While the cost of groceries has risen, Food Check-Out Week reminds us that we are fortunate to live in the United States where prices remain much lower than in other countries.

Food Check-Out Week occurs annually during the third week of February. This year’s event fell last week, Feb. 12-16. Its goal is to celebrate the abundance of fresh and nutritious food available to consumers at affordable prices.

According to the United States Department of Agriculture, the average American household spends an average of 11.3 percent of their disposable income on food. This is the lowest of any country. The USDA also reports that the average family of four will earn enough money to pay for their entire food supply for one year after seven weeks of working. By comparison, it takes 100 days of work to earn enough income to pay your taxes.

When many families are living paycheck to paycheck, it’s hard to fathom but the cost of food may actually be one of the best bargains around.

This is thanks to the productivity and efficiency of Colorado’s agricultural producers, who continue to maintain a stable bounty of food in our communities. Their dedication and skill levels have overcome a difficult marketplace, weather extremes and plant and animal pests and diseases.

Despite receiving a steadily smaller portion of retail grocery dollars, farm families continue to provide food for all of us. According to USDA data, U.S. farm establishments received 14.9 cents per dollar spent on domestically produced food in 2002. That is a decrease of 0.3 cents from a revised 15.2 cents in 2021.

Our bountiful domestic food supply is the product of skill and dedication. In honor of Food Check-Out Week, we encourage readers to celebrate the farmers and ranchers who grow healthy and nutritious foods.