Volunteers load potatoes during a previous potato drop at Grace United Methodist Church. This year, people can pick up a load of potatoes for free from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, or until supplies run out.
DAILY JOURNAL FILE PHOTO
The truck comes rolling into Franklin each December, loaded with more potatoes than anyone can imagine.
Bags and bags of the versatile tubers will be piled up high — more than 40,000 pounds in total delivered to the parking lot at Grace United Methodist Church. And on Saturday, people are welcome to come to the church to get a bag for free, to mash or bake or fry or use however is helpful in their holiday cooking.
Grace United Methodist will again host its potato drop from 8 a.m. to noon Dec. 10, or until organizers run out of supplies. The church has arranged to have 20 pounds of potatoes available; all participants need to do is drive up and have a sack loaded into their car.
With many people in the community struggling to feed themselves and their families this holiday season, the distribution is a way to help meet a need with a food source that be used in so many different ways.
“People can simply come in their cars, and we’ll load them up. They can pick up potatoes for their family and loved ones,” said Andy Kinsey, pastor at Grace United Methodist Church. “They’re free, and it’s a staple food, so hopefully this can help people.”
The church has hosted the potato distribution since 2012. The event started as an outreach of its men’s ministry, as they ordered the potatoes from Wisconsin, helped unload them in the church parking lot and organized the drive-up distribution for people.
Donations and support from the church community helps to pay for the potatoes, and ensures that people who need them can pick them up for free.
The potato drop fits into a focus for the church in addressing food insecurity in the community.
“It’s part of our overall mission to address food insecurity as part of our outreach. That and homelessness have been two key areas that we’ve tried to focus on, raise awareness and try to do something about the problem,” Kinsey said. “That’s part of what we’ve been trying to do.”
No registration is necessary — people who arrive at the church on Saturday will be directed to its east parking lot, where volunteers will direct the cars and distribute the potatoes.
The distribution will happen regardless of the weather, and people are encouraged to come earlier in the morning if they can, Kinsey said.
“We’re advertising it between 8 a.m. and (noon), however, they could be gone before then. If they can come by early, that’s best,” he said.
IF YOU GO
Potato Drop
What: A free distribution of 40,000 pounds of potatoes. Participants can simply drive up and have a load of potatoes to take home.
When: 8 a.m.-noon Dec.10, or until supplies run out
Where: Grace United Methodist Church, 1300 E. Adams St., Franklin
Information: 317-736-7962
