In honor of National Ag Day on March 20, the Indiana State Fairgrounds & Event Center and its FAIRS Care program needs your help to provide much-needed food relief for the community’s food pantry source, Gleaners Food Bank. The “FAIRS Care Drive-Thru Food Drive,” will be held on Tuesday, March 20 from 6:30 – 9:30 AM and 3:00-6:00 PM at the Indiana State Fairgrounds & Event Center, Fall Creek Pavilion Parking Lot (located inside the main entrance off Fall Creek Parkway), at the Gate 6 entrance.

Donors who bring canned and dry goods or monetary donations to the Fairgrounds will receive one complimentary ticket (limited to the first 250 donors) to the 2018 Indiana State Fair to be held Aug 3-19. Suggested non-perishable food items include canned meats like tuna and chicken, soups and ravioli, canned fruits and vegetables, peanut butter and jelly and macaroni and cheese.

“We’re told that Gleaners sees a decline in food donations in March making it a perfect opportunity to host this drive leading up to National Ag Day,” said Cindy Hoye, executive director of the Indiana State Fair Commission. “Our team members take great pride in giving back and supporting fellow Hoosiers in need and I couldn’t be prouder of this initiative.”

In addition to the “FAIRS Care Drive-Thru Food Drive” two events being held in March at the Fairgrounds will offer attendees an incentive to donate canned or dry goods to benefit Gleaners Food Bank.

• On Monday, March 12, individuals who bring canned or dry goods to the Indiana Flower & Patio Show held in the Expo Hall and West Pavilion will receive a $4 off discount on admission.

• On Saturday, March 17 (St. Patrick’s Day), individuals who bring GREEN canned or dry goods (green beans, peas, spinach, lentil soup, etc.)  to the 7:35 PM Indy Fuel v. Toledo Walleyes “St. Patrick’s Day” game at the Indiana Farmers Coliseum will receive an Indy Fuel promotional item, while supplies last.