Our Statement on USDA Elimination of Vital Hunger Data

For generations, the State Fair has brought our community together to celebrate the best of North Carolina — our people, our traditions, and the generosity of our communities. 

One of the most meaningful traditions at the Fair is a longstanding partnership between Smithfield Foods and the Food Bank: Hunger Relief Day.  

Each year, thousands of people from across the state choose Hunger Relief Day as their time to attend the fair, donating non-perishable food in exchange for admission. The event is the largest single-day food drive in the state — providing more than six million meals to area families so far (and growing every year!) 

Politicians in Washington voted to slash the federal safety nets that help millions of people in North Carolina afford food and medicine. They know their decisions will worsen our hunger crisis, and now they're attempting to hide the evidence by eliminating impact data that has been available to the public for decades.

Administrative changes at the USDA can't erase the reality our communities face every day: the price of groceries remains out of reach for far too many families — and more people are seeking food assistance today than any point in the past 20 years.

Our hunger relief network relies on this data to target resources where they're needed most, especially in rural communities where services are more difficult to access. The General Assembly and state agencies need reliable data to make smart investments in the most effective programs. This information takes even greater importance when tight budgets require tough decisions — and there are no shortage of difficult fiscal discussions underway right now.

We need our Members of Congress to understand the impact this irresponsible decision will have on  kids, seniors, and people with disabilities across North Carolina. It's incredibly important that we all make our voices heard and urge elected leaders to restore vital hunger data.

– Jason Kanawati Stephany, Food Bank Vice President

This year alone, our combined efforts will provide 150,000 meals to communities throughout central and eastern North Carolina!  

As hunger in our region reaches its highest point in a generation, partnerships like these are more important than ever. More and more families are struggling with rising costs, limited budgets, and difficult choices between essentials like food, medicine, and housing. But the generosity we see each year at Hunger Relief Day reminds us what’s possible when businesses, government, and service organizations unite for a shared purpose. 

Politicians in Washington voted to slash the federal safety nets that help millions of people in North Carolina afford food and medicine. They know their decisions will worsen our hunger crisis, and now they're attempting to hide the evidence by eliminating impact data that has been available to the public for decades.

Administrative changes at the USDA can't erase the reality our communities face every day: the price of groceries remains out of reach for far too many families — and more people are seeking food assistance today than any point in the past 20 years.

Our hunger relief network relies on this data to target resources where they're needed most, especially in rural communities where services are more difficult to access. The General Assembly and state agencies need reliable data to make smart investments in the most effective programs. This information takes even greater importance when tight budgets require tough decisions — and there are no shortage of difficult fiscal discussions underway right now.

We need our Members of Congress to understand the impact this irresponsible decision will have on  kids, seniors, and people with disabilities across North Carolina. It's incredibly important that we all make our voices heard and urge elected leaders to restore vital hunger data.

– Jason Kanawati Stephany, Food Bank Vice President

We’re deeply grateful to Smithfield Foods and the N.C. State Fair for their continued support and belief that everyone deserves access to nutritious food. From the volunteers who work the gates, to the drivers that transport food donations, to the generous contributions of healthy protein, Hunger Relief Day is a partnership and labor of love that we can all be proud of. 

Together, we’re not just nourishing neighbors — we’re building a stronger, more resilient North Carolina. Thank you for being part of this incredible community effort to end hunger. 

Visit FoodBankCENC.org to learn more ways to get involved. 

Politicians in Washington voted to slash the federal safety nets that help millions of people in North Carolina afford food and medicine. They know their decisions will worsen our hunger crisis, and now they're attempting to hide the evidence by eliminating impact data that has been available to the public for decades.

Administrative changes at the USDA can't erase the reality our communities face every day: the price of groceries remains out of reach for far too many families — and more people are seeking food assistance today than any point in the past 20 years.

Our hunger relief network relies on this data to target resources where they're needed most, especially in rural communities where services are more difficult to access. The General Assembly and state agencies need reliable data to make smart investments in the most effective programs. This information takes even greater importance when tight budgets require tough decisions — and there are no shortage of difficult fiscal discussions underway right now.

We need our Members of Congress to understand the impact this irresponsible decision will have on  kids, seniors, and people with disabilities across North Carolina. It's incredibly important that we all make our voices heard and urge elected leaders to restore vital hunger data.

– Jason Kanawati Stephany, Food Bank Vice President