Happy September. It feels like this year has gone by quickly, sort of, maybe? But when I look back, it feels like March was 18 years ago. I almost feel like I am caught in this time warp where time stands still — is it still 2020? — and time is flying by — how can it already be September? Neither of which have anything to do with the famous phrase “time flies when having fun.” It looks like 2020 is more confusing than any of us could ever have predicted.

On a positive note, congratulations friends, we have made it to September. We have kept the shelves and stores stocked with poultry meat. All this success has not come without a lot of hard work, dedication, planning, flexibility, and industry and regulatory working together as a team. Fabulous job!

For all of us positive people out there reading this blog, there are so many things to look forward to this month. I am sure we all have our own personal things (hopefully there is a relaxing vacation in someone’s plans), but as an industry we have two big celebrations: September is National Chicken Month and National Food Safety Education month. Grab some cake and some pumpkin spice latte and let’s celebrate.

Here are some interesting chicken facts from the National Chicken Council in honor of National Chicken Month: There are 9.2 billion chickens in the U.S. producing more than 42 billion pounds of meat for consumers. About 25,500 family farmers raise broiler chickens and/or produce hatching eggs for poultry companies. The number of workers employed by the industry (directly and indirectly) is over 1.2 million. The positive impact of our industry is astonishing. In addition, Americans consume more than 98 pounds of chicken per capita which is more than anyone else in the world, and chicken is expected to be the most consumed meat in the world in the next few years. Chicken is highly nutritious, has high protein, low fat and is versatile. I know we all have our favorite chicken recipes, and let’s not forget about the convenience of rotisserie chicken for those last minute meals when we didn’t have time to prepare anything with busy lives, kids on the go, or even just because.

Even during COVID, chicken is the go-to source of protein for many people cooking at home because of its versatility, variety and convenience. If anyone wants to continue the celebration, visit Chicken Check In for more facts and educational videos.

With any luck, you still have some cake and pumpkin spice latte left over for the next celebration, National Food Safety Education month. USDA is reminding everyone to think about health and safety in the kitchen this month by following the four simple steps to food safety — clean, separate, cook and chill. I love this quote from Under Secretary for Food Safety Mindy Brashears: “My vision for food safety includes enhancing and emphasizing consumer education. Consumers play a vital role in reducing foodborne illness — and by providing scientifically accurate and effective food safety information, we can help empower them to adopt and practice safe food handling behaviors in their own homes.”

We all have a role in food safety and we can help improve food safety by reminding everyone to wash hands and prevent cross contamination. We are doing our part to prevent pathogens, and as an industry, the more we talk about these steps to foods safety, the more behaviors will change and the more foods safety becomes a habit for all consumers.

Everyone knows that both of these exciting celebrations are my passion. September is going to be fabulous and exciting. Let’s all help these celebrations come to life and talk about our industry — let’s talk chicken and food safety facts. Grab some chicken and make your special recipe every Friday night for the month of September. Go out and support local restaurants by eating chicken on Saturday and grab that rotisserie from the grocery store on Sunday. Let’s talk food safety education to our customers and consumers. Enjoy this month of September, eat cake and celebrate, celebrate, celebrate.

Grab some cake and let’s celebrate!

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