The N.C. State Fair makes it easy to help others while enjoying yourself at one of the fall's most popular annual events.

Food Lion, the State Fair and the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina are partnering again to give free admission to fairgoers who bring four cans of Food Lion brand food to the Fair on Thursday, Oct. 19.

Volunteers will collect the canned goods at the gates in exchange for admission tickets, with food loaded onto waiting trucks.

Among the Food Bank's "most needed items" are canned fruits and vegetables, peanut butter and canned meats.

Many fairgoers plan their annual trips to the Fair around "can day" as a way to help others and save money. In 2005, around 185,000 pounds of food were collected.

"As a grocer, feeding people is what Food Lion does best," said Jeff Lowrance, company spokesman. "Food Lion is proud to partner with the N.C. State Fair and the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina to assist our neighbors in need. This is a great event, benefiting so many."