SPOKANE COUNTY, Wash. — The local Hutterite colony is once again sharing their mountain of surplus potatoes with the community in a simple act of kindness.
The Hutterites’ tradition of sharing unsold potatoes has become a highlight for many in the West Plains, with families filling their cars and sharing the bounty.
Last year, when their main buyer didn’t take the whole crop, the Hutterites piled the potatoes together and gave away nearly half-a-million pounds.
This year, they’ve done it again and welcomed people from the community to help themselves and put the spuds to good use.
Among those gathering potatoes Sunday were Jon and Barbra Ballester, who marked their 60th wedding anniversary by picking out the best spuds for themselves and their neighbors.
“It’s very generous of the Hutterite community to do this,” said Barbra Ballester.
Jon said the event is a great way to support one another and to be mindful of your waste.
“Reduce, reuse, recycle. Don’t waste if you can avoid it,” he said.
For the Ballesters, the event was a reminder to slow down and savor time together. “Anything we do now is a celebration,” Jon said.
You can find the potato piles near Fairchild Air Force Base by Sprague Road and Ritchey Road. They will be available until they run out.
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