FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FRIDAY, SEPT. 16, 2011

MANNA collects nearly 13,000 cans of food
on Ingles Day at Mountain State Fair

FLETCHER — MANNA FoodBank collected nearly 13,000 cans of food during Ingles Day at the N.C. Mountain State Fair.

 “The turnout for Ingles Day and the canned food drive was tremendous,” said Fair Manager Matt Buchanan. “It’s so great to see such a large showing of support from the local community. MANNA provides such a great service for the local community, and we’re extremely proud to partner with them.”

Nearly 2,600 people exchanged canned goods for admission to the fair Wednesday. The day’s total attendance was 13,517, just shy of the record of 13,792 set in 2004.

MANNA FoodBank is a private, not-for-profit organization that links the food industry with 315 partner agencies in 16 counties of Western North Carolina. MANNA assists partner agencies with acquiring food to serve those facing hunger. Its providers include the food industry, individuals, farmers, and state and federal agencies.

Ingles is headquartered in Black Mountain and operates about 200 stores in six Southeastern states. The company has more than 60 stores in communities across Western North Carolina. Ingles is a key sponsor of the N.C. Mountain State Fair and longtime supporter of MANNA.

“Both MANNA and Ingles have been loyal supporters of the Mountain State Fair for years, and the canned food drive is just one of the many projects the two partner on in Western North Carolina,” Buchanan said.

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