Ugly Potato Day Set to Feed Thousands in Cloverdale

OwenAugust 1, 20252 Mins read5

Ugly Potato Day Set to Feed Thousands in Cloverdale

Cloverdale’s Ugly Potato Day returns Aug. 9, aiming to give away 500,000 lbs of produce to 30,000+ people while fighting food waste across B.C.

Massive Free Produce Giveaway Returns to Cloverdale

Tens of thousands of people are expected to flock to the Cloverdale Fairgrounds on August 9 for the return of Ugly Potato Day, a large-scale food giveaway designed to tackle food waste and food insecurity. Organizers plan to distribute over 500,000 pounds of produce, enough to feed more than 30,000 individuals.

Feeding Families, Not Landfills

Created by fifth-generation farmer Ty Heppell, the event has grown rapidly since its inception. Although Heppell has stepped back from his original goal of setting a Guinness World Record due to “logistical challenges,” his mission remains unchanged: to help local families while highlighting the value of imperfect produce.

“This isn’t just a food giveaway, it’s a movement,” Heppell said in a June statement. “We’re uniting farms, families, and food lovers to fight food waste and feed our communities.”

A Growing Initiative with a Purpose

Now known as Ugly Potato Day by Odd Bunch, the 2025 edition is presented by Odd Bunch, Canada’s fastest-growing delivery service for “rescued” fruits and vegetables. CEO Divyansh Ojha said the company is proud to support the event’s message.

“We believe ugly produce can do beautiful things,” Ojha said. “This day turns food waste into food security.”

The initiative encourages the public to see past appearances and embrace “good food” that may not meet cosmetic standards but is still nutritious and safe to eat.

How to Attend and What to Expect

The event runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Cloverdale Fairgrounds (17905 62nd Avenue). Admission is free, but pre-registration is strongly encouraged to manage attendance and ensure fair distribution. Attendees are asked to bring their own bags, and those with tickets will receive priority access to premium produce.

Heppell’s goal is for each participant to walk away with 20–30 pounds of food, enough to feed a small household for up to a month.

Entertainment and Community Support

The event will also feature family-friendly entertainment, including a kids’ zone, a live DJ, and food trucks. The B.C. Lions are backing the event as a gold sponsor, adding a community-focused spirit to the day’s festivities. Parking will be available at the Cloverdale Racetrack, accessible via 176th Street at 62nd Avenue.