Pictured at the Russellville Dollar General Market from left to right are Jerry Hughes, Savanna Woodall, Bobby Dawson and Thomas Poole.

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Pictured at the Lewisburg Hometown IGA grocery store are from left to right Kaitlynn Brown, Monica Nolan, Carrell Hughes and Russell Poore.

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February 22nd 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 High School FFA Chapter conducted a “Food Check-out Day” Feb. 22nd at the Russellville Dollar General Market and the Hometown IGA grocery store in Lewisburg . At each location participants guessed the value of a typical basket of groceries. A $50 first place prize and a $25 second place prize for a gift certificate for groceries was given to the winners at both locations.

Farm Bureau members, Bobby Dawson and Jerry Hughes assisted by Thomas Poole, next year’s FFA President and Savanna Woodall, next year’s FFA Vice President worked at the Dollar General Market location with 113 shoppers participating. Greg Ware won first place and Teresa Christmas won second place.

The Lewisburg Hometown IGA Food Check-out was staffed by Farm Bureau members Carrell Hughes, women’s chairman and Russell Poore, state board member. They were assisted by FFA members Kaitlynn Brown, next year’s FFA Reporter and Monica Nolan, next year’s FFA sentinel. There were 53 participants at this location. Malea Boggess won first place and Roger Tanner 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.