5 Ways Potatoes Can Improve Food Access and Nutrition in the United States
One of our key goals at the Washington State Potato Commission is to improve food access for all Washington residents—and all Americans. We do this by supporting a strong and sustainable potato industry.
Why potatoes, though? What is it about this food item specifically that is so critical for improving dietary health across the country? Aren’t there plenty of foods out there that can do the job? Well, as you’ll see in the following blog post, potatoes are one of our most unique and important crops. Read on for our top five ways potatoes can improve food access and nutrition in the United States:
1. Potatoes Are Highly Affordable
As the country grapples with food inflation, many Americans have found themselves struggling to provide their families with staple groceries. Foods that were once thought of as inexpensive options have been relegated to rare, occasional treats. For example, the price of eggs has been rising steadily year after year, with no end in sight. While rising food costs are a reality we’ve all had to face, the impact has been much more severe for low-income families, as providing even basic necessities has become vastly more difficult.
While potatoes aren’t immune to these price increases, they still remain among the most affordable foods, particularly with regard to the number of calories provided per dollar. A 10-pound bag of potatoes will only set you back about five dollars at a chain grocery store, with many local grocers offering similar prices. That’s about 30 servings, meaning enough food to provide a healthy, filling dinner for a family of 4 for an entire week. High-calorie foods with a lower cost mean improved food security for millions of people across the country.
2. They’re Also One of the Most Nutrient-Dense Foods
When we say we are working to improve food access for Americans, we’re not just referring to empty calories. It’s crucial that the foods available can provide all the necessary nutrients for a balanced diet. This means vitamins, minerals, protein, carbohydrates, antioxidants, and fiber. Foods that contain many, or all, of these vital nutrients are often referred to as “superfoods” because even a single serving will be packed with the essential building blocks for a healthy life.
While they may not have the press of some of the trendier superfoods, potatoes can absolutely compete with the best of them when it comes to providing critical nutrients. This humble tuber provides a wide array of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, being particularly high in potassium, vitamin B6, and vitamin C. They also have plenty of fiber, which helps aid in digestive health, with a single potato containing more than that of five bananas. While high in beneficial calories, potatoes are also low in fat and sugar, making them an excellent choice for any dietary needs.
3. They Are Being Studied for Their Health Benefits
Speaking of nutrition, potatoes are now receiving attention in the laboratory for the potential health benefits they may offer for those who include them as part of their regular diet. While it’s difficult to directly track results using studies like these, early data seems very promising. For example, a study by Nutrition and Cancer has demonstrated the potential ability of the antioxidants found in the skins of potatoes to inhibit the growth of colon and liver cancer cells.
Similarly, a study found on PubMed refers to the ability of a certain starch that’s found in potatoes to help control blood sugar levels in both healthy individuals and those with Type 2 diabetes. Their ability to prevent unhealthy insulin spikes makes them an excellent food for diabetics and those at risk of developing diabetes. They are also great for those seeking a diet with a low Glycemic Index (GI). The potassium and fiber content in potatoes also makes them great for heart health. They can reduce the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and other diseases connected to high blood pressure, provided they are prepared in a healthy manner.
A healthy diet, including potatoes, also has economic benefits for American citizens. Healthier foods tend to mean fewer costly health problems, lower medical bills, and less missed work as a result of illness.
4. Potatoes Are Uniquely Versatile
As Samwise Gamgee famously says in The Lord of the Rings films: “Potatoes! Boil ’em, mash ’em, stick ’em in a stew!”
He could have kept going since there’s a lot more you can do to prepare a good potato dish. They can be French fried, made into potato salad, and even used to make delicious potato pancakes. They’re truly one of the most versatile foods in the world, which is critical for Americans who depend on low-cost meal programs for their everyday diets, including students and seniors.
As we’ve mentioned above, potatoes provide an economical, highly nutritious way to bring calories to people who otherwise would struggle with food access. One of their key benefits is the fact that they can be prepared in many different ways, meaning that even a diet that utilizes a large amount of potato products will never become boring or depressing.
5. Potatoes Are a Sustainable Food Source
Part of improving food security for Americans is ensuring that food sources are sustainable in the long term. It depends on being able to count on ongoing food access, regardless of weather patterns, climate changes, and other upheavals. This is why Washington potatoes are such a valuable resource. If they’re grown properly—with an eye toward sustainability—they can be one of the most secure food sources there is.
Local farmers help to ensure the ongoing health of Washington’s critical potato crops by implementing innovative new methods, such as integrated pest management and crop rotation, which helps to maintain soil viability year after year. The Washington Potato Commission works closely with the local community to support the independent growers in our great state. If you’d like to be a part of our ongoing efforts, explore our website to learn more about the work we do to improve food access across the country.
