Potatoes Across the Pond: NPC Featured in The Times of London During Conversations to Reclassify the Spud
“Chips are down for US farmers as potatoes could lose vegetable status” - David Charter, The Times of London
As the Dietary Guidelines for Americans Advisory Committee considers removing the potato from the 'vegetable' category and placing America's favorite vegetable with rice, wheat, and oats in the 'grain' bucket, The National Potato Council’s CEO, Kam Quarles, has been on a media tour to rally support from Americans.
The potato is among the most affordable and nutrient-dense vegetables and food items available to Americans. Eighty-five percent of households consume potatoes, and the spud remains vital to the health and affordability of school lunches and breakfasts.
"If they determine that potatoes don’t satisfy the requirements for the vegetable category, for schools, they’ll have to go out and gather other commodities, potentially more expensive commodities, in order to satisfy the requirements," said Quarles.
These more expensive and less appealing alternatives to the potato will cost taxpayers and likely reduce the American youth's vegetable and calorie intake.
The potato—botanically and horticulturally—is a vegetable. America's favorite vegetable. Evocati PR is proud to work with our client to ensure it stays that way.
Click here to read more from The Times of London.