A massive donation of potatoes recently came to LIFT-UP, the local nonprofit fighting food insecurity. Thirty-eight thousand pounds of russet potatoes filled 21 pallet containers, and the task now is to distribute as much as possible before the spuds go to waste.
Therefore, in addition to LIFT-UP distributing the produce between its five food pantries, Mobile Pantry and Extended Table community meals programs, the excess will go to partnering organizations, including Harvest for Hunger, Mountain Valley Developmental Services, Jesus Saves, Eagle Valley Community Foundation and several other nonprofit organizations serving Western Colorado, according to a press release.
“This is exactly what community collaboration looks like,” said LIFT-UP Executive Director Samantha Freese in a press release. “A donation of this size is an incredible gift, but it only reaches its full potential when organizations work together. By sharing these potatoes with our partners, we’re making sure they reach as many tables as possible and that nothing goes to waste.”
The potatoes were donated by Sharing Excess — a fitting name in this case, which, according to the press release, “is a national nonprofit dedicated to rescuing surplus food and redirecting it to communities in need, reducing food waste while increasing access to nutritious food.”
As of noon on Tuesday, July 21, six pallets, or about 11,000 pounds, had been distributed, according to Freese, with approximately 27,000 pounds still in the warehouse.
“Our goal is to get the potatoes to the community within two to three weeks. We are one week down, and so we have a limited amount of time to utilize them,” Freese told the Sopris Sun. “This is both because of space in our warehouse and longevity of the potatoes.”
She added that all of the potatoes are being sorted to ensure the bulk going out for human consumption is in good shape. Some of the potatoes on the fence will go to partnered ranchers to feed to their pigs.
“We strive for zero food waste at LIFT-UP, and are grateful for our piggy friends,” Freese said.
While the intent is to get most of the potatoes to people in need and nonprofits helping triage to that end, anyone who can make use of some potatoes is welcome to email director@liftup.org to facilitate a pick up.
There was no limit on the number of potatoes an organization or individual can take as of Tuesday.
“This has been a really beautiful experience. Potatoes have been passed out by over 20 organizations from Garfield, Pitkin, Eagle and Mesa counties. It’s incredible seeing everyone come together to support those in need,” Freese said.
“This is why I love the work that we do, and the community we live and serve in. I feel very fortunate to be in a position to help,” Freese concluded. “My team of staff and volunteers have really stepped up during this project, and the impact is enormous!”