As the economic squeeze continues, many Americans remain concerned that the cost of a healthy diet is out of reach. However, according to an Agriculture Department study, the cost of eating healthy hasn’t changed as much as some less-healthy alternatives. Eating healthy food while on a budget does require smart shopping

Farm Bureau’s Food Check-Out Week, Feb. 21-27, focuses on helping Americans learn how to how to stretch their grocery dollars with healthy, nutritious food. America’s farmers and ranchers are committed to producing safe and abundant food, and they share a common concern with consumers when it comes to putting nutritious meals on the table while sticking to a tight budget. 

“Montana Farm Bureau is letting folks know that eating food that’s good for you doesn’t break the bank—if anything, it’s budget-friendly,” notes MFB Leadership Committee Chair Lillian Ostendorf.  “During this week our MFB Women’s Leadership Committee is providing tips to keep costs down. This includes planning your meals at home, clipping coupons and preparing a shopping list. As you wander down those aisles, remember that in general food that you prepare costs a lot less than already prepared fare.”

Ostendorf recommends that shoppers follow their lists once they’re in the store, buy food they’ll readily eat, and look at value. “Sometimes one piece of meat might be more expensive but actually costs less per serving than some of the choice cuts. Make extra meals that can be used for lunch the next day, thus saving the costs of dining out,” she says.

The women’s leadership committee district chair encourages consumers to thank farmers and ranchers for the abundant and affordable food they provide. “This is the 12th year that Food Check-Out Week highlights America’s safe, abundant and healthy food supply, made possible largely by America’s productive farmers and ranchers,” says Ostendorf.  According to the most recent (2008) information from the USDA’s Economic Research Service, American families and individuals spend, on average, less than 10 percent of their disposable personal income for food.

As part of Food Check-Out Week, the Montana Farm Bureau is collecting food and monetary donations for the Ronald McDonald House in Billings. The Ronald McDonald House provides a home away from home for parents of critically ill children while they’re in the hospital. County Farm Bureaus will also be collecting food and monetary donations for their local food banks.

“Food Check-Out Week is a great time to help others in these hard economic times by donating food to those in need,” said Ostendorf.  “Buying healthy food within your budget, as well as helping others, is what it’s all about to help everyone get through these hard times.”

“Compare this to working four months just to pay taxes,” Wyoming Farm Bureau President Perry Livingston stated.  “During this time and the rest of the year, America’s farmers and ranchers work hard every day to produce safe, nutritious food for you to enjoy.”

As the economic squeeze continues, many Americans remain concerned that the cost of a healthy diet is out of reach. However, according to an Agriculture Department study, the cost of eating healthy hasn’t changed as much as some less-healthy alternatives. Eating healthy food while on a budget does require smart shopping

The good news: a recent USDA report favorably supports the economics of healthier eating. Recent food price data show that prices for unprepared, readily available fresh fruits and vegetables have remained stable relative to dessert and snack foods, such as chips, ice cream and cola. Therefore, as defined by foods in the study, the price of a “healthier” diet has not changed compared to an “unhealthy” diet.

Farm Bureau’s Food Check-Out Week is aimed at helping American consumers learn how to shop effectively to put nutritious meals on the table with fewer dollars. “Learning to use your grocery dollars wisely ensures that nutrition isn’t neglected,” according to Livingston.

Farm Bureau has developed Food Check-Out Week educational materials dedicated to helping consumers make healthier food purchases. Information on “Tips for Better Nutrition on a Tight Budget,” and “Understanding Food Labels” are available to view at www.wyfb.org.

“Knowing your food budget, planning balanced meals, making a list and sticking to it are just a few of the tips offered to consumers,” says Livingston.

Source: MFBF & WYFB-Posted by Russell Nemetz