State Fair Event Draws 18 Truckloads of Most-Needed Food and Supplies to Support Helene Relief
Food Bank supporters join Smithfield Foods to send the equivalent of 280,000+ meals to Western NC
Community Support
October 28, 2024RALEIGH, NC – The Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina (the Food Bank) is pleased to announce the total donations raised during Smithfield Foods Hunger Relief Day at the N.C. State Fair.
On Thursday, October 24, fairgoers from across the state donated six items of food, particularly items that are most needed in the wake of Hurricane Helene, in exchange for free admission. Thanks to their generosity, 18 truckloads of food and supplies will be headed to Western North Carolina to support our sister food banks. The event raised enough food to provide more than 175,000 meals and with a donation of 500,000 servings of protein from Smithfield Foods, the event raised the equivalent of more than 280,000 meals.
This year, food collected during Smithfield Foods Hunger Relief Day will be donated to our sister food banks responding to the disaster in Western North Carolina. The devastation of Hurricane Helene is amplifying the hunger crisis in our state that already existed.
“We’re so grateful for the generosity of the community during Smithfield Foods Hunger Relief Day,” said Charlie Hale, interim CEO for the Food Bank. “The existing hunger crisis and the extensive damage from Hurricane Helene means our friends and neighbors need the support more than ever before and will for some time.”
“North Carolinians’ generosity and willingness to help others in times of need is truly inspiring,” said Steve Evans, vice president of community development for Smithfield Foods. “Smithfield Foods is honored to do our part alongside our community by serving as the presenting sponsor of Hunger Relief Day, as well as donating 500,000 servings of essential protein to help our Western North Carolina neighbors as they continue to recover and rebuild from Hurricane Helene.”
Over the 30-year history of Hunger Relief Day donations from fairgoers and sponsors such as Smithfield Foods have added up to more than 6.7 million pounds of food for the Food Bank. The community can learn more about the Food Bank’s recovery efforts and how they can continue to support by visiting foodbankcenc.org/Helene.
About the Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina
Among the largest anti-hunger organizations in the United States, the Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina works every day to provide food to people in need while advancing long-term solutions to end hunger in our communities. The Food Bank and our Branch locations serve as the central hub of a network of 700+ partner programs throughout our 34- county region — including no-cost food markets, pantries, meal sites, and a host of initiatives serving children, adults, and seniors. Together, we’re working to overcome hunger and create an environment where everyone in North Carolina can thrive. Stay connected at foodbankcenc.org and @foodbankcenc on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter/X.
About Smithfield Foods
Smithfield Foods is an American food company with a leading position in packaged meats and fresh pork products. With a diverse brand portfolio and strong relationships with U.S. farmers and customers, we responsibly meet demand for quality protein around the world.