Of those surveyed, their concern isn’t only for themselves: 58 percent of respondents globally are parents, and for those who have experienced food insecurity, 88 percent are worried their child will have lasting health effects as a result of food insecurity during the pandemic. Therefore, 70 percent are worried their child is not getting all the nutrients they need — as a result of not having access to school meals while they are distance learning.

Not all carbs are created equal. Some emerging research suggests the starch in potatoes that’s greatly increased through heating and cooling them, called resistant starch, may deliver similar health benefits to dietary fiber. Dietary fiber, like the 2 grams found in a skin-on medium potato, has been shown to have numerous health benefits, including curbing your hunger. Registered Dietitian Cara Harbstreet advises including foods you love, such as potatoes, in your daily diet, and that all foods — including your favorites — belong as part of your diet.

Seniors can be especially susceptible to the dangers of low-salt diets. In 2013, a task force of 12 professional medical, nursing and nutritional organizations assembled by the Pioneer Network published the “New Dining Practice Standards.” Their report concluded that low-salt diets were contributing to malnutrition and weight loss among a significant percentage of seniors in assisted-living facilities. Low-salt diets can also cause seniors to suffer from mild hyponatremia, an electrolyte imbalance in the blood that can lead directly to walking impairment, attention deficits, and a much higher frequency of falls.