Year's Worth of Groceries Paid for by February

By Feb. 6, the average Canadian will have earned enough money to pay for food for the year. To mark the occasion, the date is recognized as Food Freedom Day in Canada.

"We know that our farmers produce quality food products and we are able to enjoy some of the least expensive food in the world," said Agriculture Minister Brooke Taylor. "More importantly, Canada is a leader in food security, and we can be confident that our food supply is safe from the farm gate to the table."

On average, Nova Scotians spend only 10.2 per cent of their disposable income on groceries.

"Nova Scotia consumers are among the luckiest in the world," said Frazer Hunter, president of the Nova Scotia Federation of Agriculture. "They get good value for their money. They could increase that value in terms of quality and freshness by purchasing more locally grown product."

"Nova Scotia farmers take pride in providing consumers with high-quality, safe food at a competitive price," said Geneve Newcombe, Co-chair of the Nova Scotia Agricultural Awareness Committee.

"When consumers purchase Nova Scotia products, they know they are not only getting quality food, but are contributing to the local economy and helping to preserve our rural landscape."

The Nova Scotia Agricultural Awareness Committee is recognizing Food Freedom Day with a sign on Highway 102 near Shubenacadie that says Thank a Farmer. Food Freedom Day is recognized in many countries around the world.