The specialized tissue in a root that functions in food storage is the parenchyma.

Here's why:

* Parenchyma is a type of ground tissue found throughout plants. In roots, it forms the bulk of the cortex, the region between the epidermis and vascular cylinder.

* Parenchyma cells have large vacuoles that store starch, sugars, and other nutrients.

* Storage roots, like carrots and beets, have particularly prominent parenchyma tissue.

Let me know if you have any other plant questions!