Tuesday, February 21, 2012
As they have done for the past decade and a half, farmer members of many local Farm Bureaus are reaching out to consumers in their communities this week - National Food Check Out Week. The official theme of the week is "Stretching Your Grocery Dollar With Healthy, Nutritious Food." The theme reflects the continuing reality that many Americans are feeling an economic squeeze and as a result, eat out less often and prepare more meals at home. (The third week of February was selected for Food Check-Out Week as a bridge to National Nutrition Month in March.)
The good news is that a USDA report favorably supports the economics of healthier eating. Recent food price data shows 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. Some Farm Bureaus are celebrating this with grocery giveaways and even providing box lunches to their legislators.
Offering practical information and tips on how to put nutritious meals on the table with fewer dollars is just one aspect of Food Check-Out Week. Recognizing the need everyone has to find solutions to feeding families healthful foods on a tight budget is another. That is why other county Farm Bureaus are making donations to local food banks this week.
No matter how farmers throughout the state are celebrating Food Check Out Week, one thing is certain - it offers a chance for Illinois farmers to connect with the very people who enjoy the whole foods farmers grow.
Photos provided by Pike County Farm Bureau. Website • Facebook
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