Cloverdale Rodeo Foundation Donates $5,000 to Ugly Potato Day Initiative

The Cloverdale Rodeo Youth Initiative Foundation has awarded $5,000 to the Ugly Potato Day program, a local initiative aimed at combating food waste and addressing food insecurity. This donation was presented to Tyler Heppell, the founder of the program, during an event in August 2023, where Heppell showcased his farming operation to the foundation’s board members.

The financial support from the Cloverdale Rodeo Youth Initiative Foundation (CRYIF) is part of the organization’s mission to give back to the community. According to Taylor Monastersky, chair of the foundation, CRYIF aligns its efforts with three core pillars: financial support, resource distribution, and community engagement. Monastersky emphasized the importance of initiatives like Ugly Potato Day, stating, “This is an excellent initiative to help connect food insecure families and local agriculture farms.”

Supporting Local Agriculture and Food Security

“Ugly Potato Day is a great event in Surrey where local farms give away produce for free to fight food waste and ensure fewer people go to bed hungry,”

Monastersky noted. The program not only helps reduce food waste but also fosters a connection between local farms and families in need. This aligns with the youth foundation’s commitment to supporting community-driven projects that promote sustainability and food security.

The donation highlights CRYIF’s broader focus on agriculture and its commitment to the “field to table” concept, which is further emphasized during the annual Cloverdale Rodeo and Country Fair. This connection brings awareness to the importance of local agriculture while helping those who struggle to access fresh produce.

As part of the presentation, Heppell provided a tour of his farming operation, allowing the foundation members to see firsthand the impact of their contribution. The collaboration between CRYIF and Ugly Potato Day not only enhances food security but also strengthens community ties by promoting local farming practices.

For more information about the Cloverdale Rodeo Youth Initiative Foundation, volunteer opportunities, or details on their scholarship program, visit their website at cloverdalerodeofoundation.com. The foundation continues to seek partnerships that enhance community welfare and support local initiatives aimed at improving food access and reducing waste.