Logan County Farm Bureau and the Logan County FFA chapter celebrated “Food Check-Out Day” Feb 28 at the Russellville Price Less IGA and Piggly Wiggly grocery stores.  During the event, shoppers were given the opportunity to compete for prizes by guessing the cost of a typical basket of groceries. One hundred and fifty five (155) people participated. 

Farm Bureau members Jerry and Carrell Hughes worked at the Price Less IGA location.  They were assisted by Logan County FFA officers: Crandal Barrow, 3^rd Vice President; Luke Brown, Jr., Chaplain Barrow and Macon Barrow, Treasurer (not pictured). Tim Bollenbecker was awarded a $50 gift certificate for his first-place guess of $159.27 in the grocery basket price game. Sharry Lyon was awarded a $25 gift certificate for her second-place guess of $159. The actual cost of of the groceries was $159.67.

The Food Check-Out at the Russellville Piggly Wiggly was staffed by Farm Bureau members Doug and Karen Milliken.  They were assisted by Logan County FFA officers Madeline Reno, Chaplain Brinkley, and Lindsey Brinkley, Reporter.  The value of the basket of groceries used in the grocery basket price game was $81.92. Two people guessed $79 with a coin toss determining the winner. Tracy Whalen won 1^st place and 2^nd place went to Samuel Clewell.

Shoppers in the U.S. spend aapproximately 10% of their disposable income on food each year.  The cost remains far lower than any other country in the world thanks to many of the agricultural efficiencies used in America.  Today each U.S. farmer produces enough food and fiber to provide for about 154 people – a significant jump from the average of 19 people per farmer in 1940.

These food check-out 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.