Erie County fairgoers set new record: 164,384 lbs. of food donated on opening day

Press Release

The Erie County Fair is proud to announce another milestone in its ongoing partnership with FeedMore WNY. The venue collected a record-breaking 164,384 pounds of food on Wednesday – 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 opening-day food drive on Aug. 6.

This year’s collection represents an increase of 11,260 lbs. (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 Executive Vice President of External Affairs Lisa Woodring said, “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. 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.”

Historical Data on the Erie County Fair opening-day food drive:

The Erie County Fair is produced by the Erie County Agricultural Society, a private, not-for-profit membership organization established in 1819. It is recognized as the oldest civic institution in Western New York. The society’s mission is to connect communities through agriculture, education and entertainment.

The Erie County Fair is an annual 12-day event held in Hamburg that celebrates the region’s agricultural roots while offering engaging educational experiences and family-friendly entertainment. The 185th Erie County Fair continues through Aug. 17. Learn more at www.ECFair.org.

FeedMore WNY offers dignity, hope and a brighter future by providing nutritious food, friendship and skills training to its Western New York neighbors in need. Through its food bank distribution center and partner hunger-relief agencies, as well as its home-delivered meal program, other targeted feeding programs and RISE workforce development training, FeedMore WNY alleviates hunger and assists community members of all ages throughout Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie and Niagara counties. More information can be found at www.FeedMoreWNY.org.