Oct 22: Get Ready for Smithfield Foods Hunger Relief Day at the State Fair!

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The 2026 State Fair may have come to a close, but it's not too late to make a difference for Hunger Relief Day!

Fairgoers have donated enough food to fuel 170,000+ meals so far — and every $10 donated online boosts that number by 30 meals. It only takes two minutes to get involved:

Support Local Families Facing Hunger

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. 

This Thursday, October 22, Fairgoers can donate six non-perishable food items in exchange free admission to the fair.

Learn More About the Event

 

Can't make it to the State Fair Thursday? You can still make a difference in the fight to end hunger!

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Donate six non-perishable items on Thursday, October 22 to receive free entry to the NC State Fair!

Most Needed Food Items For Hunger Relief Day

Right now, more than 630,000 people face hunger in our region. And as grocery prices rise and federal support becomes harder to come by, community support during Hunger Relief Day is more important than ever.

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 nearly  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

We’re deeply grateful to Smithfield Foods and the NC State Fair!

Their continued support and belief that everyone deserves access to nutritious food brings this event to life year after year.

Each year, we partner with Smithfield Foods and the NC State Fair for Hunger Relief Day.  

“It’s a great way for folks to come out and enjoy the excitement and the energy at the North Carolina State Fair while also joining Smithfield in the fight against Hunger,” said Jonathan Toms, Smithfield Foods’ Senior Community Development Manager.  

Hunger Relief Day is the state’s largest single-day food drive and supplies thousands of meals for families across North Carolina. In 2025, fairgoers donated more than 150,000 meals' worth of food for local families facing hunger. 

“We’re able to take that food and get it out in the hands of the people who need it most,” Toms shared.  He emphasized that everyone has a role in the fight against hunger. Hunger Relief Day is an opportunity for people to make what he calls “an incredible impact."

Together, we’re not just nourishing neighbors — we’re building a stronger, more resilient North Carolina.

Yes, you get free admittance to the fair, [but] you also get an incredible opportunity to make a difference right here in our community."

– Jonathan Toms Sr. Community Development Manager for Smithfield Foods

From the volunteers who staff the gates, to the drivers who 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. 

Join thousands of fairgoers in making a difference!

 

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