Food Check Out Week

News Release

Missouri Farm Bureau Federation and Affiliated Companies

www.mofb.org

FOOD CHECK-OUT WEEK

FEBRUARY 15-21, 2009

Food Check-Out Week Targets Healthy Foods and Thanks Farmers

Cape Girardeau County, Missouri--Feb. 15-21, 2009 will be celebrated as Farm Bureau's Food Check-Out Week. Now in its eleventh year, Food Check-Out Week highlights America's safe, abundant, and affordable food supply, made possible largely by America's productive farmers and ranchers, according to Cape Girardeau County Farm Bureau.

The most recent information from the United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Economic Research Service indicates that American families and individuals spend, on average, less than 10 percent of their disposable personal income for food. Other countries spend a much larger percentage on food...France, 14 percent; Japan, 15 percent; China, 35 percent; Philippines, 37 percent and Indonesia, 46 percent.

Food is affordable, safe, and abundant in America. However, in today's tough economic times, shoppers are concerned that the cost of a healthy diet is becoming out of reach. According to a USDA study, the cost of eating healthy hasn't changed as much as less-healthy alternatives. Eating healthy food within a budget does require smart shopping.

As shoppers scan the food aisles in their favorite market, they are looking for the best buy on foods that will meet the nutritional needs of their families. A March 2008 USDA report favorably supports the economics of healthier eating. Recent food price data show that prices for unprepared, readily available fresh fruits and vegetables have remained stable relative to dessert and snack foods, such as chips, ice cream and cola. Therefore, as defined by foods in the study, the price of a "healthier" diet has not changed compared to an "unhealthy" diet.

It takes the average American just five weeks to earn enough money to pay for their family's annual food supply according to according to Cape Girardeau County Farm Bureau. The Cape Girardeau County Farm Bureau will utilize this opportunity to share information about the important role of agriculture in providing a healthy food supply.