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America will acknowledge its abundance of safe, affordable food both nationally and internationally Feb. 7 as Farm Bureau members across the state celebrate Food Check-Out Day.
"Food Check-Out Day is observed across the state in a number of ways, most involving donations of food or money to those in need in local communities," said Kenneth Dierschke, Texas Farm Bureau president. "This year, as an option to community support, we are providing an additional opportunity to donate money to assist farmers in Southeast Asia where agricultural infrastructure has been devastated by the tsunami."
According to the latest statistics compiled by the USDA, the average American devotes only 10 percent of his or her disposable income to pay for a year's supply of food.
"Compared to other expenses facing our families, food is a bargain," Dierschke said. "While Americans must only work until Feb. 7 to pay for their food, last year they had to work until mid-April just to pay for their taxes. Farmers and ranchers are proud of their contribution to society, and Food Check-Out Day gives us the opportunity to share some of our success with others."
Dierschke noted that much as agricultural producers' efficiency leads to affordable food, the free enterprise system has made America the economic powerhouse of the world.
"Many people were left with little but the clothes on their back because of the tsunami disaster," Dierschke said. "Americans have a chance to share their prosperity, and the disaster in Southeast Asia has certainly created unprecedented need."
County Farm Bureaus across the state will collect food or money for local charities in observance of Food Check-Out Day.
Those wishing to donate to help victims of the Asian disaster should make checks payable to Texas Farm Bureau and send them to Penny Cox, Texas Farm Bureau, P.O. Box 2689, Waco, TX 76702-2689. A separate fund has been established for this purpose. Deadline for making a donation to the relief effort is Monday, Feb. 14. After that date, Texas Farm Bureau will send one check, designated for the tsunami relief effort, to the American Farm Bureau Federation. AFBF will designate those funds to assist in rebuilding agricultural infrastructure.
Farm families to
aid disaster victims
The American Farm Bureau Women's and Young Farmer and Rancher committees are spearheading a nationwide organizational effort to assist farm families who were affected by the Indian Ocean tsunami.
"We are encouraging each of our state YF&R and Women's committees to cooperate in conducting fund raisers," said Terry Gilbert, AFB Women's Committee chair. "Several states are already in the process of conducting interesting fundraiser events."
Representatives of AFBF and the two committees will work with Agriculture Department officials to identify agricultural needs in the devastated areas. The goal is to provide affected producers with assistance or production needs so they can feed their families and earn an income.
"Food and health aid are not the only answer to helping many of the rural areas of countries hit by the tsunami," says Steven Anderegg, chairman of the YF&R Committee. "Farmers need help getting back on their feet, and we are directing our aid from farmers to farmers."
Texas Farm Bureau will collect money during Food Check-Out Day activities and transfer it to the relief fund.
Those wishing to donate to help victims of the Asian disaster should make checks payable to Texas Farm Bureau and send them to Penny Cox, Texas Farm Bureau, P.O. Box 2689, Waco, TX 76702-2689.
