Food
Check-Out Week 2007
Harris CFB celebrates Food Check-Out Week
Cypress—The cost of food in America remains affordable. According to the latest statistics compiled by the Agriculture Department's (USDA) Economic Research Service, American families and individuals currently spend, on average, just under 10 percent of their disposable income for food.
Applying that statistic to the calendar year means the average household will have earned enough disposable income—that portion of income available for spending or saving—to pay for its annual food supply in about 36 days, according to the Harris County Farm Bureau.
In recognition of this, the Harris County Farm Bureau celebrated Feb. 4-10, 2007, as Food Check-Out Week.
Not only is America 's food supply the safest, but it's the most affordable.
“The safe, abundant and affordable domestic food supply produced by America's farmers and ranchers is responsible, at least in part, for our nation's increasing standard of living,” said Glen Schmidt, Harris CFB President.
To mark the occasion, the Harris County Farm Bureau visited with customers at a local restaurant, Carl's BBQ. Here County President Glen Schmidt and Director Aubrey Chudleigh made people aware of the farmer's share of the food dollar (22 cents) and they purchased lunch for several grateful Carl's BBQ patrons.
“Compared with food, Americans work longer each year to pay for their housing, federal and medical care,” Schmidt said. “According to the Tax Foundation, 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."
This week should hold special meaning for most Americans, Schmidt said.
“Although we are concerned that some Americans cannot afford to buy the food they need, we are proud of the role Texas farmers play in producing the most affordable food in the world," he said.
The percent of disposable income spent for food has declined over the last 35 years. In 1970, it took Americans 15 more days to earn enough income to pay for their food supply for one year.
The Harris County Farm Bureau is a non-profit general farm and ranch organization. For more information, call (281) 440.8067.
