From Fields to Families: A Cross-Country Story of Seeds and Spuds

Early in 2025, our friends at Beaver Creek Farms reached out to Second Harvest with a generous donation: over 140,000 lbs of surplus potatoes that needed a new home.

Thanks to the additional support of two more potato processors in Winkler, MB, so far more than 441,000 lbs of potatoes have been shipped to communities across Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta and Ontario, feeding families today and planting the seeds for tomorrow.

Our team got to work organizing washing and processing the potatoes. Before any shipment hits the road, a lot of coordination happens behind the scenes. We work closely with communities to make sure they not only want the donation, but that they are equipped to store and distribute it. When the potatoes arrived, people were ready.

Sioux Valley Dakota First Nation has partnered on several food shipments, building a dedicated team and a community-led approach to distribution, with volunteers ensuring everyone has access to the support they need.

“Your gift nourishes more than just our bodies — it strengthens the spirit of sharing and kinship that lies at the heart of who we are as Dakota people,” Christopher Hersak, director of Sioux Valley Health Centre shared on behalf of the community. “In times of challenge and growth, gestures like yours remind us that we are not alone, and that good-hearted partnerships can help us walk forward in a good way. Pidámiyedo — thank you for standing with us. Your kindness and generosity are deeply appreciated by our Nation.”

In other communities, the model is communal. People bring what they have —  bags, boxes and carts — and pick up what they need. Within hours of a truck being unloaded, food is sorted and within homes.

Not all the available potatoes were destined for the dinner table. Some were perfect for planting. These seed potatoes were sent to schools, backyard plots, and community gardens, helping strengthen local food systems and support long-term sustainability.

In Moosomin, SK, when a conveyor malfunctioned during a 55,000 lb seed potato delivery, Samantha Campbell, Administrator at Moosomin Food Share, quickly called the local high school for help. Within minutes, the parking lot was flooded with high school students with bags to help out.  

“Thank you so much for this donation and thinking of our small town!” Samantha shared, “it not only benefits our food bank but helps our community and all the surrounding communities out.”

From the farmers who grow and donate produce to volunteers taking donations door to door, Second Harvest’s work is made possible by people looking out for each other. Together we are building something lasting and showing what’s possible when neighbours become the supply chain and when nourishment comes with agency, trust and care.