PLATTEVILLE, Colo. -- For the second year in a row, Miller Farms opened its fields to anybody who wanted free vegetables.

Armed with shovels, picks, barrels and bags thousands of people turned out to gather food for themselves and for others.

"We asked the people to come out who were really in need of the food. So, there are not as many people as last year, but it's more manageable for us," said owner Chris Miller.

Miller estimated about 6,000 people had passed through the fields by 4 p.m. Last year, 40,000 people showed up by day's end. Miller said the weather likely played a roll in Saturday's fewer numbers. The snow on the ground made it less inviting. Weather also made for a smaller crop with fewer vegetables available.

"We got wiped out with hail the last part of July," said Miller. There's not as much stuff left, but people still need food."

People like Steve Rivera.

"The last year has been hard. The past couple of years actually have been real bad. I've been laid off several times from different jobs," he said.

Rivera brought his whole family to pluck pounds of potatoes and carrots. He said he planned to share the gift with others.

"I will probably help at least six families that I know," he said. "Whoever needs it, you know. I'll say, 'if you need it, take it,' so it doesn't go to waste."

7NEWS asked what would happen to the food if the Millers didn't hold this event. Miller said in the past, they've opened the field to the neighbor's cows.

"But there's just so much, and people need to eat. There are a lot of people going hungry. So, let's just let them have it," said Miller.

Miller Farms is located east of Longmont on Colo. Highway 66.