TheState Fair of Texas kicks off on Friday, Sept. 26, and State Fair officials and North Texas Food Bank are once again hosting the “Feed the Need” food drive, encouraging visitors to bring nonperishable items that will help families experiencing food insecurity.
The State Fair/NTFB partnership, which began in 1995, has generated more than 4.8 million pounds of canned food for the community, according to a press release promoting the effort. Last year alone, the press release noted, donations collected during the fair provided roughly 165,000 meals.
Jennifer Schuder, senior vice president of customer engagement for the State Fair, said, “Giving back has been part of the State Fair tradition for decades, and working with the North Texas Food Bank is one of the ways we make a difference. Fairgoers love knowing that their visit helps their neighbors as well.”
To encourage participation, the State Fair is offering special discounts top those who bring food donations with them:
• Opening Day: Guests who bring two 16-ounce jars of peanut butter between 9 and 5 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 26, will receive a $10 admission voucher. Peanut butter is one of NTFB’s most requested items and supports its annual Peanut Butter Drive.
• Wednesdays at the Fair: On each Wednesday, fair attendees who donate five canned food items between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. will receive a $7 admission voucher.
Community members looking for more ways to get involved can volunteer NTFB during the Fair. Volunteers will help collect donations and share information about hunger relief efforts. Each volunteer receives a special “Feed the Need” T-shirt and a voucher to return to the Fair. Sign up at the NTFB website.
NTFB President and CEO Trisha Cunningham said, “This is our largest canned food drive of the year, and it comes at a critical time for families across North Texas. With one in five children in our community at risk of hunger, the support we receive through the State Fair helps us put nutritious food on the table for thousands of families.”
For more details on how to donate, volunteer, or participate in the “Feed the Need” food drive, the NTFB website.
— Tammye Nash
