Currently potatoes are not included in the programme, which works to supply nutritionally rich food, such as cheese, eggs and milk, to low-income mothers and children.

But spud suppliers are hoping to change that, arguing that one potato contains only 110 calories and more vitamin C than a tomato.

John Keeling, executive vice-president of the National Potato Council, said: "A lot of those fruits and vegetables are very expensive. Many of them don't have the positive nutritional profile that potatoes have."

Previously potatoes have been omitted due to their high starch content.

The USDA's Food and Nutrition Service is expected to announce a final decision in February 2011.