WI Potato Growers Donating Spuds to Hurricane Victims

By CnAgri Print

Two large semi-trucks full of Wisconsin potatoes will be heading east today to be donated to victims of Hurricane Sandy. According to the Wisconsin Potato and Vegetable Growers Association, one truck is scheduled to pick up donated pallets of potatoes at three farms in Antigo, Plover and Coloma on Monday. Another shipment will be sent from a farm in Bancroft.

Organizers say over 80,000 pounds of potatoes are being donated in all and should reach its final destination in a couple of days.

"Someday, our area may need the same kind of assistance, so it's nice to be able to help," said John Hein of Sowinski Farms in Rhinelander, who came up with the idea.

Hein says the trucks will travel to a warehouse in Long Island City, New York. From there, volunteers from the food rescue organization give out the potatoes to many who are still without power and need help.

Since Hurricane Sandy hit the east coast on October 29, City Harvest has donated more than three million pounds of food to about 600 soup kitchens, food pantries and churches.