A vast stockpile of potatoes is being given away for free in Germany, after a farm in Saxony benefited from a bumper harvest.
Thousands of tasty tubers have been rolling into the country's capital, Berlin, since mid-January, with residents risking icy streets to bag their share.
Dubbed the great potato rescue, it is part of a plan to stop about 4 million kg (8.8 million lb) of surplus spuds from going to ruin. Food banks, schools, and churches are among the beneficiaries, according to organisers.
However, the enterprise was labelled a disgusting PR stunt by the Brandenburg Farmers' Association, which lamented the impact on local markets.
Germany is the European Union's potato-producing capital, and last year's harvest has left the market saturated.
Ultimately it is about putting the potato in the spotlight as a valuable food, said Berliner Morgenpost editor, Peter Schink, who helped spearhead the plan.
The newspaper teamed up with eco-friendly search engine firm, Ecosia, to co-ordinate and fund the distribution of the spuds.
Osterland Agrar says it has already transported around 500,000kg of potatoes to Berlin, and other parts of Germany and Ukraine.
Despite enthusiasm from many, there are voices of discontent. Timo Scheib from the Brandenburg Farmers' Association remarked, Food is and will remain valuable, even if thoughtless do-gooders throw around free potatoes.\
In Berlin, a special website lists 174 spud-hubs in and around the capital. Despite engaging interest, some spots saw little traffic, with reports of the promo's visibility waning.
This initiative has drawn substantial media attention, highlighting Germany's enthusiasm for potatoes. However, there are indications that the free distribution may soon wind down as funding runs low, with one last shipment expected as the weather warms.
