50k lbs. of free potatoes given away in Portage over weekend

Over 50,000 lbs. of potatoes were given away this past Saturday. Mark Peters owns Spruce Drive Farm, and once again came through with his effort to give back to Portage and says the turnout was great. 

"Really good," says Peters. "We had a lot of people and we emptied just over two trucks -- actually two and maybe 1/4 of trucks. So, that's all about 25,000 lbs. on a truck. There's a lot of bags, a lot of boxes, and just a lot of people and that's great to see. We got carrots as well from Jeffries Bros Vegetable Growers, so they gave us about 16 boxes here. It was great."

Mark Peters

Peters adds all the containers looked about empty by the time 2:00 p.m. rolled around when they planned to shut down for the day.  

"We get lots of people, they're so thankful," continues Peters. "So many people are grabbing potatoes for their friends and family and neighbours, and stuff. So, it's just great to see."

He notes he purposely chooses to provide the giveaway on Thanksgiving weekend.  

"Portage is a great place to live, for sure," adds Peters.

The crowd was great

Peters says there were about 50 volunteers who showed up to help, and that includes some from the Portage Alliance Church who provided a barbecue during the giveaway while the event took place on their parking lot.