Ugly Potato Day by the Odd Bunch has unofficially broken the world record for the most amount of fruit and vegetables donated in 24 hours.
Event organizer, Tyler Heppell told the Surrey Now-Leader that over 550,000 pounds of food was given away to over 25, 000 people Saturday (Aug. 9).
On Saturday morning, rows and rows of bins full of fruits and vegetables, such as ugly potatoes, corn, cherries, and bananas, lined the floor of the Cloverdale Agriplex, ready to be picked and taken home. People were initially limited to filling two bags each.
Organizers had initially planned to break a Guinness World Record at this years event but that changed.
"With Guinness there is a lot of red tape and additional costs, and we felt like this day is all about just helping people in our community, and we didn't want to focus on just chasing a record," Heppell said. "We are unofficially beating the world record for most amount of produce and food giving out. We just didn't pay the money for Guinness to come fly out and verify it."
The last Ugly Potato Day took place on B.C.'s election day during an atmospheric river in October 2024 and more than 15,000 people attended. Many people stood in line in the pouring rain for hours only to be turned away when the food ran out.
This year's event was a little different, though, as pre-registration and a free ticket was required for entry to ensure the day ran smoothly. Attendees had to select from one of three time slots (10 a.m. to 11:30, 12-1:30 p.m., 2-3:30 p.m.).
Over 19,000 people claimed their free tickets, Heppell said, but they expect closer to 30,000 to attend the event, as those without tickets could still grab potatoes, carrots, and pineapple in the Stetson Bowl.
"Today is so easy going. We have double the amount of people today than we had in October. We have double the amount of food to give away, but we have systems in place and have hired professional parking and security, and that's because we partnered with Odd Bunch Canada to make this day a really official; a proper day where everyone has a good time."
The Heppell potato farming family started Ugly Potato Day in 2022 to help reduce the number of edible potatoes that go to waste due to their odd shape, growth cracks or bruises. It also helps battle food insecurity in the region, as the initiative invites residents to stop by the event and fill up on the still-delicious produce for free. Twenty other farms have partnered with the Heppell's over the years to provide vegetables and fruit for the events.
Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke attended the event alongside City Councillors Rob Stutt, Gordon Hepner, Harry Bains, and Pardeep Kooner.
Locke told the Surrey Now-Leader how grateful she was for the Heppell family for continuing to put on this event.
"You can see there are tens of thousands of people here, and it's just a real statement about, first of all, about how much food goes to waste, and how tragic is that but it's also a statement about the need and people coming and lining up like this for free food," Locke said.
The City provided the Cloverdale Agriplex and its grounds for the event, as well as a cash donation.
The real heroes are Tyler Heppell, his team and the Odd Bunch, Locke said. Hosting this event does not happen in a "blink of an eye"; it takes a lot of organization and preparation, Locke said.
Heppell will likely start planning for next year's event now, "and the city will be supporting him next year again," Locke said.
