The economy is in a downturn and many of you are looking for ways that you can squeeze 4 quarters from every dollar that comes through our hands. You want to eat only organic fruits and vegetables, but eating all organic is too expensive for you at this time.
How can you eat organic when things are so tight and food is pricey? Here are some ways that you can save money and still eat organic.
Buy Organic When Necessary
If you think that purchasing all of your foods organic is a must, then think again. Buying organic is great, but if you are on a budget, eating all organic can be quite expensive. Is all organic necessary? No it is not!
There are 12 fruits and vegetables on the dirty dozens list. If you purchase those fruits and vegetables that are listed on the dirty dozens list, then you should make sure they are organic. You can then purchase non-organic fruits and vegetables that are not on the dirty dozens list. This is a good way to save money.
Shop at Farmers Markets
Farmer’s markets are great places to find bargains on fruits and vegetables. Farmers markets also have more than just fruits and vegetables, so pay them a visit. You can find amazing deals and get more for your money than you would in your local supermarket.
I enjoy making my weekly trip to the farmers market, because I find a lot of organic produce at great prices. And I do not buy all organic. During my most recent visit to the market, I found the Nutiva hemp shake protein powder that I like for under $14. I was quite a happy camper!
Local Farmers
Check your local newspapers to find local farmers in your area. Last year, I found an announcement in the paper that a few organic local farmers would be selling their produce at certain times and at certain locations.
I also found an organic blueberry farmer, who allowed people to pick their own blueberries.
Eating locally grown food is always the best, if you can find it.
Join a Co-op Group
A co-op is a group that you can join by paying a weekly or monthly fee. As a member you have access to a certain amount of produce each week . You usually get more than you would from the supermarket, for less money.
Some co-op groups require that you devote a little time helping the group too. You can do a search online to find a co-op program in your area.
Grow Your Own Food
Growing your own food is by far the best way that you can save money. Last year, I had my first garden ever and I am happy to report, that it was the most beautiful garden in the neighborhood. I was very proud of the bountiful harvest.
I saved quite a few dollars during the months of May – October. The most rewarding thing about my garden was that I was able to share healthy pesticide-free foods with friends and neighbors.
Conclusion
There are many ways that you can save those 4 quarters from the dollars that you’re working with. Don’t think that it is too expensive to eat healthy, because in actuality what you will find is that it is cheaper.
The price you pay for eating healthy is way cheaper than any medical bill could ever be. Invest in your health now, so that you do not pay the consequences later.
Question for today: How do you save money on your grocery bill?
Your health is your wealth!
Evelyn Parham blogs about well-being, personal growth, and beauty. Learn more
Hi Evelyn,
Thanks for your nice comments. Sorry that I did not see that you had made an article about organic food. Actually no surprise as most people that care about health also try to use organic products.
Take care,
Kristin
Kristin,
No need for an apology. This article was posted a while ago. I wanted to you know that I do promote organic foods. 😉
Take care,
Evelyn
My sister and I grew a garden last year, it didn’t yield much but is was a lot of fun. This year we started the seedlings in doors and fortified the soil better. Hopefully we will be able to at least get a couple of good salads this year 🙂
I love gardening and it is fun. Fortifying your soil should help bring a higher yield. I’d love to know how it turns out. I think you will do well! 🙂
I love shopping at Farmer’s Markets. I live in Tucson where many people are eating healthy and moving towards a healthy lifestyle, so my options are endless. I don’t shop at organic stores, except for Trader Joe’s, since they are typically overpriced (in my opinion).
The co-op thing is a great idea, also. I have yet to do it but I’m leaning towards that option.
Thanks for the advice. 🙂
Hi Bizchickblogs,
I enjoy shopping at Trader Joes. You are absolutely right about organic stores being overpriced, that’s why I rarely frequent them. The Farmer’s Markets are where is at.
Thanks for stopping by! 🙂
I get bananas, christophenes, peppers and sometimes pumpkins from my inlaws garden which my hubby helps to maintain. The rest I buy at the market or from church members who have gardens. My dream is to have my own garden. Because of where we live I use pots. At one point I had chives, thyme, peppermint growing in pots but because of our traveling they did not survive. Now I just have the peppermint.
That is so cool! It sounds like you have access to mostly if not all organic. I just love gardening and learning about other people’s experiences. 🙂