FARMERS DONATE TRUCK LOADS OF POTATOES

The foodservice industry shutdown has resulted in processed potato production slowing or stopping altogether. This is causing huge economic impacts on the potato industry. With about 1 billion pounds of potatoes that were in storage ready to be processed into french fries, wedges, tots and hash browns, the shutdown has left the farmers with a harvested crop unable to be processed, and a new crop that will be turned away because of what is left. This will cause total devastation to our farmers. Some of the smaller growers will not make it out of this crisis.
Despite this major setback, Washington potato growers are making an effort to feed our communities. On Wednesday, April 29th, Washington potato growers, Warden Hutterian Brethren will be donating potatoes to those in need in Ritzville, WA at ACE Hardware at 7am and again on Thursday, April 30th in Moses Lake, WA at the Grant County Fair Grounds (Purple Gate) at 9am. Potatoes will be bagged and can be loaded into your vehicles. The Washington State Potato Commission will also be handing out recipes and coloring pages for the kids. Washington Potato Growers know people are in need and want to help as much as possible. Potatoes are a staple that provides vitamins and nutrients while being extremely versatile. For more information on Washington potatoes, visit www.potatoes.com.