Community Corner

38,837 Pounds of Food Collected During Fair Food Drive

Fairgoers were able to get free fair admission with a donation of four or more non-perishable food items.

By Autumn Johnson

Thanks to the annual Feed the Need Food Drive, those visiting the fair on June 26 helped to donated over 38,000 pounds of food to those in need.

Fairgoers who donated at least four or more non-perishable food items were given free admission to the fair. The was food donated to the Alameda County Community Food Bank.

According to Katherine Avila, Food Drive Coordinator for the Alameda County Community Food Bank, the donations were down slightly from last year.

Avila, wrote via email:
"While this is off a tiny bit (352 pounds) from last year, what we are noticing is that  the quality of the food included many more nutritious items like oatmeal and cereals which while taking up more volume (and hence more bins) may have contributed to lower pound weight. We are ecstatic with the results and hope to build on our poundage for next year!"

Avila says the donations will benefit mostly children and seniors. 

"We’re extremely fortunate to have the Alameda County Fair’s unwavering commitment to our mission and grateful to the thousands of Alameda County residents who combined their day of fun at the fair with support for their neighbors struggling with hunger,” said Avila. “The Food Bank serves one-in-six Alameda County residents—the majority of whom are children and seniors and entire families—and need spikes during the summer months when children no longer can rely on school meals. Together, with the support of the community, we’re able to better ensure that our neighbors have access to the healthy food that they need and deserve during these difficult times.” 

Did you donate to the annual food drive last week? Tell us in the comments section below.


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