February 24th was a day to honor farmers for providing us with the most affordable food in the world. The average American earns enough income to pay for their annual food supply in about seven weeks. By comparison, the average American works until around mid-April to pay for their annual taxes.

U.S. consumers spend about 10% of their disposable annual income on food. This compares to 14% for Japan, 32% for China and 38% of disposable income for the consumers of the Philippines.

According to Kentucky Farm Bureau’s Marketbasket Survey data, the average retail food price of 40 basic grocery items in Kentucky has increased less than $45 over the last 20 years.

The Logan County Farm Bureau Federation with assistance from members of the Logan County FAA Chapter conducted a “Food Check-out Day” Feb. 24th at the Auburn Minit Mart and the Russellville Piggly Wiggly grocery store. At each location participants guessed the value of a typical basket of groceries. A $50 first place prize and $25 second place prize of a gift certificate for groceries was given to the winners at both locations.

Farm Bureau members, Carrell Hughes; women’s chairman, Jerry Hughes and Richard Moore assisted by Logan County FAA members Addie Baldwin, Caroline Milam and David Vincent worked at the Auburn Minit Mart location. Brandon Wheat won first place and Robbie Powell won second place.

The Russellville Food Check-out at Piggly Wiggly was staffed by Farm Bureau Members Frances Brown, President; Bradley Brown and Bobby Dawson assisted by FAA members Emily Chambers, Caleb Speck and Austin Smotherman. Inez Bradshaw won first place and Dale Byrne won second place.

These food checkout events were conducted to give recognition to the American Farmers for providing us with affordable food. As a result, we have more money to spend on other things which boosts our whole economy and quality of life.