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An affordable food billBy Holly Martin Each time I go to the grocery store and fill it with all of the things that two growing boys and one grown boy eat, I often groan at the total. The cashier rings up milk by the gallon, endless cereal boxes and bananas-lots of bananas. It all adds up. It's not that I don't want to feed them, it is just that it seems so expensive. I know better. In fact, it is a real bargain. According to the American Farm Bureau Federation, as of last week, most Americans will have earned enough disposable income to pay for their food for the entire year. It's the beginning of February. We have 11 more months to go. I'd say that's a pretty cheap food bill. In fact, Americans only spend 9.9 percent of their disposable personal income on food. It is sad that not all Americans have disposable income to be able to feed their families. But we are fortunate that as a whole, our citizens have money in their pockets for food. U.S. farmers and ranchers play a key role, by producing healthy and safe food products at a low cost. You are efficient and productive and it shows in the grocery store. There are many places around the world where there just isn't food on the shelf and people go hungry. So during this time, we are reminded that we are fortunate for an abundant and affordable food supply. The next time I am in the grocery store, I think I'll try something new. Instead of groaning, I'll say a silent "thank you" for you, the farmers and ranchers that make it possible for me to feed my family. Holly Martin can be reached by phone at 1-800-452-7171 ext. 1806 or e-mail at hmartin@hpj.com. 2/11/08 Date: 2/6/08
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