Thousands of donations pour in on Hunger Relief Day at this year's NC State Fair

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- Thursday marked Smithfield Foods Hunger Relief Day at the North Carolina State Fair, marking its 23rd year of collaboration with local food banks. Visitors can donate food in exchange for tickets, continuing the Fair's long-standing tradition to support hunger relief efforts.

Fairgoers who donate six cans or packages of non-perishable food receive one free admission ticket to the Fairgrounds on Thursday. This event is a partnership between the State Fair, Smithfield Foods, and the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina.

"It's just rewarding to be a part of that. You know, agriculture is at the core of what we do here in North Carolina and being able to give food to people in need...that in and of itself is very rewarding," said Kraig Westerbeek with Smithfield Foods.

Last year, the event generated over 211,000 pounds of donated food, enough to fill 18 truckloads or the equivalent of 175,000 meals. Food bank officials said their target for 2025 is to receive enough donations for 150,000 meals.

SEE ALSO: NC leaders, food bank officials warn of impacts as government shutdown drags on

For organizations like Raleigh's Inter-Faith Food Shuttle, the government shutdown -- now entering week four -- has worsened an already-delicate situation.

"What an incredible partnership for not only our food bank, but food banks across the state for the community to come together and be able to raise, especially right now, these critical food items for us to be able to serve our neighbors. So it truly is the essence of community right here today," said Amy Beros, President & CEO of the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina.

In-demand items include peanut butter and jams, cans or pouches of chicken, salmon and tuna, dried or canned fruit, and protein bars and granola.

Beros said the event's importance is elevated this year amid federal cuts impacting SNAP benefits and the Food Bank's own funding.

"With the government shutdown and the concerns about SNAP and we're not being funded after the end of this month, we're seeing heightened need and so much heightened fear in our community. And so a day like this to bring awareness to that as well as to raise the much needed food is truly phenomenal and critical right now," she said.

The event is the largest single-day food drive in North Carolina.

Watch ABC11's Tamara Scott take a ride on the NC State Fair's slide

The NC State Fair is 11 days of fun, food, and entertainment.