International Year of the Potato relationship that exists between poverty, food security, malnutrition and the potential contribution of the potato to defeating hunger." This was one of many international observances declared for specific days, months and years. The year 2008 was shared with the International Year of Sanitation. It was hoped that International Year designation will do for the potato what the International Year of Rice (2004) did for that food staple, namely, inspire exhibits, educational programs, films, publications and greater public awareness of multi-national efforts on behalf of our food resources. The year 2008 was also designated the National Year of the Potato in
Food Photographer of the Year from the photographic and food industries, including Blur bassist Alex James, television presenter and Observer food critic Jay Rayner, chef James Martin as well as restaurateurs Tom Aikens, Antonio Carluccio, Bill Granger and Prue Leith. Categories include: "Food and Its Place", for images celebrating food's geographical essence; "Food In the Street"; "Food for Celebration" and commemorative categories such as the "Philip Harben Award for Food in Action", in memory of Philip Harben, the UK's first TV chef. The 2013 competition received over 5500 entries; the website attracted visits from 140 countries. The Award was created by The Food Awards Company,