With the State Fair of Texas wrapping up its 2021 run, what happens to all that leftover fair food?
The State Fair of Texas is officially over but the fairgrounds are still teeming with people. And they’re on a very important mission.
“It’s heartwarming,” says Christi Erpillo, Chief Frying Officer with Fernie’s Funnel Cakes. “It’s very emotional to know that what started out as just a little idea has transformed into this … and that anybody can make a difference.”
Erpillo has spent the past 24 days dishing out delicious food to fair guests. She’s spending today donating what’s left over to homeless shelters and nonprofits. It’s a State Fair tradition.
Since 2015, dozens of fair concessionaires have joined forces to donate the food as part of the State Fair Cares Initiative. Last year’s event was canceled because of the ongoing pandemic. Sherri Mixon, with TR Hoover Center, says it was hard.
“This is something I participate in almost every year,” Mixon says. “It was definitely missed last year. This truly will help to feed a community that’s in a food desert.”
Last year was hard for concessionaires, too, because the fair was canceled and many of them rely on it to keep their businesses afloat. They say it feels good to be back, and it feels especially good to be helping those in need.
“We can do a lot,” Erpillo says. “Besides just coming up with crazy fried food recipes.”
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