Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation: Celebrates Food Check-Out Week, Feb. 21-27

Web site link:

http://www.wfbf.com/archivej/htmArchive/showPage.aspx?page=15698.htm&id=15698

Contact: Casey Langan, Director of Public Relations, 608-828-5711

From the Farm Gate to the Food Plate

MADISON – In celebration of the abundance and safety of America’s food supply, members of the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation will conduct public awareness programs, giveaways at grocery stores and make donations to local food pantries across the state during ‘Food Check-Out Week,’ Feb. 21-27.

“Wisconsin farmers take great pride in providing our nation with a safe, abundant and still affordable food supply,” said Casey Langan, spokesman of the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation. “This year Farm Bureau members also want to help shoppers learn ways to stretch their grocery dollars on nutritious food choices.”

As part of Food Check-Out Week, Farm Bureau members nationwide are sharing smart food shopping tips to achieve better nutrition for less money. They include sticking to a list, reading food labels, not purchasing items unless they will be eaten completely, and taking time to compare prices for different brands and sizes using cost-per-unit shelf stickers. Farm Bureau encourages consumers do not compromise on nutrition, but have a food budget, plan balanced meals and shop at competitively priced grocery stores with high-quality produce.

“Although we have seen food prices rise and fall over the past two years, the thing that has remained constant was the farmer’s share of the food dollar,” Langan said. “The U.S. Department of Agriculture reports that an average of 19 cents of every dollar spent on food in grocery stores and restaurants works its way back to the farm. It’s as low as 2 or 3 cents for bread and cereal, and as much as 45 to 50 cents for some meat, milk and egg products.”

“The other 81 cents goes for marketing costs beyond the farm gate, and the costs for transporting, processing and packaging food products,” he said.

“Despite the volatility that our farmers face, it’s worth noting that Americans continue to enjoy the world’s safest, most abundant and affordable food supply. U.S. consumers’ annual food bill amounts to the smallest average percentage of disposable income of any nation thanks to our innovative farming practices and successful food processing and distribution system,” Langan said. “Food Check-Out Week gives growers and consumers an opportunity to recognize the complex production and economic issues affecting agriculture, and the true value of their food.”

The Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation is the state’s largest general farm organization representing farms of every commodity, size and management style. For more information, see http://www.wfbf.com