BOISE, Idaho—The Idaho Grower Shippers Association is considering a partnership with the Idaho Food Bank that could entail sheds sending fresh potatoes to help the needy throughout the year.

IGSA President Mark Klompien said his organization has stepped up its assistance to the food bank in recent years, including through a food drive tied to ticket sales of the Idaho Potato Commission's Famous Idaho Potato Bowl.

For the second consecutive year, IGSA will give the food bank three fresh potatoes for every ticket sold for the Boise-based bowl game, scheduled for Dec. 15 between Utah State University and the University of Toledo.

Last winter, the bowl game resulted in the food bank receiving 42,000 pounds of fresh spuds. Klompien said his organization is making a separate $5,000 cash donation to the food bank. Furthermore, IGSA gave the food bank a third of 45,000 pounds of potatoes it donated during the recent Idaho Cares Day, hosted by a local TV station to benefit charities.

SOURCE: John O’Connell, Capital Press

http://www.capitalpress.com/newsletter/JO-IGSADonation-121212