State Fair News
State Fair of Texas to donate tasty leftovers the day after it closes
It's the final weekend for the State Fair of Texas, which will celebrate its last day on October 20. Sniff.
But the very next day on Monday October 21, Big Tex and the gang will be up bright and early with State Fair Cares, an annual day-after tradition in which State Fair of Texas food vendors donate their leftover food and drink to North Texas families in need.
First started in 2015, it involves more than 80 food and beverage concessionaires who donate their unused or leftover food items to local Fair Park area food pantries and shelters as part of the State Fair Cares initiative.
Additionally, the Fair’s Big Tex Urban Farms make a donation of fresh produce.
The amount of food available for a donation depends on much food is left over following the closing of the 2024 State Fair of Texas. Donations are based on what vendors are serving, but could range from potatoes and tomatoes to bread, hot dog buns, canned soup, cheese, animal crackers, cereal, jars of pickles, sugar, and flour, now gifted to local food pantries. There's even produce and frozen items.
The fair's goal is to not waste food, and also give back to the community, a spokesperson says.
Fair Park area food pantries and shelters will pick up donations to help feed local families in need on Monday morning.
The organizations participating in 2024 — chosen because of their ability to impact the local community through current feeding and outreach programs — include Cornerstone Community Kitchen, Dallas Bethlehem Center, Incarnation House, Inspired Vision Compassion Center, Jubilee Park Community Center, OurCalling, St. Paul United Methodist Church, TR Hoover CDC, and The Well Recovery Center — all of which have the capacity to distribute the food to children, adults, and seniors or other organizations in the South Dallas/Fair Park area.
This is the ninth year this event will be held.
The State Fair Cares Food Drive will take place at the Briscoe Carpenter Livestock Center in the holding area behind the arena, at 1403 Washington St.