Potato distributions set for Ritzville, Moses Lake

MOSES LAKE — The shutdown of the food service industry has caused a slowing or stopping of some processed potato production. As a result, approximately 1 billion pounds of potatoes designated for processing will not be used.

To help get rid of the excess potatoes before the next harvest and to help meet the needs of people in need, Washington potato growers are giving away potatoes. There will be two distribution points, one in Adams County and one in Grant County this week.

The Ritzville distribution will begin at 7 a.m., Wednesday, April 29, at Ritzville Ace Hardware, 108 W. First Ave.

In Moses Lake, the distribution will begin at 9 a.m., Thursday, April 30, at the Grant County Fairgrounds, 3953 Airway Drive NE, with entry through the purple gate and exit through the gold gate, according to the Washington State Potato Commission.

Potatoes will be in 10-pound bags, with a limit of two bags per family.

Potato commission employees will hand out coloring pages for kids along with potato recipes.