Learn how to make your grocery money last

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

Putnam County Farm Bureau Inc.'s Food Check-Out Week, slated for February 15-21 is devoted to helping teach Americans how to stretch their grocery dollars with healthy, nutritious food.

Although food remains affordable in the United States, shopping to feed a family can be challenging. This week celebrates when the average American will earn enough disposable income to pay for the entire year's food supply in just 5 weeks.

America's farmers and ranchers are committed to producing safe, healthy, and abundant food. In addition, they share a common concern with consumers when it comes to putting nutritious meals on the table while sticking to a tight budget.

A March 2008 USDA report favorably supports the economics of healthier eating and using correct serving sizes. 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.

Educational materials for helping consumers make healthier food purchases include "Tips for Better Nutrition on a Tight Budget," "How Much Should I Eat?" "Understanding Food Labels" and "Understanding What My Pyramid Means," and are available locally.

Find out more at MyPyramid.gov.

Many other countries typically spend twice that of U.S. consumers and some spend at least half of their annual income, whereas U.S. consumers spend only 9.5 percent of their disposable annual income for food.

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