LINGLE – The University of Wyoming’s James C. Hageman Sustainable Agriculture Research and Extension Center (SAREC), near Lingle, gifted the Food Bank of Wyoming with nearly 12,000 pounds of potatoes during the center’s fourth annual potato harvest. 

“The potato harvest, made possible through a partnership between SAREC, the Food Bank of Wyoming, and UW Extension’s Cent$ible Nutrition Program (CNP), is part of ongoing efforts to address food security in Wyoming,” the university explained. 

“We had another successful year at the SAREC potato harvest,” Mindy Meuli, director of CNP said. 

“We filled the Food Bank of Wyoming truck with potatoes for statewide distribution through local food pantries.”

Many volunteers came to help sack the potatoes such as SAREC staff members, women from Wyoming Women’s Center; CNP and UW Extension employees; undergraduate students from UW’s family and consumer sciences department; 4-H families; community members; and Food Bank of Wyoming staff members. 

“I would just like to thank the volunteers who came to help. Without volunteers, these potatoes don't get bagged,” Brian Lee, a research scientist at SAREC who is instrumental in coordinating all aspects of the potatoes project said. 

According to the university, the potatoes are grown at the center as part of outreach efforts which include education with local elementary schools in addition to donation and the harvest will be transported by Food Bank of Wyoming to food pantries in Wyoming. 

“They are available at no cost to hunger relief organization partnering with Food Bank of Wyoming,” the university explained. “CNP is working with local food pantries to connect patrons to recipes and resources for using and storing potatoes safely.”

“We’re beyond grateful for the initial collaborative efforts between CNP and SAREC back in 2021 that brought the harvest into fruition.

We’re even more thankful for the continued partnership so our team can distribute the potatoes to communities around Wyoming, keeping fresh and local produce accessible. A few of us on staff at the food bank were able to attend that day and help harvest potatoes which was a great way to spend our morning!” Food Bank of Wyoming Program Manager Rebecca Travers said. 

“Since 2021, over 42,000 pounds of potatoes grown at SAREC have gone to hunger relief partners through this partnership. Providing fresh, locally grown produce to patrons of hunger relief organizations can help not only provide more food but increase nutritious options available to patrons,” the university explained. 

 “The longer lasting shelf life of potatoes, compared to other produce items, makes them a great option for this time of year.”