Hunger Relief Day at the State Fair

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, October 23. Fairgoers can donate six non-perishable food items in exchange free admission to the fair.

The following products are in highest demand as hunger relief organizations face significant cuts to federal funding and food supplies. We strongly suggest bringing these products as they are the most helpful right now.

•  Peanut butter & jam (large plastic containers)
• Chicken, tuna, or salmon (pouches or pop-top cans)
• Canned fruit and vegetables
• Soup, ravioli, and other ready-to-heat meals (pop-top cans)

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

Can't make it to the State Fair this year? You can still join thousands of fairgoers in making a difference!

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 all day. Check out available shifts here:

To better assist in making a decision of where you would like to spend your time with us and where parking is located, click here for a map of the 2025 Fairgrounds. Please note there is no admittance to the NC State Fair after 9:45pm.