Stein Pardons Thanksgiving Turkeys Lord and Lady Stanley
Governor Josh Stein granted the royal turkey couple clemency at a Thursday ceremony, with Butterball donating 500 turkeys to a regional food bank.
Updated on Nov. 12, 2026 in Philanthropy
North Carolina Governor Josh Stein participated in the annual Turkey Pardoning Ceremony on Thursday afternoon, pardoning the royal turkey couple Lord and Lady Stanley. Butterball is also donating 500 whole turkeys to the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina.
Why it matters
The ceremony is an annual Thanksgiving tradition in North Carolina that draws public attention to the state's holiday season. The Butterball donation directs a large volume of food to the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina ahead of the holiday.
Butterball is donating 500 whole turkeys to the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina, a figure reported in the ceremony announcement without a prior-year comparison. The timing and distribution schedule for the donated birds have not been specified.
The players
Josh Stein
Josh Stein is the Governor of North Carolina, a Democrat who took office in January 2025 after serving as the state's Attorney General.
Butterball
Butterball is a major American turkey producer and brand based in North Carolina, widely known for its holiday turkey products.
Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina
The Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina is a nonprofit hunger-relief organization that distributes donated food across a multi-county region of the state.
The details
The turkeys were pardoned during a public ceremony attended by Governor Josh Stein, who presided over the annual event. Butterball's donation of 500 whole turkeys will go to the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina to feed families in need.
Timeline
Carolina Hurricanes won the Stanley Cup last season, the event that inspired the royal titles.
The Turkey Pardoning Ceremony took place Thursday afternoon during Thanksgiving week in November 2026.
Lord and Lady Stanley will spend their days with the Future Farmers of America chapter at Harrells Christian Academy in Sampson County.
Philanthropy Context
The North Carolina ceremony follows the same pardon-and-donation format as the presidential turkey pardon tradition that began with George H. W. Bush in 1989. Corporate donations like Butterball's pair a symbolic ceremony with practical food assistance during the holiday season.
Families who rely on the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina may benefit from the 500 donated turkeys during the holiday season. Residents can support local food banks through donations or volunteer time ahead of Thanksgiving.
The takeaway
Local holiday food drives and corporate donations both help stock regional food banks during periods of higher demand. Checking with your nearest food bank is a practical way to find out how to contribute.
Further reading
Explore more on Philanthropy coverage across North Carolina and the wider region.
