The cost of food in the United States remains affordable. According to the latest statistics compiled by the USDA’s Economic Research Service, American families and individuals currently spend, on average, just under 10 percent of their disposable personal income for food. Applying this USDA statistic to the calendar year means the average American household will earn enough money to pay for its annual food supply in about 36 days.
To celebrate the affordability of food in America, Georgia Farm Bureau is joining American Farm Bureau in designating Feb. 4-10, as Farm Bureau’s Food Check-Out Week.
“Not only is America’s food supply the world’s safest, but it’s also the most affordable,” said Hughlynn Page, President of Bryan County Farm Bureau. “As we celebrate the efficiency and productivity of our farmers in Georgia and all our farmers and ranchers in the United States, we want to share that bounty with others less fortunate in our community.”
In comparison to Food Check-Out Day, Tax Freedom Day, the day the average American must work to earn enough to pay federal, state and local taxes, was April 11 last year, according to The Tax Foundation. 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.
“I find it amazing that people can pay for their yearly food supply more than two months earlier than it would take them to satisfy their tax burden,” Page said. “Rather than being an economic burden, food remains quite a bargain for shoppers. That’s the way it should be.”
Page hopes Georgians will come to understand that the high quality, affordable food they enjoy is a product of our successful food production and distribution system, as well as America’s farmers retaining access to effective and affordable crop protection tools. “This day should hold meaning for most Americans.” she said. “As food producers, we are concerned that some Americans cannot afford to buy food they need, but we are proud of the role Georgia farmers play in making our food supply more affordable for all.”
To celebrate the affordability of food in America, Georgia Farm Bureau is joining American Farm Bureau in designating Feb. 4-10, as Farm Bureau’s Food Check-Out Week.
“Not only is America’s food supply the world’s safest, but it’s also the most affordable,” said Hughlynn Page, President of Bryan County Farm Bureau. “As we celebrate the efficiency and productivity of our farmers in Georgia and all our farmers and ranchers in the United States, we want to share that bounty with others less fortunate in our community.”
In comparison to Food Check-Out Day, Tax Freedom Day, the day the average American must work to earn enough to pay federal, state and local taxes, was April 11 last year, according to The Tax Foundation. 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.
“I find it amazing that people can pay for their yearly food supply more than two months earlier than it would take them to satisfy their tax burden,” Page said. “Rather than being an economic burden, food remains quite a bargain for shoppers. That’s the way it should be.”
Page hopes Georgians will come to understand that the high quality, affordable food they enjoy is a product of our successful food production and distribution system, as well as America’s farmers retaining access to effective and affordable crop protection tools. “This day should hold meaning for most Americans.” she said. “As food producers, we are concerned that some Americans cannot afford to buy food they need, but we are proud of the role Georgia farmers play in making our food supply more affordable for all.”