q3, sales remained steady. September generated $4,590 in donations to local nonprofits.
October celebrated the 5th year of supporting Breast Cancer Awareness Month, with all stores selecting a local breast cancer organization to benefit. The month ended with $4,819 raised for the cause.
Q4 saw a slight rise in sales, consistent with seasonal trends. In November, 5,884 bags were sold. On November 27th, the day before Thanksgiving, 554 bags were sold, ending the month with the highest-selling day of the year. December wrapped up the year on a high note, with 6,687 bags sold, the second highest-selling month of the year.
Overall, the Big Y Community Bag Program raised a total of $57,092 for local organizations, furthering its impact on the community.
2025 Forecast
Total 2025 Forecast: 78,000 Bags Sold
The Big Y 2025 forecast reflects a good year for bag sales! Starting off the year in January, sales are anticipated to rise to around 7,000, with a slight potential decrease in February to about 6,500 bags sold. March through September numbers are predicted to stay steady at around 6,000 to 6,500. Moving into the final holiday months of the year, we should see an increase, with October through December predicted at around 7,000. PSIM looks forward to a great 2025 in the Big Y Community Bag Program!
District & Store Impact
The performance of the districts and the outstanding results from these highlighted top-selling stores demonstrate the significant impact achievable through this program. These charts highlight the potential of all Big Y locations to support local nonprofits in their communities.
Sales by District
2024 Program Highlights
Throughout the year, the PSIM team works closely with nonprofits during their benefiting months and keeps an optimized, up-to-date database of active and engaged nonprofits. Below, we’re proud to showcase key highlights, milestones, and the impactful efforts made in 2024, all of which reflect the continued growth and success of this program.
Q1 - Highest Selling Quarter in 2024
The first quarter of 2024 marked a standout period for the Big Y Community Bag Program, achieving the highest sales of the year. With 19,550 bags sold between January and March, the program raised an impressive $19,550 for local nonprofits. The funds raised during this quarter were instrumental in supporting local organizations, highlighting Big Y's ongoing commitment to giving back and strengthening its connection to the community.
Six Stores Hit Over 10,000 Bags Sold
In 2024, six Big Y stores reached over 10,000 bags sold in lifetime sales. Three Massachusetts locations - store numbers 065,029, and 023, and three Connecticut locations - store numbers 061, 055, and 017 reached this fantastic milestone for the Big Y community. Since the program's inception in 2019, 11 Big Y locations have hit or exceeded 10,000 bags sold, meaning just from those 11 locations, over $110,000 has been donated to local Big Y nonprofits!
Two Highest Earning Nonprofits of the Year
In 2024, The Friends of the Plainville Public Library and the Darrell Lee Jenkins Jr. Resource Center were the top earners, each raising $403 in Community Bag donations. The Friends of the Plainville Public Library, a long-standing community partner in the program since 2023, works to foster and maintian a community of indivudals passionate about books and libraries. The Darrell Lee Jenkins Jr. Resource Center, a new addition to the program in 2024, is a place of healing that provides gun violence prevention, advocacy, and resources for surviving families. The diversity of organizations supported by the Big Y Community Bag Program reflect its powerful impact across a variety of causes.
Earned Media
When a nonprofit is selected to benefit from the Community Bag Program, nonprofits are given all the marketing tools they need to promote their selection month to their support networks. Each mention of Big Y in print and online generates earned media and increases brand visibility. By advertising their selection, nonprofits are spreading information about Big Y and strengthening its reputation as a community-oriented store
Words of Gratitude
“Thank You, Big Y!
The Branford Food Pantry is incredibly grateful to Big Y World Class Market and all the wonderful shoppers who supported us through the Big Y Community Bag Program in September!
Thanks to your generosity, we raised $116, which will go directly toward helping those in need in our community. Every dollar counts, and this donation will make a real difference for families in Branford.
Thank you once again for standing with us and for supporting the Branford Food Pantry. Together, we’re making our community stronger!”
The Branford Food Pantry Team
“Everything we do helps women focus on healing.
Big Y World Class Market, thank you for helping to spread the word of what we do in our community and why we do it!”
Robyn Hersey Board of Directors
The Pink WAY Foundation
“We are so deeply grateful to have been chosen for this vital community give-back! Thank you so much for thinking of the survivors and families we serve. There is so much food insecurity being experienced by our clients in all of our programs, and grocery gift cards remain the top request by all. Your partnership in raising awareness and funding for our families is deeply appreciated.”
Carolyn Jasper (she/her) Chief Development Officer
Prudence Crandall Center
