The Big Fresno Fair and Fresno State are teaming up for the second annual Fill the Need Day on Thursday, Oct. 15, offering fair admission for just $6 while supporting Fresno State students facing food insecurity. For every Fill the Need ticket sold, $3 will directly benefit the Amendola Family Student Cupboard, which provides free food, hygiene products and other essential resources to Fresno State students.
Last year’s inaugural Fill the Need partnership built upon a successful five-year food drive campaign between Fresno State and The Big Fresno Fair. The event raised more than $55,000 for the Amendola Family Student Cupboard, providing the equivalent of more than 220,000 meals for students. The partnership returns for a second year to continue raising funds and awareness for student food insecurity while offering fairgoers discounted admission.
“We are thankful to the Big Fresno Fair and the community for helping us make sure Fresno State students are well-nourished,” said Phong Yang, vice president for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management at Fresno State. “If students are worried about where to get their next meal, it is hard to focus on studies. The Amendola Family Student Cupboard helps remove that barrier for our students, and it wouldn’t be possible without the generosity of the community, helping us provide this critical resource that helps our students thrive and reach their goals.”
The Amendola Family Student Cupboard served 8,765 unique students in the 2025-26 academic year, resulting in more than 107,000 total visits. The student cupboard provides access to both perishable and non-perishable groceries, including fresh fruits and vegetables, milk, bread, juice and frozen meals.
Since opening in 2014, the Amendola Family Student Cupboard has served over 34,500 individual students and their families, with nearly 604,500 total visits. On average, the Student Cupboard serves 40,000 student visits each month during the academic year.
“As a student and a parent trying to finish my degree, the help I’ve received from the student cupboard has changed my life in ways I can’t fully express,” said liberal studies student Jacqueline Barajas. “The food and resources the cupboard provides have been crucial in helping me take care of my family while I work on my education. It’s not just about getting groceries; it’s about keeping our dignity, finding relief and knowing that someone truly cares.”
All enrolled Fresno State students are eligible to use the Amendola Family Student Cupboard, and may visit once a day, Monday through Friday. It is open year-round, only closing during certain holidays. It is located in the Industrial Technology building (Room 144) near the corner of Barstow and Jackson avenues.
“The Big Fresno Fair is proud to give back to the Central Valley through meaningful community partnerships. Programs like Fill the Need, Fair Education and the Pint for a Pass Blood Drive reflect our ongoing commitment to supporting the people and organizations that make this region strong,” said Gary Singh Chahil, board president for the 21st District Agricultural Association, The Big Fresno Fair.
The Big Fresno Fair, founded in 1884, is the fifth largest fair in the state of California and represents the 21st District Agricultural Association. More than 500,000 people from throughout the state visit The Big Fresno Fair each year, making it the largest annual event in the Central Valley. The 2026 Big Fresno Fair will run Oct. 7 through 18.
Tickets are on sale now at fresnofair.com/tickets or in person at the fairgrounds box office. For more details, visit www.fresnofair.com/events/2026/fill-the-need or contact Danielle Griffin, The Big Fresno Fair, at 559.994.3133.
