Free Offers And Discounts For Nc State University Students Employees And Community Members

Introduction

North Carolina State University (NCSU) and its surrounding area provide numerous freebies, discounts, and special programs for students, employees, and community members. These benefits range from educational opportunities for retirees to shopping discounts for employees and special free admission days at the North Carolina State Fair. This article explores the various free offers available through NCSU and its partnerships, providing detailed information on eligibility, requirements, and how to access these benefits.

Employee Shopping Discounts

NC State University employees have access to several shopping discounts through partnerships with local and national businesses. These discounts provide significant savings on everyday purchases and special treats.

321 Coffee Discount

321 Coffee, an NC State alumni-owned business, has partnered with the university to offer a special discount to employees. The company has created a special blend called "Greater Good" as part of this collaboration, which supports NC State scholarships through a portion of sales.

• Discount details: Use code "GoPack" to receive free shipping on orders of $50 or more
• Eligibility: Available to NC State employees
• Additional benefit: A portion of sales from "Greater Good" coffee helps fund NC State scholarships

AAA Membership Discount

NC State employees can save on AAA membership through a special partnership with the automobile association.

• Discount details: 20% off a full year basic AAA membership
• Membership benefits includes: 24-hour roadside assistance, AAA Discounts & Rewards®, AAA Travel, and more
• How to redeem: Visit www.aaa.com/joinnow and use promo code GTNCSTU, or call customer service at 866-566-8635

The Produce Box Discount

The Produce Box, a local service delivering fresh produce to customers, offers a special discount for NC State employees.

• Discount details: $25 off first order
• Redemption code: WOLFPERK
• This program allows employees to access fresh, local produce at a reduced price

NC State Fair Freebies and Special Offers

The North Carolina State Fair, held annually, provides several opportunities for free admission and entertainment. These special offers benefit students, employees, military personnel, and community members.

Smithfield Foods Hunger Relief Day

One of the most significant free admission opportunities at the NC State Fair is Smithfield Foods Hunger Relief Day, which has been running since 1993.

• Date: Thursday, October 23 (specific year not mentioned in sources)
• Admission requirement: Bring six non-perishable food items to exchange for one free admission ticket
• Calculation: 18 cans of food equals three admission tickets
• Accepted donation items:
  • Peanut Butter & Jams (larger plastic jars)
  • Chicken, Tuna, or Salmon (in pouches or pop-top cans)
  • Ravioli and other ready-to-heat meals (in pop-top cans)
  • Dried or Canned Fruit (sealed containers or pop-top cans)
  • Granola or protein bars (boxes with individually-wrapped contents)
• Impact: Since its inception, fairgoers have donated more than six million pounds of food to the Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina and its partners, making it one of the largest one-day canned-food drives in the state

Duke Energy Military Appreciation Day

The NC State Fair honors military personnel with a special free admission day.

• Date: Wednesday, October 22 (specific year not mentioned in sources)
• Admission benefit: Military personnel plus one guest gain free entry with proof of identification
• Special event: A parade through the fairgrounds starting at 10 a.m., beginning in the carnival midway and proceeding through Kiddieland, past the Scott Building, and back through the carnival midway

Daily Military Discount

In addition to the free Military Appreciation Day, the fair offers daily discounts to military personnel.

• Discount: 38% off regular admission price
• Cost: Active-duty service members, reservists, retirees, National Guardsmen and their dependents (ages 13-64) pay only $8 daily at the gate
• Veterans benefits: Veterans receive the same discount for themselves plus one discounted ticket for a guest or dependent, for a total of two tickets at the reduced rate
• Accepted identification:
  • Valid Uniformed Services ID
  • Valid Common Access Card (CAC)
  • Valid North Carolina Driver's License with Veteran Designation
  • Valid Veteran's Affairs Health Identification Card
  • Photocopy of valid DD-214 Form
  • Photocopy of valid NGB-22 Form

Free Entertainment at the Fair

The NC State Fair offers numerous free entertainment options included with admission:

• The Birdman: World Class Bird Shows

  • Location: Near Gate 7 in the State Fair Conservation Forest
  • Description: Joe Krathwohl and his team use creative, positive-reinforcement-based training to produce moving free-flight experiences, allowing fairgoers to emotionally connect with birds and learn about avian wildlife and conservation

• Casey's Clubhouse

  • Location: Kiddieland
  • Feature: Casey Cardinal makes regular appearances daily and gives out 'I Met Casey Cardinal' buttons
  • Note: Check the daily schedule for specific appearance times

• Cast in Bronze

  • Location: Heritage Circle
  • Description: Features the only two carillons in history supported by listeners, with 35 bells totaling four tons each
  • Significance: The only musical act of its kind in the world

• Fire Safety Show

  • Location: Near the Administration Building at the end of Kiddieland
  • Presenters: Fire departments from across North Carolina
  • Features: Clowns, puppet friends, and fire prevention houses
  • Educational focus: Teaching kids and families about working smoke alarms and the importance of having a fire escape plan

Senior Fun Fest

The fair offers special programming for senior citizens, including complimentary food.

• Time: Beginning at 9 a.m. (specific date not mentioned)
• Location: Dorton Patio near the Waterfall
• Complimentary offering: Bojangles' biscuits and coffee served while supplies last
• Program: A program with Commissioner Steve Troxler and music kicks off at 10 a.m.

Educational Freebies for Retirees

North Carolina offers attractive educational opportunities for senior citizens, including special programs at NC State University.

Tuition-Free Auditing for Seniors

North Carolina provides a valuable benefit for senior residents who wish to continue their education.

• Eligibility: State residents 65 years and older
• Benefit: Can audit classes tuition-free at North Carolina State University campus and the state's community colleges
• Additional benefit: Registration fees are waived
• Potential cost: There may be an application fee, depending on the specific college
• Availability: Subject to space availability in each class

This program allows senior citizens to continue learning and engaging with new subjects without the financial burden of tuition, making higher education accessible to older adults in North Carolina.

Advance Ticket Sales

The NC State Fair offers advance ticket sales, which may provide cost savings compared to purchasing tickets at the gate.

• Sale period: July 1 through October (specific year not mentioned)
• Benefit: Advance tickets may offer savings compared to gate prices
• Note: The sources do not specify the exact discount or pricing for advance tickets

Local Dining Discounts Near NCSU

While not explicitly offering free food, Ruckus Pizza is a popular dining option near NC State University that provides good value for students and community members.

Ruckus Pizza

• Location: Near NC State University (opened in 1999)
• Concept: Designed to be an affordable, comfortable, and delicious dining experience
• Features:
  • Catering services for events
  • Group and party planning services
  • Online ordering system for customization and order tracking
• Customer reviews:
  • "Absolutely loved it the food was phenomenal and the portions were the best of anywhere I've been. Even the appetizer was a great portion size. I will continue to return to this place." - Marcos M
  • "An excellent place to eat with more menu variety than any other pizza restaurant I've seen" - Caroline R

Community Engagement Opportunities

NC State University and its partners create various opportunities for community engagement, some of which include free elements.

Greater Good Coffee Initiative

321 Coffee's partnership with NC State University through the "Greater Good" coffee initiative represents a community engagement opportunity with free elements.

• Background: Started by two NC State Park Scholars with a folding table in the Brickyard
• Growth: Now employs over 50 people including Sam, an NC State alumnus
• Community impact: A portion of sales from "Greater Good" helps fund NC State scholarships
• Free element: Free shipping on orders of $50 or more with code "GoPack"
• Values: Built on shared values around belonging and community

How to Access These Freebies and Discounts

To take advantage of these free offers and discounts, individuals should follow these steps:

1. For employee discounts:

   • Verify NC State University employment status
   • Use provided discount codes when making purchases
   • Follow specific redemption instructions for each offer

2. For NC State Fair free admission:

   • For Hunger Relief Day: Bring six non-perishable food items to any gate on the specified day
   • For Military Appreciation Day: Present valid military identification at the gate on the specified day
   • For daily military discount: Present valid military identification at the gate each day

3. For senior auditing classes:

   • Contact NC State University or the specific community college
   • Inquire about the senior auditing application process
   • Confirm any potential application fees
   • Register for classes on a space-available basis

4. For free entertainment at the fair:

   • Purchase general admission to the fair (unless qualifying for free admission through other programs)
   • Check the daily schedule for show times and locations
   • Plan visits to specific attractions based on interest

Conclusion

North Carolina State University and its partners offer numerous freebies, discounts, and special programs that benefit students, employees, retirees, and community members. These opportunities range from educational programs for seniors to shopping discounts for employees and special free admission days at the state fair. By taking advantage of these offers, individuals can save money, access educational opportunities, and enjoy entertainment and dining experiences in the Raleigh area. The variety of available benefits demonstrates the university's commitment to supporting its community and making education and leisure activities accessible to all.

Sources

1. Ruckus Pizza
2. NC State Fair Deals and Discounts
3. NC State Employee Shopping Discounts
4. Save Money at NC State Fair
5. Quiz Bowl Forum Discussion
6. Free or Cheap College for Retirees