Versatile and sustainable, potatoes help combat hunger, poverty and malnutrition, contributing to global food security.

Today is World Food Day, an annual event that is celebrated all around the world to mark the founding of the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), established in Québec, Canada, on 16 October 1945. From that day on, this celebration has been marked every year in over 150 countries, in order to raise awareness among the public about issues linked to poverty, hunger and malnutrition around the world, as well as about food security and promoting nutritious diets for everyone. This occasion is the perfect time to think about the global challenges linked to nutrition and to make a commitment towards creating a fairer, healthier and more sustainable food system for everyone. 
 
Potatoes, an essential and often undervalued food around the world, play a crucial role in combating poverty, hunger and malnutrition. 
 
Thanks to their outstanding adaptability and sustainability, they can be grown in a wide range of climates and soil types, from the cold heights of the Andes to the hot plains of India, they are a reliable food source all around the world, especially in regions affected by adverse weather conditions. This versatility, combined with their low water consumption compared with other crops, makes them particularly suitable for areas affected by drought, helping significantly with food security in places at risk of famine. 
 
Another one of their important features is their high yield per hectare, allowing for substantial food production in relatively small areas, a crucial factor for farming families who depend on local production for their sustenance and, at the same time, helping combat hunger. Furthermore, the selling of potatoes strengthens the local economy, helping reduce poverty. 
 
Potatoes are also a priceless source of nutrients, including complex carbohydrates, vitamin C, potassium and fibre. Thanks to their culinary versatility, they can be prepared countless ways, offering a range of essential dietary options to improve nutritional intake and to combat malnutrition. When included in a balanced diet with lean protein, vegetables and whole grains, they form a delicious and nutritious meal, making a significant contribution to promoting healthy, sustainable diets, helping everyone stay healthy. Finally, their long shelf-life not only reduces food waste, but it also guarantees constant access to food, even in times of famine.

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