Smithfield Foods ‘Hunger Relief Day’ at the State Fair Raises 170,000 Meals for North Carolina Families
Key Highlights
- ➤170,000 meals raised for North Carolina families through 2026 food drive
- ➤Food drive has provided more than 5.8 million meals since 1993
- ➤Smithfield donated more than 345 million protein servings since 2008
Expert Statements
Amy Beros, President & CEO of Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina
“We’re deeply grateful to Smithfield Foods and everyone who attended the State Fair in support of neighbors facing hunger across North Carolina.”
Amy Beros, President & CEO of Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina
“At a time when so many more families are struggling with the rising cost of living, events like these remind us what’s possible when our community comes together.”
Jim Monroe, Vice President of Corporate Affairs at Smithfield Foods
“The generosity shown by fairgoers this year reflects the spirit of neighbors helping neighbors that makes Smithfield Foods Hunger Relief Day so special.”
Jim Monroe, Vice President of Corporate Affairs at Smithfield Foods
“As we celebrate the sixth year of our partnership with the N.C. State Fair and Food Bank, we remain committed to fighting food insecurity and helping more North Carolina families put food on the table.”
RALEIGH, N.C., Oct. 26, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Smithfield Foods Hunger Relief Day at the State Fair again brought thousands of fairgoers together to help combat rising food insecurity across North Carolina. And through their generosity, this year’s drive raised an incredible 170,000 meals for local families facing hunger.
Now in its 33(rd) year, Smithfield Foods Hunger Relief Day is one of the most long-standing State Fair traditions, growing to become the largest single-day food drive in North Carolina. With support from Smithfield Foods, fairgoers from across the state donate six non-perishable food items in exchange for free admission. And at a time when more than 1.7 million people statewide — one in seven of our neighbors — don’t know where their next meal might come from, the generosity shown in this year’s effort takes on even greater importance.
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