Hamburg, N.Y. (WBEN) - The Erie County Fair has set another opening-day milestone to help support its ongoing partnership with FeedMore WNY.
Officials from the fair announced on Friday the collection of a record-breaking 164,384 pounds of food, marking the fifth-consecutive time it has set a new record for the largest single-day summertime food drive for FeedMore WNY.
Fairgoers received free admission in exchange for donating four or more canned goods at the gate during the Fair’s Opening Day Food Drive on Aug. 6.
This year’s collection represents an increase of 11,260 pounds (7.4%) over the previous record of 153,124 lbs. set in 2024.
"We are continually blown away by the generosity of our fairgoers," said Jessica Underberg, Erie County Fair CEO and Fair Manager. "The Opening Day Food Drive is one of the most meaningful traditions we have. It speaks to the heart of what the Fair is about: community, compassion, and coming together to make a difference."
"FeedMore WNY is incredibly grateful for the continued partnership of the Erie County Agricultural Society and the outpouring of support from the Western New York community," added Lisa Woodring, FeedMore Executive Vice President of External Affairs. "The number of people seeking nutritional assistance through our network of nearly 400 partner agencies is up more than 22% this year, and this record-breaking effort couldn’t come at a better time."
The Erie County Fair Opening Day Food Drive is supported by WGRZ-TV, Five Star Bank, and NYCM Insurance.