IPC Youth Initiative Awards $7,500 in Prize Money

The Idaho Potato Commission (IPC) “Smashed Spuddy Buddy” sweepstakes awarded 75 winners with a $100 American Express gift card, after having received hundreds of submissions from children across the country.

Launched by the IPC in partnership with Idaho First Lady Lori Otter, the educational and interactive Smashed Spuddy Buddy program was designed to teach kids about the nutritional benefits of Idaho potatoes and how they're grown.

“The Idaho Potato Commission places a high value on educating young people about smart nutritional choices,” said Frank Muir, president and CEO of the Eagle-based IPC. “We are thrilled that the program [was] met with such incredible response from children, while communicating the importance of Idaho potatoes in a fun, unique way.”

To participate in the sweepstakes, kids watched an educational video entitled “How a Potato Grows” on the IPC’s website, downloaded and colored their own picture of Spuddy Buddy, and had their photo taken with him in their location of choice.

Entries were received from families representing 38 different states; winners were randomly selected.