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3 Ways to Buy Organic Without Going Broke

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– by Kate Willson

If you are anything like me, the idea of eating all-organic sounds like a really good one, until you look at the differences in the prices of organic products versus regular ones.

You might even find yourself wondering if the difference between the two is really worth the extra money. The United States Department of Agriculture defines organic as either food products that come from animals in which antibiotics or growth hormones have not been given, or natural food products that are grown without the use of pesticides, bioengineering or ionizing radiation, or fertilizers with synthetic ingredients or sewage sludge.

Foods that are certified as organic come from processing plants and farms that have met the USDA’s organic standards. Even though organic foods are safer and contain more nutrients, many people don’t eat organic because they assume that it is too expensive.

But you can’t put a price on your health and well being, so you may want to look into how you can go organic for cheaper than you think.

Farmers’ Market

farmer's market - save money on organic produceContrary to popular belief, grocery food store chains are not the only place to buy organic food and you have more choices than you may think when it comes to shopping around for the best prices. Almost every city or community has a Farmers’ Market nearby.  At these markets local farmers come and sell their naturally grown produce and meats and other food products from humanely treated animals directly to the public. These markets typically take place outdoors on certain days of the week or particular times of the month.

I’ve found that one of the best ways to locate a legitimate farmer’s market is by using the Department of Agriculture’s Farmers Market Search. I’ve found that it’s important to keep in mind that even though prices are generally cheaper at Farmers’ Markets than at commercial stores, taking the time to shop around and price compare saves the most money in the long run.

Even if I don’t end up saving that much more than I would at a grocery store, I feel better knowing that not only am I getting the freshest and most natural food possible, my money is directly supporting local farmers and growers in the area, rather than paying the middleman.

Co-op

Another well-known secret kept by health nuts everywhere is that of the food co-op, a jointly owned grocery store that provides natural foods at more affordable prices. Most co-op stores offer a wide range of organic products from multiple producers, so consumers can compare costs and buy cheaper.

I’ve shopped around and found that there are both private food co-ops in which you have to be a member and pay a fee or purchase a share to shop at the store, and there are open food co-ops that anyone can shop at but only members are given discounts. One of the reasons for these discounted prices is that co-op stores usually have lower overhead costs, as members work the store for free.

If you are like me and really want to start living an organic lifestyle, investing a little bit to become a co-op member is going to save you a lot of money in the long run. Even if you are not a member of the co-op though, prices are generally lower than at grocery stores in order to encounational co-operative grocers associationrage business. Most co-ops also try to work with those who may not have the means to become members, and might reduce their fees for low-income families or let people work for a membership.

Some of the most useful resources I found for information about co-ops in my area were from the National Cooperative Grocers Association and the Coop Directory Service.

Grocery Store

When I can’t visit a nearby farmers market or co-op, I’ve found that by making a few modifications to your grocery list I can save enough money to buy the organic products I want.

First, I look at the food products that I tend to buy on a regular basis and consider their nutritional value. If a product falls more into the junk food category than the wholesome foods one, it’s time to consider a replacement. By crossing junk food off you list you will find there is more room for organic food.

Second, I consider the quantity of what I am buying. In the past I’ve tended to buy more produce, milk, or eggs than can be eaten  before it goes bad, which is equivalent to throwing my money down the drain. Keep in mind that you don’t need to stock up on organic foods; only get what you need to last you until your next paycheck or trip to the store, and only buy what you know people in your household will eat.

In the end I’ve found that I get more out of organic food that may cost more but is actually eaten, than cheap food that goes to waste. Want to start this practice at a grocery store that actually has a variety of organic products? Use the Organic Store Locator or visit Whole Foods Market to find health conscious stores in your area.

This guest post is contributed by Kate Willson, who writes on the topics of best online colleges.  She welcomes your comments at her e-mail: [email protected].