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P.E.I. hands out potatoes, dairy care packages over long weekend

Island producers partnered with the Province of Prince Edward Island to support Island families in need with care packages this past Easter weekend.

Under the Island Producers Helping Islanders initiative, Amalgamated Dairies Limited (ADL), the P.E.I. Potato Board and provincial government handed out free care packages to Islanders this past Saturday that include local dairy products and potatoes.

“Islanders are known for supporting each other, especially in times of need, and we have certainly seen that spirit of kindness and generosity come through over the past few weeks,” said Agriculture and Land Minister Bloyce Thompson. “Through this initiative, we are seeing producers come together to support Islanders in need despite facing their own sector challenges during this pandemic. I could not be more proud to be part of this community, coming together the Island way as that is how we will get through this.”

A drive through pick up was set up in two locations on Saturday, Apr. 11, 2020, one in Summerside and one in Charlottetown. To support physical distancing, Islanders were asked to remain in their vehicles while volunteers placed the care package in the trunk.

https://twitter.com/BloyceThompson/status/1249032079289057285

“ADL is proud to partner with the provincial government and the P.E.I. Potato Board to provide quality P.E.I. dairy products to Islanders that need them the most through this pandemic,” said Jamie MacPhail, ADL Corporate Secretary and communications lead, in a released statement. “By working together and supporting each other Islanders will get through this crisis together and be stronger because of it.”

Thank you to @PEIPotatoes and ADL, who partnered with the PEI gov this morning to hand out care packages of free potatoes and dairy products. "Sold out" – Both Summerside and Charlottetown locations have given away all of their products. #PEICOVID19 pic.twitter.com/lpsEVe76Wl

— Government of PEI (@InfoPEI) April 11, 2020

“We are happy to be participating in this special initiative to help fellow Islanders,” said Pownal potato farmer and P.E.I. Potato Board chairman Jason Hayden. “Potatoes are a nutritious, versatile food that provide great year-round value, while also being a comfort food. We know many Islanders are making sacrifices to help protect each other and get through the COVID-19 situation as safely and as quickly as possible, and these care packages are a small token of our appreciation this Easter weekend.”

This one-time initiative was intended to help Islanders and families in need; however, was open to everyone. Islanders interested in making a donation in light of the free care package may do so online to a local charity of their choice.