Hunger Relief Day began at the N.C. State Fair in 1993 and since then, fairgoers have donated over 6 million pounds of food to the Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina and its partners. It has become one of the largest one-day canned-food drives in the state.

Smithfield Foods Hunger Relief Day will take place on Thursday, Oct. 24th. Fairgoers can bring six items of food to donate to get free admission to the fair on that day.

This year all the food raised during Smithfield Foods Hunger Relief Day will be sent to western North Carolina to support Hurricane Helene relief efforts.

The following products are in highest demand in the immediate aftermath of a storm when families often do not have access to power and cooking fuel. We strongly suggest bringing these products as they are the most helpful right now.

Peanut Butter & Jams (larger plastic jars)

Chicken, Tuna, or Salmon (in pouches or pop-top cans)

Ravioli and other ready-to-heat meals (in pop-top cans)

Crackers (boxes or sealed containers)

Dried or Canned Fruit (sealed containers or pop-top cans)

Granola or protein bars (boxes with individually-wrapped contents)

The food collected on Hunger Relief Day will go a long way in providing much needed relief for our friends and neighbors.

You can also sign up for a volunteer shift and help collect food at one of the gates. This allows you free admission to the fair that day. Check out available shifts here:

CLICK HERE to volunteer.

If you are joining us, invite a friend by sharing our event on Facebook.

To better assist in making a decision of where you would like to spend your time with us and where parking is, click here for a map of the 2024 Fairgrounds.

Please note there is no admittance to the N. C. State Fair after 9:45pm.

See you there!