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LITTLE ROCK — Arkansas Farm Bureau will donate
more than three months worth of meals and food items to Little Rock’s
Ronald McDonald House, in observance of the 13th annual Food Check-Out
Week .
The national observance, Feb. 21-27, draws attention to the
fact the United States continues to enjoy the world’s most abundant and
affordable food supply, while giving Farm Bureau leaders an opportunity
to inform the public about how they may enjoy nutritional meals on a
budget.
For the past 13 years, Farm Bureau’s state women’s committee
has partnered with Ronald McDonald House by donating easy-to-prepare,
single-serving meals residents can enjoy. The facility serves as a
“home-away-from-home” for families of seriously ill children receiving
treatment at Arkansas Children’s Hospital.
“America is fortunate to have the world’s safest and most
affordable food supply,” said Randy Veach of Manila, Arkansas Farm
Bureau president. “Food Check-Out Week gives us a platform to share
that message with consumers and let them know how they can stretch
their grocery dollar with healthy, nutritious food.”
Gov. Mike Beebe has issued a proclamation designating Feb.
21-27 as Food Check-Out Week in Arkansas. The Farm Bureau women will
participate in a luncheon for state legislators Feb. 23 to remind them
of the importance of agriculture as the state’s largest industry.
“We are grateful for our relationship with
Arkansas Farm Bureau and look forward to the women’s committee making
its food donation each year,” said Tim Carney, president of the Ronald
McDonald House board of directors. “During these difficult times
economically, it’s a blessing for our residents to know the pantry is
stocked with food they can prepare quickly and easily.”
Food Check-Out Week also recognizes the efforts of America’s
farmers and ranchers to increase their productivity and ensure a
stable food supply.
“Our food production system is the most efficient in the
world,” said Veach, “with farmers and ranchers constantly adapting to
new technologies and implementing the latest in agricultural research.
This results in increased production and helps hold food prices down.
We think that’s a message worth sharing.”
Farm Bureau women across the state will observe Food
Check-Out Week in their hometowns by making donations to local food
banks, setting up displays and sharing the message with shoppers at
supermarkets, and other locations.
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