Greensburg —
Eating healthy while on a tight budget is within reach for most Americans, provided they're willing to invest some time in strategic shopping. During Farm Bureau's Food Check-Out Week (Feb. 19-25, 2012), farmer and rancher members will focus on spreading the word about how consumers can stretch their grocery dollars with healthy, nutritious food.
Despite a recent uptick in retail food prices, the cost of eating healthy hasn't changed as much as some less-healthy alternatives. In fact, a recent Agriculture Department report favorably supports the economics of healthier eating. 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.
America's farmers and ranchers share a common concern with consumers when it comes to putting nutritious meals on the table while sticking to a tight budget.
"Learning to use your grocery dollars wisely helps ensure that nutrition isn't neglected," according to Atina Rozhon, Health and Human Sciences Extension Educator.
"Fruits and vegetables - along with whole grains, low-fat dairy products, lean meats, fish, beans, eggs and nuts - are an important part of a healthy diet. Buying fresh produce when it's in season and costs less, while buying frozen fruits and vegetables when they're not in season, is a smart way to stretch that dollar," she continued.
Farm Bureau has developed Food Check-Out Week educational materials dedicated to helping consumers make healthier food purchases. Information on several topics including "Tips for Better Nutrition on a Tight Budget," "How Much Should I Eat?," "Understanding Food Labels" and "Understanding What MyPlate Means" is available.
"Knowing your food budget, planning balanced meals, making a list and sticking to it are just a few of the tips we offer consumers," Rozhan said.
Additionally, the Decatur County Farm Bureau Inc. made donations of $250 each to Decatur County Human Services, Greensburg Community Bread of Life and St. Mary's Hot Meals Program in recognition of the need everyone has to find solutions to feeding families healthful foods on a tight budget.
Now in its 14th year, Food Check-Out Week also highlights America's safe, abundant and affordable food supply, made possible largely by America's productive farmers and ranchers. According to the most recent (2010) information from the USDA's Economic Research Service, American families and individuals spend, on average, less than 10 percent of their disposable personal income for food.
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Related Photos
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Decatur County Farm Bureau Woman's Leader Sandy Dierckman (left) and board member Bruce Vanderbur (right) present a donation of $250 to Melissa Foist of the Greensburg Community Bread of Life.
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Jackie Denney of Human Services Incorporated accepts a donation of $250 from Decatur County Farm Bureau Woman's Leader Sandy Dierckman (right) and board member Bruce Vanderbur (left).
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St. Mary's Hot Meals Program, represented by JoAnn Koors, accepts a donation from Decatur County Farm Bureau board member Bruce Vanderbur (left) and Woman's Leader Sandy Dierckman (right).
Careful shopping required for healthy eating
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