Eagle, ID, August 17, 2010 — Over 500 volunteers gathered at American Falls High School in American Falls, Idaho for the first mobile Manna Pack packing event to help assemble 300,000 Manna Pack™-Potato meals that will be shipped to countries around the world to help malnourished children, including those in Haiti.  Manna Pack™-Potato is a “first food” designed specifically for malnourished children with diarrhea, containing potato granules, soy flour, vitamins, minerals and sweet potato flavoring.

“It was an honor for the Idaho Potato Commission (IPC) and Idaho® potato industry members to participate in this volunteer-driven event,”  said Frank Muir, President & CEO, IPC.  “In addition to providing a monetary donation, we were able to actually assemble the sustenance that will help save the lives of thousands of children around the world.”

“This was a very rewarding experience for me both professionally and personally because not only does it support the potato industry, it puts nutritional food directly into the hands of the neediest – sick and starving children,” explained Cheryl Koompin, Chairwoman, United States Potato Board (USPB).  “This event took place during a national USPB meeting allowing potato growers from Maine to California to participate in a very special and charitable event.”

The organization driving this volunteer effort, Feed My Starving Children, has scheduled another packing event to take place in Boise on January 17, 2011.

About Feed My Starving Children

Feed My Starving Children is a Christian nonprofit hunger relief organization, founded in 1987 that strives to eliminate starvation in children throughout the world by helping to instill compassion in people to hear and respond to the cries of those in need.  For more information visit http://www.fmsc.org.

About the Idaho Potato Commission

The Idaho Potato Commission is a state agency that is primarily responsible for expanding the markets for Idaho®-grown potatoes through advertising, promotion and research. The Commission also protects the use of the “Idaho®” potato and “Grown in Idaho®” seals, which are federally registered Certification Marks that belong to the IPC. These Marks ensure that consumers are purchasing potatoes that have been grown in the state of Idaho.  For more information visit www.idahopotato.com.

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Contact:
Sue Kennedy
EvansHardy+Young, Inc.
302.547.3625
suekennedypr@comcast.net

In the Boise International Airport, visitors can’t miss the “Welcome to Idaho” sign that hangs prominently near the down escalators.  This ad depicts the goodness of Idaho® potatoes by showing lush, green fields teamed with the “Grown in Idaho®” seal — a strong reminder for consumers to always look for the seal when they purchase potatoes. Near the baggage claim carousel, travelers are treated to a humorous ad that playfully prompts them to pick up the “right bag” – at the airport and at the grocery store.  The “Right Bag” ad is currently displayed at the Boise International and Idaho Falls Regional Airports.

“Not surprisingly, the majority of out-of-state visitors enter Idaho via its airports,” said Frank Muir, President and CEO, IPC. “Airport advertising provides a cost-effective way for the IPC to greet travelers and welcome them to the state that potatoes made famous.”

The “Right Bag” ad is set to land in three other major airports later this year. The ads will appear in baggage claim areas of John F. Kennedy International and LaGuardia Airports — two of the busiest travel hubs in the country that are located in the IPC’s biggest market, New York.  In October, the ads will arrive in Orlando, FL, just in time for the country’s largest produce meeting, the Produce Marketing Association (PMA) Trade Show.

The ads will be on display at the respective airports for a one-year period.

About the IPC

The Idaho Potato Commission is a state agency that is primarily responsible for expanding the markets for Idaho-grown potatoes through advertising, promotion and research. The Commission also protects the use of the “Idaho® potato ” and “Grown in Idaho®” seals, which are federally registered Certification Marks that belong to the IPC. These Marks ensure that consumers are purchasing potatoes that have been grown in the state of Idaho. For more information about Idaho® potatoes, visit www.idahopotato.com.

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Fitness guru Denise Austin and television icon, Mr. Food (aka Art Ginsburg) helped launch the online contest that challenged health-conscious and resourceful home chefs to create innovative and easy-to-prepare Idaho® potato recipes that are easy on the waistline and the wallet.  Each recipe was required to use Idaho® potatoes as a main ingredient (fresh, frozen or dehydrated) and have no more than 10 ingredients.  All submissions were judged on originality and taste, ease of preparation, overall healthfulness and the approximate total cost of the ingredients.  The contest ran from January 25, 2010 until April 30, 2010.

“The winning recipes really showcase the excellent nutritional value, affordability and versatility of America’s favorite potato, the Idaho® potato,” said Frank Muir, President and CEO, IPC. “Challenging economic times have prompted many to sharpen their cooking skills and get more creative with staples that have always been a bargain like Idaho® potatoes – a low-cost, nutrient-dense food that can be served at any meal.  The winning recipes are fantastic!  Congratulations to the winners and thank you to everyone who submitted an entry.”

Bursts of unexpected flavor and crunchy texture tipped the point scale on the judges’ scorecards for Berry’s spinach salad.  Another plus is that the dish is prepared in three easy steps!  Bite-sized Idaho® potato cubes are sauteed with sliced mushrooms.  The savory saute is then placed atop a bed of fresh baby spinach and spinkled with minced onions, crumbled feta and crunchy flax seeds.  Drizzle a perfectly balanced warm balsamic dressing to complete the dish.

For her waistline- and wallet-friendly recipe, Berry received a cash prize of $100 and autographed copies of Denise Austin’s new book, Denise’s Daily Dozen, and Mr. Food’s latest cookbook, Mr. Food TV Favorites.

To view all the “Watching Waistlines & Wallets” Recipe Contest’s winning recipes, visit www.idahopotato.com/wwaw_contest.

About the IPC

The Idaho Potato Commission is a state agency that is primarily responsible for expanding the markets for Idaho®-grown potatoes through advertising, promotion and research.  The Commission also protects the use of the “Idaho® potato” and “Grown in Idaho®” seals, which are federally registered Certification Marks that belong to the IPC.  These Marks ensure that consumers are puchasing potatoes that have been grown in the state of Idaho.  For more information visit www.idahopotato.com.

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Fitness guru Denise Austin and television icon, Mr. Food (aka Art Ginsburg) helped launch the online contest that challenged health-conscious and resourceful home chefs to create innovative and easy-to-prepare Idaho® potato recipes that are easy on the waistline and the wallet.  Each recipe was required to use Idaho® potatoes as a main ingredient (fresh, frozen or dehydrated) and have no more than 10 ingredients.  All submissions were judged on originality and taste, ease of preparation, overall healthfulness and the approximate total cost of the ingredients.  The contest ran from January 25, 2010 until April 30, 2010.

“The winning recipes really showcase the excellent nutritional value, affordability and versatility of America’s favorite potato, the Idaho® potato,” said Frank Muir, President and CEO, IPC. “Challenging economic times have prompted many to sharpen their cooking skills and get more creative with staples that have always been a bargain like Idaho® potatoes – a low-cost, nutrient-dense food that can be served at any meal.  The winning recipes are fantastic!  Congratulations to the winners and thank you to everyone who submitted an entry.”

Haas’ Creamy Idaho® Potato and White Bean Soup recipe won the hearts and stomachs of the judges who couldn’t resist the medley of flavors in this rich yet low-fat soup.  Rosemary, garlic and white onions tantalize taste buds while the cannellini beans add texture and richness to the already creamy Idaho® potato soup base.  Serve as a meal or a side dish topped with crumbled blue cheese and chopped green onions.

For her waistline- and wallet-friendly recipe, Haas received a cash prize of $100 and autographed copies of Denise Austin’s new book, Denise’s Daily Dozen, and Mr. Food’s latest cookbook, Mr. Food TV Favorites.

To view all the “Watching Waistlines & Wallets” Recipe Contest’s winning recipes, visit www.idahopotato.com/wwaw_contest.

About the IPC

The Idaho Potato Commission is a state agency that is primarily responsible for expanding the markets for Idaho®-grown potatoes through advertising, promotion and research.  The Commission also protects the use of the “Idaho® potato” and “Grown in Idaho®” seals, which are federally registered Certification Marks that belong to the IPC.  These Marks ensure that consumers are puchasing potatoes that have been grown in the state of Idaho.  For more information visit www.idahopotato.com.

###

Fitness guru Denise Austin and television icon, Mr. Food (aka Art Ginsburg) helped launch the online contest that challenged health-conscious and resourceful home chefs to create innovative and easy-to-prepare Idaho® potato recipes that are easy on the waistline and the wallet.  Each recipe was required to use Idaho® potatoes as a main ingredient (fresh, frozen or dehydrated) and have no more than 10 ingredients.  All submissions were judged on originality and taste, ease of preparation, overall healthfulness and the approximate total cost of the ingredients.  The contest ran from January 25, 2010 until April 30, 2010.

“The winning recipes really showcase the excellent nutritional value, affordability and versatility of America’s favorite potato, the Idaho® potato,” said Frank Muir, President and CEO, IPC. “Challenging economic times have prompted many to sharpen their cooking skills and get more creative with staples that have always been a bargain like Idaho® potatoes – a low-cost, nutrient-dense food that can be served at any meal.  The winning recipes are fantastic!  Congratulations to the winners and thank you to everyone who submitted an entry.”

This healthy twist on a traditional Irish favorite was a hands-down winner.  Fluffy mashed Idaho® potatoes are added to a skillet of sauteed leeks and green onions.  Boiled, chopped cabbage is spooned in to add texture and color to this versatile and easy-to-prepare dish.  Top with chopped parsley and it’s the perfect accompaniment to almost any meal from grilled steak to baked chicken to broiled fish.

For her waistline- and wallet-friendly recipe, Spengler received a cash prize of $100 and autographed copies of Denise Austin’s new book, Denise’s Daily Dozen, and Mr. Food’s latest cookbook, Mr. Food TV Favorites.

To view all the “Watching Waistlines & Wallets” Recipe Contest’s winning recipes, visit www.idahopotato.com/wwaw_contest.

About the IPC

The Idaho Potato Commission is a state agency that is primarily responsible for expanding the markets for Idaho®-grown potatoes through advertising, promotion and research.  The Commission also protects the use of the “Idaho® potato” and “Grown in Idaho®” seals, which are federally registered Certification Marks that belong to the IPC.  These Marks ensure that consumers are puchasing potatoes that have been grown in the state of Idaho.  For more information visit www.idahopotato.com.

###

Fitness guru Denise Austin and television icon, Mr. Food (aka Art Ginsburg) helped launch the online contest that challenged health-conscious and resourceful home chefs to create innovative and easy-to-prepare Idaho® potato recipes that are easy on the waistline and the wallet.  Each recipe was required to use Idaho® potatoes as a main ingredient (fresh, frozen or dehydrated) and have no more than 10 ingredients.  All submissions were judged on originality and taste, ease of preparation, overall healthfulness and the approximate total cost of the ingredients.  The contest ran from January 25, 2010 until April 30, 2010.

“The winning recipes really showcase the excellent nutritional value, affordability and versatility of America’s favorite potato, the Idaho® potato,” said Frank Muir, President and CEO, IPC. “Challenging economic times have prompted many to sharpen their cooking skills and get more creative with staples that have always been a bargain like Idaho® potatoes – a low-cost, nutrient-dense food that can be served at any meal.  The winning recipes are fantastic!  Congratulations to the winners and thank you to everyone who submitted an entry.”

Instant Idaho® potato flakes are the “secret ingredient” in Neibling’s winning Fudge Mocha Idaho® Potato Cake recipe.  Semi-sweet chocolate chips and instant coffee granules give this unique cake its rich mocha flavor but it’s the potato flakes that provide the “melt-in-your-mouth” texture.  Whipped topping, sliced fresh berries and a mint leaf make this decadent dessert even more irresistible.

For her waistline- and wallet-friendly recipe, Neibling received a cash prize of $100 and autographed copies of Denise Austin’s new book, Denise’s Daily Dozen, and Mr. Food’s latest cookbook, Mr. Food TV Favorites.

To view all the “Watching Waistlines & Wallets” Recipe Contest’s winning recipes, visit www.idahopotato.com/wwaw_contest.

About the IPC

The Idaho Potato Commission is a state agency that is primarily responsible for expanding the markets for Idaho®-grown potatoes through advertising, promotion and research.  The Commission also protects the use of the “Idaho® potato” and “Grown in Idaho®” seals, which are federally registered Certification Marks that belong to the IPC.  These Marks ensure that consumers are puchasing potatoes that have been grown in the state of Idaho.  For more information visit www.idahopotato.com.

###

Fitness guru Denise Austin and television icon, Mr. Food (aka Art Ginsburg) helped launch the online contest that challenged health-conscious and resourceful home chefs to create innovative and easy-to-prepare Idaho® potato recipes that are easy on the waistline and the wallet.  Each recipe was required to use Idaho® potatoes as a main ingredient (fresh, frozen or dehydrated) and have no more than 10 ingredients.  All submissions were judged on originality and taste, ease of preparation, overall healthfulness and the approximate total cost of the ingredients.  The contest ran from January 25, 2010 until April 30, 2010.

“The winning recipes really showcase the excellent nutritional value, affordability and versatility of America’s favorite potato, the Idaho® potato,” said Frank Muir, President and CEO, IPC. “Challenging economic times have prompted many to sharpen their cooking skills and get more creative with staples that have always been a bargain like Idaho® potatoes – a low-cost, nutrient-dense food that can be served at any meal.  The winning recipes are fantastic!  Congratulations to the winners and thank you to everyone who submitted an entry.”

The fresh flavors of the Mediterranean are showcased in this simple-to-prepare hummus.  Garlic, tahini, lemon juice, sun-dried tomatoes and kalamata olives blend perfectly with the Idaho® potato flakes into a smooth, flavorful hummus dip.  Served with toasted pita, sliced cucumbers or spooned into mushroom caps, this healthy appetizer convinced the judges that every well-stocked pantry should have a box of Idaho® potato flakes!

For her waistline- and wallet-friendly recipe, Arrieta received a cash prize of $100 and autographed copies of Denise Austin’s new book, Denise’s Daily Dozen, and Mr. Food’s latest cookbook, Mr. Food TV Favorites.

To view all the “Watching Waistlines & Wallets” Recipe Contest’s winning recipes, visit www.idahopotato.com/wwaw_contest.

About the IPC

The Idaho Potato Commission is a state agency that is primarily responsible for expanding the markets for Idaho®-grown potatoes through advertising, promotion and research.  The Commission also protects the use of the “Idaho® potato” and “Grown in Idaho®” seals, which are federally registered Certification Marks that belong to the IPC.  These Marks ensure that consumers are puchasing potatoes that have been grown in the state of Idaho.  For more information visit www.idahopotato.com.

###

Fitness guru Denise Austin and television icon, Mr. Food (aka Art Ginsburg) helped launch the online contest that challenged health-conscious and resourceful home chefs to create innovative and easy-to-prepare Idaho® potato recipes that are easy on the waistline and the wallet.  Each recipe was required to use Idaho® potatoes as a main ingredient (fresh, frozen or dehydrated) and have no more than 10 ingredients.  All submissions were judged on originality and taste, ease of preparation, overall healthfulness and the approximate total cost of the ingredients.  The contest ran from January 25, 2010 until April 30, 2010.

“The winning recipes really showcase the excellent nutritional value, affordability and versatility of America’s favorite potato, the Idaho® potato,” said Frank Muir, President and CEO, IPC. “Challenging economic times have prompted many to sharpen their cooking skills and get more creative with staples that have always been a bargain like Idaho® potatoes – a low-cost, nutrient-dense food that can be served at any meal.  The winning recipes are fantastic!  Congratulations to the winners and thank you to everyone who submitted an entry.”

Mesch’s Cilantro, Lime Chicken and Idaho® Potatoes was a hands-down favorite among the judges.  This delicious one-dish meal is easy to prepare and perfect for busy days; simply bake skinless chicken breasts drizzled with lime juice along side cubed Idaho® potatoes.  Then combine low-fat cheese, salsa and freshly chopped cilantro, spoon over the chicken and potatoes, and bake a bit longer.  The judges unanimously agreed that this hearty and healthy main course raises the bar for homemade dinners.

For her waistline- and wallet-friendly recipe, Mesche receives a cash prize of $1,500 and autographed copies of Denise Austin’s new book, Denise’s Daily Dozen, and Mr. Food’s latest cookbook, Mr. Food TV Favorites.

To view all the “Watching Waistlines & Wallets” Recipe Contest’s winning recipes, visit www.idahopotato.com/wwaw_contest.

About the IPC

The Idaho Potato Commission is a state agency that is primarily responsible for expanding the markets for Idaho®-grown potatoes through advertising, promotion and research.  The Commission also protects the use of the “Idaho® potato” and “Grown in Idaho®” seals, which are federally registered Certification Marks that belong to the IPC.  These Marks ensure that consumers are puchasing potatoes that have been grown in the state of Idaho.  For more information visit www.idahopotato.com.

###

Television icon, Mr. Food (aka Art Ginsburg), and fitness guru Denise Austin launched the online contest that challenged health-conscious and resourceful home chefs to create innovative and easy-to-prepare Idaho® potato recipes that are easy on the waistline and the wallet.  Each recipe was required to use Idaho® potatoes as a main ingredient (fresh, frozen or dehydrated) and have no more than 10 ingredients.  All submissions were judged on originality and taste, ease of preparation, overall healthfulness and the approximate total cost of the ingredients.  The contest ran from January 25, 2010 until April 30, 2010.

“The winning recipes really showcase the excellent nutritional value, affordability and versatility of America’s favorite potato, the Idaho® potato,” said Frank Muir, President and CEO, IPC. “Challenging economic times have prompted many to sharpen their cooking skills and get more creative with staples that have always been a bargain like Idaho® potatoes – a low-cost, nutrient-dense food that can be served at any meal.  The winning recipes are fantastic!  Congratulations to the winners and thank you to everyone who submitted an entry.”

And the winners are…

$5,000 Grand Prize Winner:

Kelly Mapes of Ft. Collins, Colorado

Idaho® Potato “Plank” Bruschetta

Kelly Mapes, a counseling assistant at the local high school and mother of three college-age children, was inspired to create her award-winning recipe by the movie, “Julie & Julia” (2009).  In the movie, one of the main characters, Julie Powell, makes bruschetta in a skillet.  Mapes, a self-proclaimed Idaho® potato lover, realized she could reinvent her family’s favorite bruschetta recipe using sliced spuds instead of bread.

Mapes’ winning Idaho® Potato “Plank” Bruschetta recipe uses fresh Idaho® potatoes and can be served as a quick and easy appetizer, side or main dish.  Mashed cannellini beans, mixed with pesto, are spread on the potato “planks” and topped with diced tomatoes, kalamata olives and a light sprinkling of low-fat feta.  This bright, flavorful dish “wowed” the IPC judges with its simple yet bold flavors made with ingredients that many home cooks already have in their pantries.

$1,500 Runner Up:

Nadine Mesch of Mt. Healthy, Ohio

Cilantro, Lime Chicken and Idaho® Potatoes

This delicious one-dish meal is easy to prepare and perfect for busy days.  Flavored with lime juice, salsa and freshly chopped cilantro, it raises the bar for family dinners.

Five $100 Honorable Mentions:

Deborah Arrieta of Kennesaw, Georgia

Mediterranean Idaho® Potato-Parmesan Hummus

Margee Berry of Trout Lake, Washington

Warm Wilted Idaho® Potato and Spinach Salad

Robin Hass of Cranston, Rhode Island

Creamy Idaho® Potato and White Bean Soup

Diane Neibling of Overland Park, Kansas

Fudge Mocha Idaho® Potato Cake

Angela Spengler of Clovis, New Mexico

Irish Colcannon with Spring Onions and Leeks

All of the IPC’s “Watching Waistlines & Wallets” Recipe Contest winners received autographed copies of Denise Austin’s new book, Denise’s Daily Dozen, and Mr. Food’s latest cookbook, Mr. Food TV Favorites.

To view all the “Watching Waistlines & Wallets” Recipe Contest’s winning recipes, visit www.idahopotato.com/wwaw_contest.

About the IPC

The Idaho Potato Commission is a state agency that is primarily responsible for expanding the markets for Idaho®-grown potatoes through advertising, promotion and research.  The Commission also protects the use of the “Idaho® potato” and “Grown in Idaho®” seals, which are federally registered Certification Marks that belong to the IPC.  These Marks ensure that consumers are puchasing potatoes that have been grown in the state of Idaho.  For more information visit www.idahopotato.com.

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In addition to announcing the $5,000 Grand Prize Winner, Mr. Food will share “how-to” insider’s tips for entering and winning recipe contests.

Visit www.mrfood.com/info/tvshow.html to learn more about Mr. Food and view a list of local stations that air his food news segments.

On June 18, you will also be able to view all of the winning recipes by visiting www.idahopotato.com.

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