Save farmers, eat fries!

French fries? This term always hurts a Belgian's feelings. We're proud of our national dish, and we couldn't be happier with this request from Romain Cools, secretary general of the Belgian potato industry association Belgapom.

It's a national duty to eat fries twice a week nowadays in Belgium. Not a problem – most Belgians already eat fries once a week at minimum, wether it's in a restaurant, a fry shop or at home... But due to the lockdown, the restaurants and fry shops have seen a big decrease in customers. All festivals in Belgium are cancelled as well, which is catastrophic for the industry since all festival-goers consume at least one pack of fries on a daily basis.

All of this will lead to 750,000 tons of unprocessed potatoes being wasted if nothing is done.

"What we are trying to do is to avoid food waste, because every lost potato is a loss."

Fortunately, we Belgians have a plan.

Romain Cools, secretary general of Belgian potato industry 'Belgapom', urges Belgians to eat their beloved dish twice a week from now on.

Think that’s extreme? Just wait till you see France.

"Makers of traditional French cheese have issued a plea to the nation to consume more of what is considered a source of national identity and pride due to plummeting sales under Covid-19," reports the Telegraph.

🇫🇷Good luck to the everyday heroes in France and Belgium! 🇧🇪