[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 8 (Monday, February 9, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Page S523]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                           FOOD CHECK OUT DAY

 Mr. CRAIG. Mr. President, today we celebrate ``Food Check Out 
Day'' and commemorate the day when the average American will have 
earned enough income to pay for the entire year's food supply. We 
celebrate the bounty from America's farms and ranches and how it is 
shared with American consumers through affordable food prices.
  According to the United States Department of Agriculture, on average, 
American consumers spend only 10.9 percent of their disposable income 
for food. When applied to the calendar days, that means that the 
average American will have earned enough income to pay for his or her 
family's annual food supply in just 40 days. We commemorate this fact 
on February 9th, which is the 40th day of this year.
  Compared to other expenses facing America's families, food is a 
bargain. While Americans must only work until February 9th to pay for 
their yearly food supply, last year they had to work until May 9th just 
to pay for their taxes. In addition, the percentage of disposable 
personal income spent for food has declined over the last 25 years. In 
1997, Food Check Out Day would have been on February 10. In 1970, Food 
Check-Out Day would have been 11 days later than it is today--February 
20.
  This is made more notable by the fact that trends indicate Americans 
are buying more expensive convenience food items for preparation at 
home, as well as more food away from home.
  The Agriculture Department's latest statistic, compiled for 1996, 
includes food and non-alcoholic beverages consumed at home and away 
from home. This includes food purchases from grocery stores and other 
retail outlets, including food purchases with food stamps and vouchers 
for the Women, Infants and Children's program. The statistic also 
includes away-from-home meals and snacks purchased by families and 
individuals, as well as food furnished to employees.
  Mr. President, many states will mark today with an event to raise 
food donations for their local Ronald McDonald House. The Ronald 
McDonald House provides a ``home-away-from-home'' for the families of 
seriously ill children receiving medical treatment in their local 
areas. The food donated from these Food Check Out Day programs will be 
used to help feed visiting families staying at the House.
  The bottom line, Mr. President, is that food in America is 
affordable, in large part because of America's productive farmers and 
ranchers. Food Check-Out Day allows us to recognize their hard work, 
the benefits of which we all enjoy. As a fellow rancher, I personally 
want to salute these Americans and thank them.

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