Kevin & Brenda Mee’s Annual Potato Gleaning

Every fall, a heartwarming event takes place in a potato field on the western side of the Treasure Valley. This isn't just any ordinary harvest. It's a mission driven by kindness, spearheaded by two beloved local radio personalities, Kevin and Brenda Mee of radio station 101.9 The Bull. Their annual potato gleaning event has become a tradition of giving back, nourishing both body and soul.

The Story Behind the Event

Kevin and Brenda Mee, well known local radio hosts, have been hosting this event for over a decade. What started as a simple idea—rescuing leftover potatoes from the fields after the main harvest—has blossomed into a large-scale community effort that will benefit Operation Grateful Hearts, a local charity that assists Idaho’s military families and veterans in their time of need.  Farmers often leave behind tons of perfectly edible potatoes that don’t meet size or cosmetic standards for commercial sale. Rather than let this valuable food go to waste, the Mee’s saw an opportunity to make a difference.

In partnership with local farmers, Kevin and Brenda invite volunteers of all ages and walks of life to participate in this massive gleaning effort. The result? Tens of thousands of pounds of potatoes collected every year, distributed to those that make the trek to the field - while the $10 per car suggested donation goes to Operation Grateful Hearts to help serve their mission.

How It Works

Gleaning is the practice of gathering leftover crops from farmers’ fields after they’ve been commercially harvested. Traditionally, this was done by those who couldn’t afford to buy food, but in modern times, it’s more about reducing waste and providing for the community.

In Kevin and Brenda's annual event, volunteers gather at a designated farm, armed with buckets, bags, gloves, and the spirit of fun and giving. The atmosphere is one of joy and camaraderie. Families, children, church groups, and even those who have benefitted from the food in the past come together to help. Kevin and Brenda are often there from start to finish, sharing laughs, stories, and their unwavering passion for the cause.

Once the gleaning begins, volunteers work together to gather the leftover potatoes. Some people bring their own wheelbarrows and trucks to haul the potatoes to distribution sites. It’s a day of hard work, but there’s something deeply satisfying about knowing that these potatoes will feed hundreds of families.

How to Get Involved

If you’re in the greater Boise area and want to join Kevin and Brenda Mee’s potato gleaning event, mark your calendars for the morning of Saturday October 5th.  For details you can follow this link for currently released details and sign up for emails containing updates: https://mailchi.mp/iliadmg.com/gleaning-update-17653302

Final Thoughts

Kevin and Brenda Mee’s annual potato gleaning is a testament to the power of giving and community. Each fall, as the fields are filled with volunteers and the community bands together for a common cause, it’s clear: the true harvest is not just the potatoes, but the spirit of generosity that sustains the Treasure Valley.