The Heppell farming family sure knows how to make things grow.
Take their Ugly Potato Day events, which they first started two years ago to help fight food insecurity and also reduce the number of edible potatoes that go to waste due to their odd shape, growth cracks or bruises. While 12 people showed up at their South Surrey farm for the very first one, it grew so popular that 4,000 or more people started to regularly attend the free events, where they bring their own bags and containers and stock up on "ugly" potatoes, carrots, squash and more.
Now, the event has outgrown the Heppells' 184 Street farm location. It's moving for the next event, set for this Saturday, Aug. 3, but not too far 鈥� just to the Cloverdale Rodeo Fairgrounds, located off 176 Street, between 60 and 64 avenues 鈥� a venue that can help more than 10,000 people at a time.
"This one's going to be our biggest one yet 鈥� we're hoping to have 10,000 people out for it. ... I think we'll get at least double," Tyler Heppell said Monday, noting the free produce will be where the flea market is usually located.
Along with the Greater Vancouver Food Bank and 12 other farms who've gotten involved, Heppell said there will be several thousands of pounds of free food up for grabs, including 70,000 pounds of potatoes, 25,000 pounds of carrots, 10,000 pounds of zucchini, and several thousands of pounds of beets, radishes and other food, including chocolate and bread.
"We're pretty excited," Heppell said. "I think as farmers, it's our responsibility to make sure our community doesn't go hungry."
Another larger event in October, at the same location, will likely involve even more farms across the country, he noted.
"This is an event that's catching on. ... In October, we're hopefully going to have a few dozen locations across Canada, all on the same day."
The 'ugly' event happens from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug.3. Attendees are asked to bring their own bags or containers for the free produce.
No early birds will be allowed, Heppell said, and if people are concerned about fighting crowds, he recommended coming a bit later, as they have plenty.
"We'll save some produce. A lot of it (would otherwise) go for cow feed or deteriorate in storage... it's still nutritious and delicious."
