Local growers giving out free potatoes Wednesday morning

RITZVILLE — Free potatoes donated by Washington potato growers will be given out next to Harvest Foods at 610 1st Ave in Ritzville Wednesday, April 29, starting at 9 a.m.

The event was originally set to take place at ACE Hardware in Ritzville at 7 a.m.

"We needed a bigger location from all of the feedback we have been getting," Brandy Tucker, Director of Marketing and Operations of the Washington State Potato Commission said Tuesday afternoon. "This way folks will be able to drive in and we can load them up and send them on their way and maintain social distancing."

The foodservice industry shutdown has resulted in processed potato production slowing or stopping altogether; causing huge economic impacts on the potato industry.

Despite this major setback, Washington potato growers are making an effort to feed communities by donating potatoes. These are premium, high-quality grade Washington spuds, already washed and bagged.

According to Adams County Economic Development Director Stephen McFadden, three semi truckloads, about 60 tons, are expected to arrive.

McFadden said higher level state elected officials are expected to attend the event.

Washington House of Representatives Mary Dye's public information officer John Sattgast said the event really turns the spotlight on the dire situation growers are facing.

"The potatoes have a short shelf life, so they have to be donated or destroyed," said Sattgast. "A number of growers are taking it on themselves and spending the money to get the potatoes ready to donate."

Sattgast said Dye is planning to attend the potato give-away in Ritzville.