Food Check-Out Day is planned for Feb. 7

SIKESTON -- Feb. 7 is Food Check-Out Day, a time Southeast Missourians can celebrate affordable food.

Feb. 7, which is 37 days into the year, marks the calendar day upon which the average American has earned enough income to provide food for his/her family for the entire year.

"This national promotion reminds us of the agricultural producer's important role," said Suzy Johnson of the Scott County Farm Bureau education and promotions committee. "The American Consumer enjoys high-quality, affordable food which is a product of our successful food production and distribution system."

In conjunction with Food Check-Out Day, Scott and Madrid County Farm Bureaus will sack groceries for shoppers from 4-6 p.m. Feb. 7 at the Sikeston Marketplace.

Two $50 gift certificates will be awarded to two different shoppers that day.

Food Check-Out Day's statistic includes food and non-alcoholic beverages consumed at home and away from home. Food purchases from grocery stores and other retail outlets, including food purchases with food stamps and vouchers for Women, Infants and Children's (WIC) program, are all taken into account for this statistic. Away from home meals and snacks purchased by families and individuals, as well as food furnished to employees are also included in this statistic.