Potato harvest: fighting hunger in Watauga Co.

Sherrie Huffman, Staff Writer

This Valentine’s Day, needy people in Watauga, Ashe and Avery counties will receive over 40,000 pounds of potatoes to curb a winter hunger epedemic.

The potatoes will be provided as a result of efforts from the Society of St. Andrew, the Watagua County Red Cross and the Watauga County Hunger Coalition, said Executive Director of the Watauga County Hunger Coalition, Ceia Webb.

The Society of St. Andrew is a national association committed to fighting hunger nationwide by addressing one of the nation’s hunger problems,  food waste, said Webb.

Webb said The Society sponsors a “gleaning” project, which involves  potatoes from Maine that aren’t considered perfect for selling, due to size and shape, but are still fit for consumption.

The Society received the donations from generous farmers and are sending them to different parts of the country, including the aforementioned counties.

Webb said that the potatoes will be delivered to the Food Lion located at the Boone Mall.

Once they reach Food Lion, volunteers from the three counties will distribute the potatoes to various non-profit organizations, such as Project on Aging branches that assist the elderly, Meals on Wheels, OASIS, the Hunger Coalition and various other organizations dedicated to feeding the hungry.

“The greatest part about this project is that it involves so many volunteers and organizations working together to help our neighbors,” Webb said.

“It’s a real ‘neighbor helping neighbor’ program that focuses our attention and energy where it is needed most—right here,” she said.

Webb said while this is a wonderful effort to feed the hungry, volunteers are needed to assist in distributing the potatoes to area organizations.

“We need people with strong backs to help load and unload the potatoes,” Webb said.
 
“We will need to deliver over 40,000 pounds of potatoes, which equals  approximately 820 bags that weigh 50 pounds each.”

“We also need volunteers who are willing to use their trucks to help distribute the potatoes,” Webb said.

People who are willing to assist in the distribution should go to the Food Lion loading dock on  Saturday between 7 a.m. and 7:30 a.m.

Coffee and pastries will be provided to the volunteers.  In the case of inclement weather, volunteers can call the Hunger Coalition after 4 p.m. Friday to find out if the distribution will take place.
 
Those who wish to receive a portion of the potatoes are encouraged to go to the Hunger Coalition on Monday morning and speak with an advisor, Webb said.

“Any help that we receive will be greatly appreciated,” Webb said.
 

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