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Healthy Foods: The Affordable Choice
By USDA Undersecretary Kevin Concannon
Special to The Truth
Fresh fruits and vegetables? Key elements of a healthy
diet, for sure. But many people of modest means, including
those served by USDA’s nutrition assistance programs, wonder
if they can afford to buy healthy foods like the wonderful
fresh produce that can be found in summer abundance at
America’s farmers’ markets.
As USDA Undersecretary for Food, Nutrition and Consumer
Services, I find that perception a source of concern because
we work hard to encourage all Americans to make healthy food
choices – particularly those participating in USDA’s
nutrition assistance programs, from kids in school to the
more than 46 million people participating in USDA’s
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.
Well, I’m pleased to say that a recent study by USDA’s
Economic Research Service, “Are Healthy Foods Really More
Expensive? It Depends on How You Measure the Price,” found
that healthy food choices, like fresh fruits and vegetables,
may be more affordable than people think.
They found that while it is easy to buy “cheap” calories by
using less-healthy foods, there are many healthy food
choices that cost no more per portion than less nutritious
foods. Measured by the cost per portion, or per pound,
grains, vegetables, fruit, and dairy foods are actually less
expensive than most protein foods and foods high in
saturated fat, added sugars, and/or sodium.
This is great news for all those trying to get by with a
limited food budget – like people receiving SNAP benefits.
You don’t have to compromise on good nutrition just because
money is tight. And just in time for summer.
If you haven’t been to one of the nearly 7,200 farmers’
markets across the country, I encourage you to do so.
Farmers’ markets offer shoppers a wonderful place to find
the fresh fruits and vegetables and other local produce so
important to a healthy diet – particularly now when farmers’
markets are practically bursting with a bounty of summer
produce.
USDA strongly supports farmers’ markets. And the Food and
Nutrition Service, which I oversee, has farmers’ market
programs for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
(SNAP) participants, for seniors, and for WIC mothers to
help provide healthy food for them and their children.
We also encourage farmers markets to accept SNAP electronic
benefit transfer (EBT) cards, which makes it easier for SNAP
participants to make purchases.
Farmers markets are the ultimate win-win situation. They’re
a win for customers because they can easily buy the freshest
produce available. They’re a win for producers because they
are a convenient local market for their products.
They also provide a chance for customers and producers to
meet face to face and build better understanding of
community agriculture and what customers want.
So visit a local farmers’ market today – you’re in for a
treat. And remember, fresh fruits and vegetables are not
only the healthy choice – they’re the affordable choice,
too.
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