CLEVELAND COUNTY, N.C. -- A local non-profit is struggling to provide food for those in need after a beetle infestation wiped out much of its crops.

• The non-profit typically hands out tens of thousands of pounds of potatoes to families needing help
• The beetle infestation wiped out this year’s harvest; about 30,000 pounds of potatoes
• The Salvation Army will collect potato donations for the Potato Project in downtown Shelby on Friday

"We still have a lot of people who don’t have access to fresh food,” co-founder of the Cleveland County Potato Project Douglas Sharp said.

The non-profit typically hands out tens of thousands of pounds of potatoes to families needing help. Sharp said this year will be a struggle.

Shap estimates the beetle infestation wiped out this year’s harvest; about 30,000 pounds of potatoes.

“They left nothing,” Sharp said.

Cleveland County Potato Project has tried growing corn and squash to make up for the loss, but the dry season has Sharp expecting the bulk of food to come from donations.

“We hope to collect enough money to make up for a significant portion of that 30,000 lb deficit," Sharp said.

The Salvation Army will collect potato donations for the Potato Project in downtown Shelby on Friday, September 14.

People can also bring potatoes to the Salvation Army on South Lafayette Street in Shelby.

To make a monetary donation to Cleveland County Potato Project, send a check to

Charles Reed

Treasurer, CCPP

1202 Hardin Place

Shelby, NC, 28150