Fairgoers to gain free admission with canned food donations July 24

For the 12th consecutive year, as part of Food Lion Feeds Hunger Relief Day, attendees of the Delaware State Fair will have the opportunity to receive free admission Monday, July 24, with a donation of five Food Lion-brand canned or boxed goods, benefiting the Food Bank of Delaware.

Since 2012, the Delaware State Fair has collected approximately 200,000 pounds of food, providing more than 240,000 meals to help those experiencing hunger. Food Lion Feeds was founded in 2014 by Food Lion to address food insecurity in the towns and cities it serves.

Donations received through this year’s effort will assist families in Sussex and Kent counties struggling to put food on the table. More than 45,000 such residents are considered food insecure, meaning their access to adequate food and other resources is limited by financial constraints throughout the year.

“High food and fuel costs are impacting all of us, but especially our lower-income neighbors,” said Cathy Kanefsky, Food Bank of Delaware president and CEO. “We are grateful for Food Lion and the Delaware State Fair’s continued support. This annual event comes at a critical time of year when donations are traditionally down. The food that is donated on Hunger Relief Day helps ensure that our neighbors most in need have access to food to feed their families. This day of giving is always a highlight for us at the Food Bank of Delaware as we get to witness firsthand the generosity of Delawareans.”

Food banks across Delaware are seeing a drastic increase in the need for food and resources from neighbors experiencing hunger following the February 2023 sunset of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program emergency allotments.

“At Food Lion, our neighbors count on us, and we are committed to doing everything we can to address food insecurity in our community,” said Bob Mills, Food Lion community relations specialist, northern division. “The food drive is a meaningful way for families and fairgoers to have access to the fair while assisting their neighbors experiencing hunger and making a difference in our communities.”

The Food Bank of Delaware, the Delaware State Fair and Food Lion are collaborating to take action and make a difference in the lives of neighbors experiencing food insecurity.

“The board of directors and staff at the Delaware State Fair are committed to help make a difference in our community, and are excited to partner with Food Lion and the Food Bank of Delaware. Food Lion Hunger Relief Day is a highlight of the 10 days of the fair as we celebrate our community members coming together to help Delaware families in need,” said Danny Aguilar, Delaware State Fair assistant general manager.

Volunteers from Food Lion and the Food Bank of Delaware will accept donations at all gates. No items stored in glass will be accepted. Some of the Food Bank of Delaware’s most-needed items are: tuna fish, peanut butter, cereal, pasta, and canned fruits, vegetables and soups.

For more information, go to delawarestatefair.com.