The goal is to help Americans learn how to stretch their grocery dollars with healthy, nutritious food. The bureau will give away insulated grocery bags at S&L Foods in Winchester from 9:30 to 10:30 a-m on Wednesday, February 20th.

Concern about the cost of a healthy diet being out of reach remains on the minds of many people as the nation continues to work through serious economic woes.

However, according to a recent USDA study, recent food price data has shown that prices for unprepared, readily-available fresh fruits and vegetables have remained stable relative to dessert and snack foods, such as chips, ice cream and soda.

Scott County Farm Bureau Director Jeff Hurrelbrink says fruits and vegetables, along with whole grains, low-fat dairy products, lean meats, fish, beans, eggs and nuts are an important part of a healthy diet.

Buying fresh produce when it’s in season and costs less, while buying frozen fruits and veggies when they’re not in season, he says, is a smart way to stretch the dollar.  

The USDA’s Economic Research Service says American families and individuals spend, on average, less than ten percent of their disposable personal income for food.