In support of National Hunger Action Month, Pittsfield-based Berkshire Bank and Berkshire Insurance Group are participating in a company-wide food drive through its Employee Volunteer Program.

The drive will run from Sept. 21 through Oct. 2, and the food collected will be given to local food pantries and food banks in the regions served by the bank and Berkshire Insurance Group.

Last year, approximately 4 tons of food was collected, and the goal is to surpass 5 tons this year.

Food collection boxes are set up at all bank branches and insurance offices throughout the Berkshire Bank system in Massachusetts, New York and Vermont.

Customers and the public are invited and encouraged to participate in the food drive by donating non-perishable goods to their local Berkshire Bank branch or Berkshire Insurance Group office. Recommended items include peanut butter and jelly, canned beans, rice, pasta and canned pasta sauce, hearty soups, tuna fish and cereals. Check donations will also be accepted during the food drive.

Organizations that will receive the donations are: Berkshire Community Action Council for food pantries in Berkshire County; the Western Mass. Food Bank for local pantries in the Pioneer Valley; the Regional Food Bank for Northeastern New York; and food pantries in Rutland, Manchester, Arlington and Ludlow in Vermont.