RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) — Thousands of visitors gathered at the North Carolina State Fair on Hunger Relief Day, when fairgoers could receive free admission by donating food to help families facing food insecurity.<\/p>\n
State fair officials estimated that about 100,000 people would attend Thursday’s event. Visitors from across the state came to enjoy rides, food and attractions while supporting the annual food drive.<\/p>\n
“Riding the rides,” said Ahmazi Jones of Goldsboro. “Eating all the food,” said London Hicks of Raleigh, laughing.<\/p>\n
As part of Hunger Relief Day, each person who donated six cans or packages of nonperishable food received a free admission ticket. All donations were designated for the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina.<\/p>\n
“This is probably the single biggest food drive we do across the state,” said Christi Mallasch, senior programs director for the Food Bank. Mallasch said hunger remains a growing concern throughout North Carolina. “Not even just the Triangle, but the state as a whole is really seeing increased rates of hunger and food insecurity,” she said.<\/p>\n
Among those participating was Denzel Keenan, a behavioral specialist at Lakeview Secondary School in Durham.<\/p>\n
Keenan brought 24 students to the fair and said the food drive provided an opportunity to teach the importance of giving back to others.<\/p>\n
“So we’re teaching my kids at the school that it’s okay. You know, you have your blessings. So let’s give back to someone else. But also you can come out here, enjoy yourself and learn something new and different, stuff like that,” Keenan said.<\/p>\n
The Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina said it expected to collect about 100 pallets of food from the drive.<\/p>\n
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