Feeding the Hungry: State Fair of Texas Donates Thousands of Pounds of Food to North Texas Food Bank

The State Fair of Texas has once again demonstrated its commitment to fighting hunger in the local community. Following the conclusion of the three-week event, the fair has donated thousands of pounds of food to the North Texas Food Bank, providing essential support to those in need.

Tackling Food Insecurity, One Donation at a Time

Canned Goods and Leftover Food Donated

The State Fair of Texas collected more than 180,000 canned food items, including jars of peanut butter, throughout the duration of the event. In addition to the canned goods, the fair also donated leftover food and beverages from its many food vendors. This comprehensive approach to reducing food waste and supporting the local community is a testament to the fair's commitment to making a meaningful difference.

A Cherished Tradition Since 2015

The State Fair Cares Food Drive has been a cherished tradition since 2015, and this year's event was another resounding success. Taylor Pulfer, the communications director for the State Fair of Texas, expressed the organization's pride in partnering with local organizations to help fight food insecurity. "Thanks to the generosity of our dedicated food and beverage concessionaires, we collected a significant amount of unused and leftover food items following the close of the 2024 State Fair of Texas," Pulfer said.

Providing Essential Support to the Community

The donations collected during the State Fair Cares Food Drive will be distributed to food pantries and shelters in the Fair Park area, providing a lifeline for many in need. The North Texas Food Bank, a partner food bank of Feeding America, will be responsible for distributing the donations through its network of nearly 500 food pantries and organizations. "The donations, which are a lifeline for many, will be distributed to Fair Park area food pantries and shelters," Pulfer explained.

Addressing Food Insecurity in North Texas

The North Texas Food Bank serves a 13-county area, which ranks fourth in the country for food insecurity. Jeff Smith, the senior manager of communications for the North Texas Food Bank, emphasized the importance of the State Fair Cares Food Drive in helping the organization deliver nutritious food to those in need. "The 'Feed the Need' drive is our largest canned food initiative, and we are thankful to the State Fair of Texas and the community for their support," Smith said.

A Collaborative Effort to Fight Hunger

The State Fair Cares Food Drive is a collaborative effort between the State Fair of Texas and the North Texas Food Bank. A team of volunteers, including the State Fair of Texas mascot Little Big Tex, helped out at the event, demonstrating the community's commitment to addressing food insecurity. "This event is essential in helping us deliver nutritious food to those in need," Smith added.

Feeding the Hungry, One Meal at a Time

The North Texas Food Bank provides more than 100 million nutritious meals to those in need each year, and the donations from the State Fair Cares Food Drive will play a crucial role in supporting this effort. By partnering with local organizations and engaging the community, the State Fair of Texas is making a tangible difference in the lives of those facing food insecurity in the region.