Louisville, KY (February 12, 2014) – Kentucky Farm Bureau (KFB) leaders across the state are celebrating national “Food Check-Out Week,” February 16-22, to mark the time of year when the average American has earned enough income to meet his or her annual cost of food.

While consumer food prices are not exempt from the constant changes that impact our nation’s economy, the cost of food is not nearly as cumbersome as many other expenses. The average American earns enough to pay for his or her annual food costs by the seventh week of the year, but, according to research conducted by the Tax Foundation, that same person would have to work until the middle of April to earn enough to pay for annual taxes.

“Most Americans don’t realize that they must work significantly longer to pay for federal taxes than for food,” noted KFB President Mark Haney. “The annual Food Check-Out Week celebration is one way we can all celebrate the affordability, quantity and quality of the food that our farmers produce year-round.”

Data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) estimates that Americans spend just 10 percent of their disposable income on food each year. At the same time, the USDA reports in its Food Dollar Series that a farmer earns less than 16 cents per dollar spent on food.

As KFB members prepare to celebrate “Food Check-Out Week,” many Farm Bureau volunteer leaders in counties across the state are planning information sessions to meet and educate consumers as they shop at their local supermarket. These encounters are designed to not only help inform shoppers about the affordability of the food they regularly enjoy, but to also give them greater knowledge of how to stay on a budget while purchasing healthy food for their families.

“Food Check-Out Week is a great way to educate consumers about where their food comes from, but it also gives them an opportunity to make real connections with the farmers that are growing and raising it,” said Terry Gilbert, chair of the American Farm Bureau (AFBF) Women’s Leadership Committee and KFB board member. “I am very proud of the way we approach Food Check-Out Week here in Kentucky because so many of our counties are also making connections with local food pantries and providing food for those in need.”

Additional information on the history of Food Check-Out Week is available on the AFBF website.