Partnership helps address the increased demand for food assistance; fairgoers gain free admittance with canned food donations
Source: FBD
HARRINGTON, DE – For the 14th annual year, on Monday, July 21, as part of Food Lion Feeds Hunger Relief Day, those attending the Delaware State Fair will have the opportunity to receive free admission into the fair with a donation of five Food Lion brand canned or boxed goods to benefit the Food Bank of Delaware. Since 2012, approximately 250,000 pounds of food, equal to 300,000 meals, has been collected at the Delaware State Fair 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 Kent and Sussex counties struggling to put food on the table. More than 47,000 residents of Kent and Sussex counties are considered food insecure, meaning their access to adequate food is limited by a lack of money and other resources at times during the year.
“We are so grateful to partner with Food Lion for Hunger Relief Day at the Delaware State Fair,” said Food Bank of Delaware President and CEO Cathy Kanefsky. “This event brings our community together in such a meaningful way — turning a day at the fair into an opportunity to help neighbors in need. Every can of food makes a difference, and we’re inspired by the generosity we see year after year.”
The Food Bank’s network of partner agencies across the state continue to see high demand as every-day Delawareans struggle to afford basic necessities.
“At Food Lion, we’re more than a grocery store, we nourish our neighbors,” said Food Lion Community Relations and Marketing Specialist Bob Mills. “Hunger Relief Day at the Delaware State Fair is a chance for all of us to give back, one can at a time. It’s incredible to see how a simple act of kindness can fill shelves and hearts.”
“I’m always so inspired by the generosity of our fairgoers during Food Lion Feeds Day,” said Carly Callahan, Delaware State Fair Marketing and Sponsorship Manager. Seeing thousands of people show up with armfuls of food to help those in need—it’s just incredible. Last year, we collected over 14,000 pounds of food in a single day. It’s moments like this that remind me how powerful community can be. I’m beyond proud to be part of something that makes such a real difference, and I can’t wait for another amazing day of giving with Food Lion and The Food Bank of Delaware.
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 include the following:
- Canned fruits
- Canned vegetables
- Canned soups
- Tuna fish
- Peanut butter
- Cereal
- Pasta
For more information about the Delaware State Fair, please visit delawarestatefair.com.
