HARRINGTON — Fairgoers who bring five Food Lion–brand canned or boxed food items on Monday, July 27, will receive free admission to the Delaware State Fair as part of the 15th annual Food Lion Feeds Hunger Relief Day. The one-day collection is a collaboration among Food Lion, the Delaware State Fair and the Food Bank of Delaware aimed at stocking food pantries and assisting families struggling to make ends meet in Kent and Sussex counties.
Community drive seeks to meet growing need
Organizers say contributions collected during the event will be distributed by the Food Bank of Delaware to support local households experiencing food insecurity. The program began in 2012 and, over its history, fair visitors have turned in hundreds of thousands of pounds of food to the drive.
| Measure | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total pounds donated since 2012 | 255,448 |
| Equivalent meals provided | More than 306,537 |
The Food Bank of Delaware reports that more than 61,000 people in Kent and Sussex counties face food insecurity — meaning they sometimes lack reliable access to enough food because of financial or other resource limits. That number underscores why organizers see the fair-day drive as more than a promotion; it's a practical step to replenish pantry shelves across the region.
Leaders emphasize partnership, local impact
"We're grateful to once again partner with Food Lion for Hunger Relief Day at the Delaware State Fair,"
said Food Bank of Delaware President and CEO Cathy Kanefsky, noting events like this are increasingly important as more families turn to the bank for help. Food Lion representatives framed the collection as both a convenience for shoppers and an opportunity to help neighbors.
“At Food Lion, we believe no family should have to choose between dinner and rent or gas and groceries,” said Kevin Durkee of Food Lion Feeds. Delaware State Fair General Manager Danny Aguilar called the drive one of the fair’s most meaningful community traditions, saying it brings people together and leaves lasting benefits for families across the region.
How fairgoers can take part
- Bring five Food Lion brand canned or boxed items to the Delaware State Fair on Monday, July 27.
- Each donor receives free admission for that day.
- Donations will be collected on-site and distributed by the Food Bank of Delaware.
For residents watching costs climb statewide, the drive offers a straightforward way to help neighbors who are feeling the pinch. It also gives fair organizers a concrete means to connect entertainment with service: one afternoon at the fair can translate into meals for families across Kent and Sussex counties.
Additional information about hours, specific drop-off locations at the fairgrounds and any restrictions on donated items is typically available from the Delaware State Fair and the Food Bank of Delaware as the date approaches.
