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Rexburg Today
By the People, for the People
Idaho Farmer Gives Away Millions of Pounds of Potatoes to Food Banks
Potato market oversaturation forces farmer to find alternative outlets for excess crop
Published on Feb. 8, 2026
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An Idaho farmer named Kent Sutton is giving away millions of pounds of potatoes to food banks and charities after facing a potato market glut. Sutton says he would rather see the excess potatoes go to feed hungry people than be discarded or used as cattle feed. The response to his social media plea has been overwhelming, with Sutton booking 10 semi-loads of potatoes to be distributed over the next two weeks.
Why it matters
The potato oversupply issue is not isolated to Idaho, as exceptional growing conditions have led to a 'potato flood' in Europe as well. With decreased demand for dehydrated potato products, farmers like Sutton are struggling to find markets for their full potato harvests, leading to food waste and financial losses. Sutton's decision to donate the excess potatoes highlights the need for better supply chain management and food distribution to address hunger and food insecurity.
The details
Sutton, a farmer in Rexburg, Idaho, says he was facing having to discard or use as cattle feed millions of pounds of potatoes that did not meet the size requirements of his usual buyers, such as restaurants and grocery stores. Instead, he put out a plea on social media offering to give away the excess potatoes, only asking that recipients cover the freight costs to get the potatoes to food banks or other charitable organizations. The response was overwhelming, with Sutton booking 10 semi-loads of 42,000 pounds each to be distributed over the next two weeks.
- Sutton posted his plea on social media in early February 2026.
- The first 10 semi-loads of potatoes will be distributed over the next two weeks.
The players
Kent Sutton
A farmer in Rexburg, Idaho who is giving away millions of pounds of excess potatoes to food banks and charities.
Idaho Farm Bureau
The state's farm bureau, whose spokesman Sean Ellis confirmed the potato oversupply issue facing Idaho farmers.
Patrick Hatzenbuehler
An associate professor and extension specialist in Agricultural Economics at the University of Idaho, who provided context on the broader potato glut affecting the U.S. and Europe.
What they’re saying
“We were just getting to the point where we were having to discard all these potatoes, dump them on the ground, or use them to feed cattle or whatever. But I'd rather see them go to feed hungry people.”
— Kent Sutton, Farmer (Cowboy State Daily)
“In about 20 minutes, I had booked 10 semi loads of potatoes to go out over the next two weeks.”
— Kent Sutton, Farmer (Cowboy State Daily)
“There is definitely more supply than demand right now.”
— Sean Ellis, Spokesman, Idaho Farm Bureau (Cowboy State Daily)
What’s next
Sutton expects to have more excess potatoes to donate in the coming weeks as he continues to harvest his crop.
The takeaway
This story highlights the challenges facing farmers when crop yields exceed market demand, as well as the potential for creative solutions to address food waste and hunger. Sutton's decision to donate his excess potatoes rather than discard them demonstrates the power of community-driven food distribution to make a positive impact.
