Eighteen truckloads of much-needed food and supplies are headed to Western North Carolina communities, thanks to generous local supporters and Smithfield Foods.
Anchored by the Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina (the Food Bank), this year’s Hunger Relief Day at the State Fair generated enough food to fuel more than 280,000 meals for families impacted by Hurricane Helene.
Fairgoers from across North Carolina come together each year during Hunger Relief Day to donate nonperishable food and supplies in exchange for free admission to the State Fair. Thanks to their generosity this year, 18 truckloads of food and supplies will soon be headed to food banks serving Western North Carolina — matching high-demand items in the wake of major storms with community-specific needs and capacity. Combined with a donation of 500,000 servings of protein from lead sponsor Smithfield Foods, the event raised the equivalent of 280,000 meals for impacted families.
“We’re so grateful for the community’s generosity during Smithfield Foods’ Hunger Relief Day,” said Charlie Hale, interim CEO for the Food Bank. “The existing hunger crisis and the extensive damage from Hurricane Helene means our friends and neighbors need this support more than ever before — and will for some time.”
The devastation of Hurricane Helene has amplified an already-worsening hunger crisis in our region. Across the state, nearly 1.5 million people face food insecurity — meaning one out of every seven North Carolina residents don’t have the resources to consistently keep food on the table. A million more live in the 25-county federal disaster area, where demand for emergency food assistance has skyrocketed as communities begin to recover and rebuild.
“North Carolinians’ generosity and willingness to help others in times of need is truly inspiring,” said Steve Evans, vice president of community development for Smithfield Foods. “Smithfield Foods is honored to do our part alongside our community by serving as the presenting sponsor of Hunger Relief Day, as well as donating 500,000 servings of essential protein to help our Western North Carolina neighbors as they continue to recover and rebuild from Hurricane Helene.”
Over the 30-year history of Hunger Relief Day, donations from fairgoers and sponsors like Smithfield Foods have added up to more than 5.6 million meals (6.7 million pounds) of food for local communities — making it the largest single-day food drive in North Carolina.
Learn more about the current hunger crisis, storm impacts, and our shared response at foodbankcenc.org/Helene.
About the Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina
Among the largest anti-hunger organizations in the United States, the Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina works every day to provide food to people in need while advancing long-term solutions to end hunger in our communities. The Food Bank and our Branch locations serve as the central hub of a network of 700+ partner programs throughout our 34-county region — including no-cost food markets, pantries, meal sites, and a host of initiatives serving children, adults, and seniors. Together, we’re working to overcome hunger and create an environment where everyone in North Carolina can thrive. Stay connected at foodbankcenc.org and @foodbankcenc on Facebook and Instagram.
About Smithfield Foods
Smithfield Foods is an American food company with a leading position in packaged meats and fresh pork products.
With a diverse brand portfolio and strong relationships with U.S. farmers and customers, we responsibly meet demand for quality protein around the world.
Learn more about Smithfield’s commitment to communities — or follow @SmithfieldFoods on social media.
