A Denver nonprofit gave away 80,000 pounds of potatoes to reduce food waste while helping households facing high grocery costs.
We Don't Waste called the event Potatopalooza, and visitors could take home as many potatoes as they wanted.
Here's what to know
The food-rescue organization opened its Park Hill warehouse to the public for the second edition of the giveaway, according to Denver7.
In the first Potatopalooza, held in July, all 42,000 pounds were claimed before an hour had passed. This time, the organization said it would be open for two hours.
The group's food-rescue and repurposing work dates back to 2009.
More background
Participation in its regular mobile food markets has increased by 40% compared with the previous year, and each event draws hundreds of people, Denver7 reported.
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The organization said it supplied more than 190 fellow nonprofits with food during the year covered by the report — a record for the group.
A Denver city survey found that one-third of adults in the city were missing meals because food had become more expensive.
Cuts to SNAP benefits have compounded the pressure of a higher cost of living on families' budgets, according to We Don't Waste.
What's being done?
The outlet advised using a wagon to bring potatoes home; visitors could also use their own bags or boxes.
We Don't Waste stated that Denver families "have little to no wiggle room in their budgets," per Denver7.
Where can I learn more?
The potato giveaway is one way nonprofits are helping families stretch their food budgets.
• A Texas pantry gives away 15,000 pounds monthly as families face grocery bills exceeding $500.
• Florida's free grocery program serving 12,000 people faced cuts after losing grant funding.
• A Montana rancher started a nonprofit meat plant to supply food banks with meat.
• In Osceola County, Florida, mobile food pantry demand jumped 68%, and the Salvation Army sought help.
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