Three County Fair food drive combats food insecurity

In less than five months, thousands of people will be attending the 2026 Three County Fair in Northampton. We'll usually go on rides, check out the animals. And if we have weather just like we have today, it's going to be another great Three County Fair. But first, there's the annual food drive hosted by the Hampshire Franklin and Hamden Agricultural Society. I think this is our sixth year of doing it. People are so gracious and so kind and we're getting so much stuff in here. Way before the drive even started, the non-profit saw a steady flow of traffic where drivers were donating at least 10 non-perishable food items for a pair of complimentary tickets to the fair. Some local residents donate year after year. It's like being able to participate. I have the ability, so I do what I can when I have the opportunity. Each year, the Three County Fair collects over 2,000 pounds of food donations. And this year, the organizers are hoping to increase that amount as food insecurity rises in Massachusetts. A report released Tuesday indicated 40 percent of Massachusetts households experience food insecurity at some point over the past 12 months. People need stuff now and we're glad to be part of that. Halfway through the food drive, 48 boxes were filled with donations, with over 150 fair tickets handed out in return. We're so happy to be here to provide this venue where people can bring the stuff here and we get it to the shelters. I think it was about 5,300 meals that we were able to collect for last year and it's just been going up every single year. Working for you, Sarah Bien-Aime, 22 News.