FARM BUREAUS CELEBRATE FEB. 7 AS FOOD CHECK-OUT DAY.

The affordability of food in America was celebrated Feb. 7, 2001, designated National Food Check-Out Day. This day, the 38th of the calendar year, marks the day when the typical family has earned enough income to pay its annual food bill.

According to USDA statistics, on average American consumers spend only 10 percent of their disposable income on food. "That's a positive message," says Pennsylvania Farm Bureau president Guy Donaldson, "especially when you consider that last year the average American had to work until May 3 -- nearly three more months -- to pay taxes."

The Pennsylvania Farm Bureau honored Food Check-Out Day by collecting and delivering donated food and household supplies to the five Ronald McDonald Houses located in the state. The shopping was carried out by members of the American Farm Bureau's Women's Committee and the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau's Women's Committee. This event was part of the nationwide observance by the American Farm Bureau Federation.

Meanwhile, members of county Farm Bureaus throughout Ohio worked with local stores and the Ohio Grocers Association to help promote the message of Food Check-Out Day. In-store activities included shopping sprees, giveaways and a large number of activities to support local charities.

"Most of us have no reason to stop and think about how fortunate we are when it comes to food," says Pat Petzel, director of promotion and education for the Ohio Farm Bureau. "We walk in the store, there's plenty of it and it's relatively inexpensive. Food Check-Out Day gives us a brief reminder of how lucky we really are."