FRANKFORT, Ky. — Few can argue with the idea the cost of everything seems to be going up, including their grocery bill. But, according to the latest statistics compiled by the USDA’s Economic Research Service, the cost of food in this country is still affordable, on average.<br>
The agency reports that just under 10 percent of the American family’s disposable personal income is spent for food. What that means is the average household will earn enough of its income available for spending or saving to pay for an entire year of food in about 37 days, according to the Kentucky Farm Bureau (KFB).
In that spirit, KFB is marking the occasion by celebrating Feb. 3-9 as Food Check-Out Week.<br>
Frieda Heath, KFB State Women’s Advisory Committee chairperson, is spearheading the effort with a food giveaway consisting of baskets of Kentucky-grown and -packaged products to members of the Kentucky General Assembly today at the Capitol Annex. State lawmakers are currently in middle of the 2008 legislative session.
“The project was originated by the American Farm Bureau, and while many people think the cost of their food is high, compared to other things, it really isn’t,” she said.<br>
“Not only is America’s food supply the world’s safest, but it’s also the most affordable,” said Marshall Coyle, KFB president. “The safe, abundant and affordable domestic food supply that is produced by America’s farmers is responsible, at least in part, for our nation’s increasing standard of living. <br>
“Compared to food, Americans work longer each year to pay for their housing, federal taxes and medical care.”<br>
In comparison, Americans must work 52 days each year to pay for health and medical care, 62 days to pay for housing/household operation and 77 days to pay their federal taxes, according to the Tax Foundation.<br>
The amount of time needed to pay for a year’s supply of food has decre-ased over the last 37 years. In 1970, it took Americans 14 more days to earn enough income to pay for their food supply for the year.<br>
According to the USDA, food is more affordable today because of a widening gap between growth in per-capita income and the amount of money spent for food. The decrease stands out even more when one takes into consideration the trends indicating Americans are buying more expensive convenience foods, as well as more food away from home.<br>
“It seems like prices are high for commodities, but most people don’t take into consideration that the cost of farming is going up,” said Heath. “You have to be a good manager and steward of the land to stay on top of things.”<br>
True words, since the cost of putting out a crop in 2008 will be 20-25 percent more expensive than one year ago, according to Suzy Martin, a farm business management specialist with the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture. “It’s shocking how much costs have increased,” she said.<br>
Heath hopes the presentation of baskets to legislators will illuminate that quality food is produced in Kentucky and will show them “what we do and why we do it.” A total of 40 baskets will be given away, with a variety of food products that represent all of Kentucky, said Heath.<br>
KFB’s counterparts in Indiana will also celebrate Food Check-Out Week, as the Indiana Farm Bureau (IFB) Women’s Leadership Committee serves breakfast at the Ronald McDonald House in Indianapolis tomorrow. The Ronald McDonald House provides a home away from home for the families of seriously ill children receiving medical treatment.<br>
“We all need an occasional reminder of the safe, abundant and affordable food supply we have,” said Isabella Chism, IFB second vice president.