On March 27, the Adventist Community Services (ACS) center in Winnipeg came alive with energy as volunteers gathered for the second annual “Potato Days,” a spring outreach initiative that continues to grow in both scale and impact. Despite the lingering winter chill outside, the atmosphere indoors reflected warmth and shared purpose.

This year’s event was made possible through a generous donation from T & M Olmstead Farms, which provided an impressive 2,665 pounds of fresh, locally grown potatoes. The contribution underscores the vital role that agricultural partnerships play in strengthening food security efforts across the region.

To manage the large-scale distribution, 25 volunteers stepped in to sort and package the potatoes, including 10 students from Prairie Central Adventist Academy. Working side by side with community members, the students gained hands-on service experience while contributing meaningfully to their local community.

The potatoes were distributed to individual clients as well as community partners throughout Winnipeg, ensuring broad reach across the city. For many recipients, the event provided not only essential food supplies but also a tangible reminder of the care and coordination behind each distribution. Support from donors like you helped turn compassion into action.

“Potato Days is about more than just a distribution; it’s about the strength of our network,” shared Stephanie Yamniuk, Regional Manager for ADRA and Acting Director of ACS. “Seeing the community come together—from the farmers in Carberry to the students at PCAA—reminds us that we are all interconnected in the fight against food insecurity.”

As the final bags were distributed, this year’s event reaffirmed the value of collaboration among local producers, volunteers, and community organizations. Through initiatives like Potato Days, ADRA and ACS continue to demonstrate how coordinated, compassionate action can deliver meaningful support to families in need.