[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.7.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0)”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.7.4″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.7.4″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.9.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]
The potato industry is alarmed by these statistics and has pledged to show their support for the hungry and poor of South Africa by way of donating R10 000 to the Africa Children Feeding Scheme in Alexander, Johannesburg. In the true spirit of making a difference and as so eloquently captured in the phrase: “Give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day; show him how to catch fish, and you feed him for a lifetime”, on 28 May 2015, Potatoes South Africa will in addition to donating money but partner with Anna Montali, South Africa’s leading foodie, journalist, recipe developer and food stylists who will demonstrate at the feeding scheme the value of incorporating potatoes into a balanced, nutrient dense, and wholesome meal. Claire Julsing Strydom, who is registered with the HPCSA and the American Nutrition and Dietetic Academy and is the current President for the Association for Dietetics in South Africa, has volunteered her time to educate, inform and impart nutritional information that is critical in curbing food insecurity.
“The value of the potato is not only disregarded but highly underestimated. Potatoes remain one of the most affordable and accessible vegetables and starch on the South African market. This is in line with two of the Food Based Dietary Guidelines of South Africa as prescribed by the Department of Health which state that South Africans should:
- “Make starchy foods part of most meals”: a food-based dietary guideline for South Africa
- “Eat plenty of vegetables and fruit every day”: a food-based dietary guideline for South Africa
“When prepared in a healthy manner, potatoes provide individuals with nutrients while keeping them fuller for longer”, says Immaculate Zinde. Not only are potatoes nutritious, affordable, and socially acceptable, potatoes are already an integral part of the global food system. They are the world’s number one non-grain food commodity with the primary potato industry in South Africa contributing a substantial R3.6 billion to the South African economy.
“While we are mindful of the fact that there are still misconceptions around potato consumption as it relates to nutrition and health, our research shows that the average annual compounded growth rate in the per capita consumption of potatoes in South Africa is between 2% and 3%. Bottom line – potatoes are still a very important part of the South African shopping basket.” Says Potatoes South Africa CEO, Dr. André Jooste.
Within the horticulture sector, potatoes contribute 13% of the gross value, making them the third biggest in the sector after deciduous and tropical fruits, while it boasts as the fifth biggest product in the agricultural sector – excluding livestock. “To that end, the primary industry employs between 60 000 and 80 000 casual and permanent jobs annually. Thereby affording people the opportunity to earn a living, which in essence provides the opportunity to feed their families” Continues Dr. Jooste
To many South Africans, a potato is a vegetable and starch food on a plate. To just over 640 of South African potato farmers and farm workers, it is a vital source of income. For many nutritionists it is a product that must form part and parcel of a nutrient-dense and balanced diet. For PSA employees it is a food crop that can address the triple threat issues of poverty, unemployment and inequality.
PSA is also initiating the Hunger Bust Campaign (#HBC) in observance of World Hunger Day. The #HBC challenges South African retail, fresh produce markets, processing companies and any interested organisation to match or better PSA’s donation by pledging monetary and other support to a charity organisation of its choice. The campaign will be launched on 28 May and end on World Food Day, 16 October 2015.
For further information on the Hunger Buster campaign, please contact Jean at Storybook Communications at 021 975 3553, or alternatively, jean@storybookcommunications.co.za.
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]
