It's great that you were able to overcome that. I too know how it's like to have 0 money or just 50 cents left and having to buy whatever is available for that. I was able to make trade deals and pick up veggies and fruit from a local supermarket which had bad spots on it. If you found these, you received a bag of 5 euros veggies/fruit for free. I literally survived doing that for 6 months.
I love sweet potatoes myself but over here they have the same colour outside but are orange inside. I wonder if yours taste different.
Thanks for sharing your personal story!