UMaine to Celebrate Maine Potatoes at Wednesday Event
Contact: Joe Carr at (207) 581-3571
ORONO — Trucks recently rolled into the University of Maine with 4,000 pounds of Maine potatoes, purchased at a steep discount from the surplus supply of the Maine Dept. of Corrections. Those spuds will find their way, on Wednesday March 23, onto the tables of UMaine students in a fun and educational event that will showcase the Maine potato and serve to kick off the recognition of UMaine’s commitment to serving more home-grown Maine produce.
On Wednesday, UMaine Dining Services will host “Spud-Tacular 2005,” from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. in Maine Marketplace, the food service area in Memorial Union. An upbeat and fun event, “Spud-Tacular 2005” will feature a menu including potato lasagna, Polish potato pizza, potato latkes, potato candy, potato bread and potato salads. Through packaging and promotional efforts, the event will draw positive attention to potatoes in particular, but also to other food products that grow in Maine.
“In addition to the obvious costs savings, these potatoes afford UMaine the opportunity to develop some creative programming that will draw attention to the value and importance of Maine food products,” says Janet Waldron, UMaine’s Vice President for Administration and Finance. “Additionally, the timing is perfect to draw attention to Maine-grown agricultural products. Spring arrives next week, and the planting season will be here before we know it.”
Maine Agriculture Commissioner Robert Spear, along with representatives from the Maine Potato Board and the Dept. of Corrections, will be in attendance at Wednesday’s event.