Helping consumers stretch their grocery dollars

Farmer and rancher members of many local Farm Bureaus will reach out to consumers in their communities during Food Check-out Week (Feb 17-23). This week is devoted to helping teach Americans how to stretch their grocery dollars with healthy, nutritious food.

As a part of the week-long event, the Trousdale County Farm Bureau Women’s Committee will have members in the two grocery stores in Hartsville on Friday, Feb. 22 from 3-5 p.m. They will have educational materials and recipes to hand out and goodies for the children. They will also be taking donations for good items to be given to the needy in our county.

Despite slightly higher retail food prices over the past few years, the cost of eating healthy hasn’t changed as much as some less-healthy alternatives. In fact, a recent Agriculture Department report favorably support the economics of healthier eating. Food Price data shows 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.

America’s famers share a common concern with consumers when it comes to putting nutritious meals on the table while sticking to a tight budget.