Idaho Farmer Donates Millions of Pounds of Potatoes to Food Banks

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Due to an oversupply of potatoes in the U.S. and Europe, Idaho farmer Kent Sutton has begun offering millions of pounds of potatoes for free to food banks and charities, asking only that recipients cover the shipping costs. After posting his plea on social media, Sutton quickly arranged for ten semi-truck loads, totaling 420,000 pounds, to be delivered to those in need.

Why it matters

With a 'potato flood' causing a market surplus, Sutton's generous donation helps feed hungry families and reduces food waste that would otherwise occur. His actions highlight the challenges farmers face when dealing with overproduction, as well as the important role they can play in supporting their local communities.

The details

Sutton, a farmer in Rexburg, Idaho, said he was facing having to discard or use the excess potatoes as cattle feed. Instead, he put out a plea on social media offering the potatoes for free, asking only that recipients cover the freight costs. The response was overwhelming, with Sutton booking 10 semi-truck loads of 42,000 pounds each to be delivered to food banks and charities in the Midwest and as far away as Wyoming.

• Sutton posted his plea on social media in February 2026.
• The first 10 semi-truck loads of potatoes were delivered over the next two weeks.

What they’re saying

What’s next

Sutton expects to have many more pallets of potatoes to offer once he starts to dip into his stored crops, and plans to continue donating the excess to those in need.