Hunger Relief Day: A Partnership that Nourishes North Carolina

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!) 

Our region is facing the worst hunger crisis in a generation, and cuts to federal hunger relief programs are creating even greater challenges. We’re grateful for the community’s incredible support during Smithfield Foods’ Hunger Relief Day, as we work together to make sure no one goes hungry in North Carolina.

– Amy Beros, Food Bank President & CEO

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. 

We have always gotten our food from food drives. We‘ve been around for 40 years, and we’ve never done a fundraiser. It’s all grassroots. It’s all based on good hearts and understanding that we are our neighbors’ helpers. The best thing people should do is remember that no one should go away hungry. Food should be a human right.

– Roxann Lansdowne, Executive Director of Mother Hubbard’s Cupboard in Wilmington, NC

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. 

North Carolinians’ generosity and willingness to help others in times of need are truly inspiring. Smithfield Foods is honored to do our part alongside our community by serving as the presenting sponsor of Hunger Relief Day to help our neighbors keep food on the table.

– Steve Evans, Vice President of Community Development for Smithfield Foods