Organic Food on a Budget, Part 1

Eating organic produce is becoming more and more important as a protection to your health and the health of your family than ever before. With the increased use of toxic pesticides, genetically modified crops and growth hormones, knowing what is in the food you eat is vital.

If you think that organics are out of your price range, think again! It's true that coupons for organics are not as common as traditional processed foods. But, as you saw in my last post, there are deals to be found if you know where to look. In the first part of my organic savings series, I want to talk about the produce co-op.

At our local health food store, we have a program called Bargain Share. Basically, the owner of the shop orders organic produce in bulk which offers the best price. She then divides up the bulk produce into our individual boxes which we buy each week. A 'whole share' is $50.00 and a 'half share' is $25.00. My family of eight buys a 'half share' each week. Today's box yielded the pictured items. We never know what will be in the box as that depends on the best deal the store can get and what is in season. The basic staples of lettuce, apples and such are generally in the box every week.

To buy this amount of organic produce from a grocery store or health food store would be about double the Bargain Share price. Buy purchasing organic produce as a group, you can greatly lower your cost. If you are interested in this type of bulk savings, there are several options to explore.

• Go in with several other like-minded families and place a regular, standing order with your local health food store. If your store doesn't offer a buying club program similar to our Bargain Share, ask them if they would be willing to start one. If not, see if they will do a bulk order for you and organize one yourself with some of your friends.
• Explore some local buying clubs. I do some of my buying from Something Better Natural Foods. They deliver to a nearby city and I have a friend in that town that is willing to pick up my orders for me when I place one. If they don't deliver near you, look into setting up a delivery point in your area.
• Join a CSA. We have several farms within an hour's drive that we have purchased produce from throughout the year. These farm may not be certified organic but if you know your farmer and know his philosophy and growing practices, you can rest assured your food is not contaminated with pesticides and other unsavory things. To find a local CSA, go here.
• Last but not least, grow your own! That's the best and most economical way to know what is in the food you put into your body. It's not as hard as you might think. I've grown tomatoes, my friends. If I can do it, anybody can do it. Trust me. Don't think you have enough space? Check out the Dervaes family! If you overlook the environmental agenda, you'll find a wealth of inspiration and information on their website. Love those folks! When I saw what they could do with 1/10th of an acre, I got busy on my own rather largish suburban lot. I'm mini-farming right along with them. Still not convinced? Visit the square foot gardener. That guy can get even the blackest thumb neon green. Ask me how I know.

All in all, there are many creative ways to bring organic foods to your table and stay within a modest budget. My mindset about the cost of quality food was changed by a quote from Joel Salatin. He said, "You think my food is expensive? Have you priced cancer lately?" Well Joel, when you put it that way...

Organic food works for my family and it can work for yours as well.