Ag Weekly Online: Twin Falls, Idaho

EAGLE, Idaho 2/15/08 - Chefs David Burke, Paul Prudhomme and Michael Symon are among eleven chefs sharing their favorite Idaho Potato recipes in the Idaho Potato Commission’s “Recipes for Relief” online program. The goal of this unique program is to celebrate the United Nation’s declaration of 2008 as the International Year of the Potato by raising awareness and $50,000 for UNICEF, an organization that provides lifesaving nutrition, clean water and education to children in more than 150 countries around the world.

Each month beginning in February, which is also Potato Lovers Month, a different chef and his/her recipe will be featured on www.idahopotato2008.org. Every time a visitor clicks on the recipe of the month, the Idaho Potato Commission will donate 10 cents to the U.S. Fund for UNICEF with a guaranteed donation of $50,000. Funds will support UNICEF’s programs for children around the world. The Recipe for Relief program will run from February through December.

“We are very pleased the United Nations is recognizing the importance of the potato in helping end world hunger. We know that children are particularly vulnerable to hunger and malnutrition which is why the U.S. Fund for UNIICEF is such a natural organization for us to work with,” said Frank Muir, president & CEO, Idaho Potato Commission. “We are especially appreciative to our chef friends who jumped at the opportunity to help us communicate the importance of American’s favorite vegetable while raising awareness and funds for the U.S. Fund for UNICEF.”

“We are honored to be a part of the Idaho Potato Commission’s efforts to raise awareness of the global importance of the potato and to be selected as the recipient of their fundraising efforts,” said Caryl Stern, president and CEO, U.S. Fund for UNICEF. “With the funds raised by the Recipes for Relief program, UNICEF will be able to continue its important work saving children’s lives.”