What is the primary role potatoes serve when incorporated into affordable meals aiming to feed multiple people?

Providing incredible versatility, volume, and satiety as a substantial meal base

Potatoes are frequently cited as a cornerstone of low-cost meals, particularly when the goal is maximizing volume to feed many people without increasing costs significantly. Purchased affordably in large five- or ten-pound bags, they are incredibly versatile. Whether prepared simply as a baked potato dressed minimally, or mashed, they serve as a substantial base component. Furthermore, simple potato soup can be bulked up further using milk powder or a small amount of flour, emphasizing their role in delivering significant satiety and volume for a low monetary investment.