In a perfect world, Id eat only organic foods.
But this isnt a perfect world.
Organic food is pricier than conventional.
If you purchase solely organics, especially for a family, yourgrocery billcan resemble a car payment.
Here are my favorite strategies for buying organic foods while sticking to my budget.
Pick and Choose Your Organic Foods
In my house, we compromise.
Certain conventionally grown foods, such as bananas and avocados, get a pass.
Others, such as soy products, grains and apples, typically have to be organic.
Probably not as good as youd like.
It always seems like an uphill battle to build (and keep) a decent amount in savings.
But what if your car breaks down, or you have a sudden medical bill?
Ask one of these companies to help…
Not sure which organics to choose?
Its not regulated, and can be broadly interpreted by marketers,according to ABC News.
Dont be fooled: a natural on the label doesnt necessarily make something a good purchase.
You might not think it, but grocery stores are great places to locate coupons.
I find store-specific coupons in flyers at the front of the store, such as Whole FoodsWhole Deal.
I also look for manufacturers coupons in store aisles, on product packages and taped to displays.
Its mostly a matter of being observant the deals are there if you look.
Combine these offers with manufacturers coupons for the biggest savings.
This was an unadvertised promotion, one I found because I was paying attention while in the store.
Some publications where you may be able find a limited number of coupons includeTaste for LifeandNatural Health.
Check with your insurance provider or your companys HR department to see whether this option could work.
You also dont always get to pick your bounty; you get whatevers in season and ready that week.
Still, considering the quality and savings from your insurance provider, its worth researching.
For a list of CSAs in your area, trylocalharvest.org.
Grow Your Own Food
Food doesnt get any cheaper or tastier than home-grown.
you’ve got the option to even grow produce indoors during the winter.
Heres agreat articlefrom the Organic Consumers Association to help you get started.
For example, a bag of 25 organic cherry tomato seeds might cost $2.99.
Each seed represents a plant, so youll have 25 plants at 12 cents each.
Dont want to propagate seeds?
A plant will only set you back by about $6.
If you bought organic cherry tomatoes at your grocery store, youd likely pay about $4.99 per pint.
These are some of my favorite stores.
SuperTarget carries an impressive selection of organics, including produce, snacks and frozen foods at remarkable savings.
I typically save at least 30% by shopping here and using a fewTarget savings hacks.
For example, lets compare prices for an Amys Kitchen Pasta and Veggies frozen meal.
If I add a manufacturers coupon, I can get the price even lower!
Decide if the price of membership is worth it for you and your family.
For us it is, because of the money we save on both organic and conventional foods.
The Penny Hoarder has written before about how to make the most of awarehouse club membership.
Im consistently amazed by Trader Joes prices, especially on their organic offerings.
Why pay more than you have to?
Check their impressive loss leaders in the flyer each week.
For example, they recently advertised $1.50 per pint of blueberries.
Work for Perks
One of the benefits of working for a food retailer is the employee discounts.
Buy local
Ive had mixed success with prices atfarmers marketsand stands.
Checklocalharvest.orgfor lists of farms, farmers markets, food co-ops and fruit stands in your area.
Hopefully this article has shown that organics can be affordable.
Heres to eating well.
Paula Fitzsimmons is a freelance writer, passionate about animals and sustainable living.
When you log into your bank account, how do your savings look?
Probably not as good as youd like.
It always seems like an uphill battle to build (and keep) a decent amount in savings.
But what if your car breaks down, or you have a sudden medical bill?
